# data[].attributes.location_name
Northwestern University, Clark Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Northwestern University, Clark Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Northwestern University, Clark Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The founders of Northwestern University played a big role in the many churches that can be found in Evanston. This is because they strived for an institution that had the influence of religion—the Methodist Episcopal Church, to be specific. With that, they offered accessible land to help support locals in building more churches. This was successful, as Evanston then earned the name "City of Churches." In contrast to Pilsen, Catholicism was a minority in this area. Protestants and Methodists made up a lot of the population in the early 1870's. Today, the Catholic population is much larger. With this shift in religious dominance, the Methodist and Protestant churches may have to close their doors at some point, if not already. With an ever-changing demographic, the Evanston Public Library keeps records of the active places of worship. This speaks volumes about the value placed on faith in this city.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When someone takes a jaunt through Evanston's suburban streets, a steeple is usually visible in the skyline. Evanston has earned the name "City of Churches" for good reason: a religious space sits on nearly every street corner.

The Evanston Public Library keeps a record of nearly 100 active places of worship in the city - a testament to Evanston's continued religious presence.

Evanston's religious roots are tied directly to Northwestern. According to University Archivist Kevin Leonard, NU's founders wanted to establish a higher education institution with affiliations to the Methodist Episcopal Church. University founders provided land for free or at nominal cost to encourage locals to build churches, Leonard said.

That land came from John Foster, who sold his 379-acre plot to NU founder John Evans. Foster had inherited it from his brother, who took over the land after the Black Hawk War. Settlers took the plot and surrounding lands from Indigenous people, including the Potowatami.

NU fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Native American and U.S. History Heather Menefee said NU founders wanted to create a separate community from Chicago because they thought the urbanized area had "rough crowds."

"They chose a location 13 miles north of there that fit with their ideology of white civilization and purity and godly goals," Menefee said.

The founders' hope was that organized religion in a suburban town would create a positive environment to surround the University, Leonard said.

First United Methodist Church of Evanston, on Church Street, was founded in 1856 as Evanston's first church. Later, Baptist, Congregationalist and Episcaplian churches popped up. But, Evanston's first official religious institution sits right on NU's campus - the Garrett Biblical Institute.

The Evanston Index, a community newspaper that ran from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, listed active churches in their issues. The publication included the African American congregations Ebenezer African Methodist Episocopal Church and Second Baptist Church in the 1880s, both located on Benson Avenue.

After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Evanston's population grew, as did the volume and diversity of religious spaces.

The population at the time was primarily Methodist and Protestant, Leonard said. Other denominations could worship, but Catholics were a notable minority, he added.

"The (founders) wanted, in effect, a holy sanctified city here through the presence of churches," Leonard said. "The influence that those churches would have on the community through the sale or lease of land to like minded individuals, who would be interested in a morally upright community."

Other religions developed places of worship starting around the mid-20th century. Leonard said there were not populations substantial enough to support congregations previously.

"It's not that there was a barrier to other religions or denominations setting up shop here, but you're not going to set up shop here unless you have a population to support it," Leonard said.
Related Stories:
- Ebenezer AME Church's original home at 1813 Benson Ave. named new African American heritage site

- Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 125 years with prayers, song, food

- First Congregational Church of Evanston celebrates 150 years in Evanston

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Evanston became the 'City of Churches'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When someone takes a jaunt through Evanston's suburban streets, a steeple is usually visible in the skyline. Evanston has earned the name "City of Churches" for good reason: a religious space sits on nearly every street corner. The Evanston Public Library keeps a record of nearly 100 active places of worship in the city -...

