Friends of Historic Second Church (Friends) kicks off its 20th year of restoration and educational work with a history program, live jazz music and a reception on Saturday, March 21, in the Arts and Crafts masterpiece sanctuary in the South Loop.
“Founded and led by volunteers, Friends has completed more than 20 preservation projects, including the restoration of three monumental stained-glass windows by Tiffany Studios, several murals and all of the sanctuary’s unique light fixtures. The event will not only initiate the year-long celebration, but it will also announce this year’s restoration project.
“Speakers include Glessner House executive director and curator Bill Tyre and Landmarks Illinois president and CEO Bonnie McDonald. Chicago’s Thaddeus Tukes Duo will play two sets of live jazz on vibraphone and piano.
“‘For two decades, like-minded people have given their time, talent and donations to repair the timeworn but irreplaceable elements that make this a special place,’ said architect Nate Lielasus, president of Friends of Historic Second Church. “’We’ve completed major projects that will be appreciated for generations to come – and we are not slowing down. There’s a lot of work ahead to fulfill our promise of a fully restored interior for this unique Chicago landmark.’
Friends of Historic Second Church is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the art and architecture of the National Historic Landmark Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago located at 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Certified, trained docents offer regularly scheduled tours. Please see our website for details: http://www.historicsecondchurch.org/tours.me the traditional narrative of Tiffany lamps.'” (Driehaus Museum)