In less than six weeks, Logan Square Preservation declared the fundraising campaign a success after raising more than the $12,000 goal to repair, replace and backlight about 100 of the deteriorating fish-scale stained glass windows, fish-scale stained glass windows, original to the 1916-era 11th Church of Christ Scientist church/Central Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The fish-scale stained glass windows, which are an integral part of the design, are in need of restoration. Some are being held together today by duct tape. The historic church located is on Logan Boulevard in the heart of the Logan Square Boulevards Historic Landmark District. Designed by landmark architect Leon Stanhope and built in 1916 as the home of the 11th Church of Christ Scientist, the building at 2840 W. Logan Blvd houses the Central Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church congregation.
“It’s a project that wouldn’t be possible without the fundraising campaign,” according to Pastor Luis Eguiluz, who has been with the church for seven years “We are so grateful and happy that [Logan Square Preservation] is taking the initiative.” (Bloom, Block Club, 1/30/19)
In 2016, Logan Square Preservation raised $5,000 from its members to restore one of the stained glass windows at the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church. The Minnekirkin has been the only church to opt-in to the Logan Boulevard Historic District, which protects landmark buildings on the boulevard from demolition. All of the windows were in need of significant restoration. The windows facing the square were obscured behind discolored plastic installed to protect from damage.
The restored windows were unveiled in May 2016 and continue to be seen by thousands of people on Logan Square. Since then, the campaign to restore the remaining windows facing Logan Square has raised over $19,000 towards its goal. (Logan Square Preservation.org)
Logan Square Preservation also successfully fundraised to restore the bell at St. John Berchmans Church on Logan Boulevard.