# data[].attributes.location_name
Bahá'í House of Worship, Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Temple under construction vs my visit in July 2021

# data[].attributes.headline
Bahá'í House of Worship, Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Bahá'í House of Worship, Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL

# data[].attributes.body
This Bahá’í House of Worship, known for its intricate architecture, is strong in inclusivity. It is open to all beliefs so long as it is done in a respectful manner. Contrary to many Christian churches, presentations, sermons, and meetings are not allowed inside the temple. This specific temple took many years to build, seeing a couple World Wars and even the country fall into a deep depression, with funding coming solely from worldwide voluntary contributors. The Bahá’í Faith succeeded in their goal of creating a place of intentional peace, as this temple holds a sense of tranquility and community that can be difficult to find in an urban environment. Since opening its doors in 1953, it can be visited any day of the week from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Tiktok showcasing one of the units found in this space.

# data[].attributes.body
Lodge Evanston is a newly renovated complex that was once a church founded by Swedish immigrants. Unfortunately, it was down to just a handful of members when their doors closed in 2018, only to be given new life. Developers took on the job of renovating this building to house residents of Evanston. This mirrors Polish history, as it can be described as a "success story." Many people immigrated to cities like Chicago for better opportunities. People who were successful then were able to go on to better things. That means the community that was built over time is left behind by those who once kept it alive. This closed-down Swedish church is evidence of that. Sadly, this is often how gentrification occurs. Pilsen is another example of this; locals move out and are overtaken by a trendy and more expensive environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NOW TOURING! 🤩 Lodge Evanston provides breathtaking one-of-a-kind modern apartments transformed from a historic sanctuary. One, two, and three bedroom floor plans available priced $2,538-$6,750 with one month free! 💎 Fill out the intake form in our bio to get connected with a leasing agent. 📲✨ #chicago #evanston #apartment #convertedspaces #apartment #forrent 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
@apartmentsource
NOW TOURING! 🤩 Lodge Evanston provides breathtaking one-of-a-kind modern apartments transformed from a historic sanctuary. One, two, and three bedroom floor plans available priced $2,538-$6,750 with one month free! 💎 Fill out the intake form in our bio to get connected with a leasing agent. 📲✨ #chicago #evanston #apartment #convertedspaces #apartment #forrent
♬ Trendsetter - Connor Price & Haviah Mighty

# data[].attributes.location_name
Evanston Hospital, Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Evanston Hospital, Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Evanston Hospital, Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
Until Evanston Hospital began receiving African American patients in 1980, the only hospital serving African Americans in Evanston was called the Community Hospital of Evanston. First opening in 1914, it was the first African American medical center in the area. It was established by Dr. Isabella Garnett and Dr. Arthur Butler as the Evanston Santiarium. In even prior years, Evanston already had a prevalent African American population, since Evanston was home to many African Americans and Polish immigrants in the late 19th century. The development of this hospital was crucial to the retention of the African American population in Evanston, as well as obvious improved healthcare for them as well. The hospital ran from 1914-1980 and closed due to internal failures. However, it was soon bought by Evanston Hospital that same year. This caused an increase of diversity within the hospital, allowing African American patients access to healthcare beyond the Community Hospital.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Vineyard Christian Church Evanston, West Howard Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Youtube video explaining and introducing the Vineyard movement.

# data[].attributes.headline
Vineyard Christian Church Evanston, West Howard Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Vineyard Christian Church Evanston, West Howard Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
This church first opened in the midst of the hippie era, rooted in "Bible-believing" Orthodox Christian movements. They take pride in their diversity, as the lack of an ethnic majority is noted on the Evanston website. It rapidly grew into the large church seen today, which had around 800 attendees on Sunday. The Vineyard movement as a whole is quite new compared to other faiths, considering the origin dates back to only around the early 1980's. This belief was first started by a man by the name of Kenn Gulliksen in West Los Angeles. Now there are over 2,4000 Vineyards worldwide, highlighting the ever-changing religious demographics. Also, the Vineyard in Evanston has an exterior appearance that is quite different from most churches, like the Bahá'í House of Worship or many Catholic churches, which are much more oriental and intricate in design. This institution is a simplistic brown brick building that doesn't appear to have many historical details put into it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome To The Vineyard! @VineyardUSAChannel

