“The Commission on Chicago Landmarks has approved a preliminary landmark recommendation for the New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church. Located at 1400 N. Laramie, the New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church was originally constructed in 1924 as the home of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church congregation. It was primarily built over the period from 1924 -1949
“Meeting Criterion 1 for heritage, the church was originally home to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was established in 1870. The building reflects the city’s social history and specifically, its German American ethnic and immigrant history as well as German American residential migration throughout various Chicago neighborhoods over time.
“Meeting Criterion 4 for exemplary architecture, the building is an excellent example of early 20th century church architecture in an eclectic Neo-Gothic style that was built in multiple phases between 1924 and 1949, as the building’s original congregation encountered delays in the building campaign due to the Great Depression and World II. The building is clad with Lannon Stone on its primary elevations along with various Gothic elements such as lancet windows and multiple crenellated parapets giving it a commanding appearance.
“The building’s unique bell tower, which is four stories in height, includes the church’s bells cast in 1898 and brought from the church’s original location on Ada Street. It is topped by an unusual octagonal lantern framed by stepped gables at each of the tower’s four sides. The overall design detailing and detailed interior oak framing displays the Viennese training of the building’s architect, Moritz Strauch.
“The Commission has recommended that significant features to be protected are all exterior elevations, including rooflines, of the building. With the preliminary landmark recommendation approved, the Commission will need to approve a final landmark recommendation before sending the proposed designation to City Hall for final approvals from the Committee on Zoning and City Council.” (Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 5/16/25)
Preservation Chicago is in support of Chicago Landmark Designation for New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church / Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Read the full story at Urbanize Chicago
- Landmarks approves preliminary landmark for New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church; The Neo-Gothic church was originally built in 1924, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 5/16/25
- New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church / Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Preliminary Landmark Designation Report