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An architectural gem and Chicago landmark, Holy Trinity was designed by architect Louis Sullivan and constructed with funds from Czar Nicholas II to serve Chicago's Russian Orthodox community. It currently serves as a place of worship for 185 parish families of Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians. A Partners in Preservation grant was awarded to help repair roofing problems and to restore damage to the exterior of the building. Roofing problems and deferred maintenance had damaged much of the decorative sheet metal ornamentation on the exterior of Holy Trinity and caused substantial water damage to the delicate painted and stenciled surfaces of the Cathedral's interior.
What is the historical significance of this site?
Holy Trinity is one of the last remaining Louis Sullivan-designed churches in the world. The Cathedral was constructed in 1903 by St. John of Chicago and primarily served families of Russian ancestry.
What is the current status of the grant?
The restoration of metal roofing on the east octagon dome and fabrication of new inlaid gutters was completed at the end of 2008. The heavily cracked stucco on the drum of the dome was repaired and repainted in a new color scheme and the windows were reinstalled in November 2008. The canopy of the church was restored in 2009 and the church reports that the Partners in Preservation project has given them “a renewed sense of purpose [that] has reinvigorated the parish,” spurring them to begin a multi-phase restoration of the entire building.
Why this site needs your support:
This 1903 architectural treasure serves as a religious sanctuary, as well as a community center for bake and rummage sales, town meetings, health screenings, lectures and tours in Chicago's Ukrainian Village neighborhood. Weekly vigil services, weddings, baptisms, funerals and community meetings all take place here. The Cathedral also draws architects and other groups to tour and study its intricate and exceptional design.To donate, visit: http://www.friendsofholytrinity.com/donate.pdf. If you would like to see the progress of the rehabilitation, Holy Trinity is open every Saturday afternoon from 11am to 4pm for visits and tours.
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