# data[].attributes.location_name
Unitarian Church of Evanston, Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Tiktok video explaining the Flaming Chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Unitarian Church of Evanston, Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Unitarian Church of Evanston, Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
This church dates back to 1891, rooting its beliefs in ways different from a lot of churches seen in this area. Rather than a central focus on God or a higher power, this church aims to "nurture the human spirit for a world made whole," with about 400 attendees. The Unitarian Church of Evanston definitely adds to the cultivation of cultural shifts seen in the city of Chicago, especially now in a more diverse time period. This institution is rich in programs, including a Garden Team, an Addiction & Recovery Group, Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism, and a variety of spiritual groups. UCE plays an active role socially, environmentally, and spiritually in the community. This politically progressive faith holds an impact in the area but is definitely not as solid as Catholicism, with that being the largest subsect.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Flaming Chalice is the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Here’s how it came to be. Part one. #flamingchalice #unitarianuniversalist #unitarianuniversalism #UU #wwII #religioushistory 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
@revjo.uu
The Flaming Chalice is the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Here’s how it came to be. Part one. #flamingchalice #unitarianuniversalist #unitarianuniversalism #UU #wwII #religioushistory
♬ original sound - Rev Jo, Unitarian Universalist

# data[].attributes.location_name
Second Baptist Church, Benson Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Second Baptist Church, Benson Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Second Baptist Church, Benson Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The Second Baptist Church, or SBC, is Evanston's first black Baptist church that, since its organization, has been known as The Home-like Church, The Church for All People, and The Church of Faith and Freedom. Many black Baptists were initially part of the First Baptist (now called Lake Street) church. The church was founded by a group of former slaves and formed during a time of much growth in Evanston. During the First Baptist prayer meeting on November 8, 1882, a group of black men and women requested that the pastor and two delegates be present on November 17, 1882, to meet in council to consider the option of being a separate ("regular and independent ") church. The outcome was reported by The Evanston Index, which stated that "the Second Baptist Church was organized and recognized by an ecclesiastical council invited for that purpose." The young church continued to worship in the room over the post office and held various fundraising events in the Union Hall that was nearby with the goal of buying a building. In September 1883, the church bought a schoolhouse located at Hinman Avenue and Dempster Street. Then, Northwestern University issued a 20-year contract/lease to SBC for the lot.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
Garrett-Evangelical results from three institutions: the Garrett Biblical Institute, The Chicago Training School, and the Evangelical Theological Seminary. Located on the Northwestern Campus, the Garrett Biblical Institute was the first Methodist church in the Midwest. Founded by the same people as Northwestern, the founders aimed to the school would shape the mind and spirit of the education clergy. Established in 1885, The Chicago Training School was a force for women in the ministry and for developing social and educational services throughout Chicago. Its main goal is train female leaders to advocate for the poorest residency in the city, many of them were immigrants from Europe, or were the formally formally enslaved who made their way north during the Great Migration. The school also played an essential role in training missionaries for service worldwide. The school merged with Garrett Biblical Institute, which formed the Garrett Seminary School in 1934. Located in Naperville, the Garrett Seminary School was founded in 1974 as a seminary for Evangelical Church. The church was initially established for German-speaking immigrant communities.

# data[].attributes.location_name
First United Methodist Church, Church Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
First United Methodist Church, Church Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
First United Methodist Church, Church Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
First United Methodist Church was founded in 1854. It provided leadership for the anti-slavery, peach and educational movements.  In 1954, First Church hosted all worship services when the World Council of Churches met in Evanston. First Church is a growing community of faith known for its vibrant worship.

# data[].attributes.location_name
St Mary's Parish Center, Lake Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
St Mary's Parish Center, Lake Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
St Mary's Parish Center, Lake Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
“On August 15, 1865, the first Catholic Mass in Evanston was offered in the open air under a white oak tree in a grove, just opposite the present west entrance to Calvary Cemetery” (History of the Parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago). A list of 88 Evanston Catholics compiled in the 1860s indicates that the majority were of Irish birth or descent. They were intent on establishing an English-speaking parish of their own and they continued to raise funds for a church building s it was delayed many times in the past.

# data[].attributes.location_name
St Nicholas Catholic Church (St. John XXIII Parish), Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
St Nicholas Catholic Church (St. John XXIII Parish), Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
St Nicholas Catholic Church (St. John XXIII Parish), Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
In 1887 the community successfully petitioned the archdiocese for a parish of their own. They called their parish St. Nicholas, honoring the first name of many of the founders and common in their homeland. On February 3, 1898, the feast of St. Blaise, a fire started in the school kitchen and completely destroyed the church-school and severely damaged the rectory. The community immediately started to work on a new school building. By the 1920’s the parish was increasingly more diverse, and English had become the predominant language; the last German Mass celebrated at St. Nicholas was in 1925. On July 1, 2022, St. Mary and St. Nicholas parishes combined to become one: the Parish of St. John XXIII. Today the community continues to be greatly enriched by more recent immigrants as well, from many countries including Mexico, Haiti, Africa, the Philippines, and Central America.

# data[].attributes.body
The Evanston YMCA, known today as McGaw YMCA, was founded in 1885 and open to young white men with a mission to “promote mental, moral, physical and social welfare.The YMCA barred black people in 1914, and Evanston’s black community came together to form the Emerson Street YMCA.The Emerson Street YMCA opened its doors on July 5, 1914, and would serve as a beloved hub for social and civic life for Black Evanstonians for 60 years. In 1930, Emerson Street Y held its first ETHS Prom for African American students who were not permitted to attend the segregated prom sponsored by Evanston Township High School (ETHS).

# data[].attributes.location_name
Evanston Township High School, Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Evanston Township High School, Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Evanston Township High School, Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
In 1875, Evanston's first Board of Education voted to establish a "high school" in the room of Benson Avenue school, and the first class, consisting of two students, graduated in 1876. Enrollments grew rapidly and, despite multiple relocations to various buildings. ETHS was founded and created in 1883 and serves the city of Evanston and a small area of the neighboring village of Skokie as well.

# data[].attributes.location_name
The Woman's Club of Evanston, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
The Woman's Club of Evanston, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
The Woman's Club of Evanston, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The organization currently located at 1702 Chicago Avenue was founded on March 2, 1889 at the Judson Avenue home of Women's Suffrage movement leader Elizabeth Boynton Harbert. Their purpose was "To secure better homes, wiser motherhood, better laws, truer citizenship and a nobler womanhood by promoting the physical, social, mental, moral and spiritual development of its members."

# data[].attributes.location_name
First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The history of First Presbyterian dates all the back to the founding and growth of Evanston itself in the late 1850s. Early residents gathered as a union church on high ground at our present site. The church was started by “a small group of like-minded folks who wanted to see a Presbyterian Church on the North Shore. The original church building, which was made of timber, burned down in May 1875.

# data[].attributes.body
Launched in 2017, Art Encounter’s Evanston Mural Arts Program works to transform Evanston through partnerships with local organizations, schools, and business districts. They work to do acts of service to the community. Rather than seeking out walls to paint, they look for partners to serve. Professional artists create large-scale public works of art that last for years to come. Since its creation, the program has produced three to five murals each year and partnered with many organizations within the community. The program has also expanded to provide walking mural tours and an online map highlighting mural locations.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Church Street & Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Church Street & Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Church Street & Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
A 8-foot bronze structure of Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, a prominent explorer who is often credited as the founder of Chicago, was unveiled in downtown Evanston. Created by sculptor Erik Blome, the artwork found its temporary home a few steps away from the Evanston Public Library. Du Sable was born in St. Marc, St. Domingue (present-day Haiti) in the 18th century. Around 1779, Du Sable settled along the Chicago River near Lake Michiganand developed a prosperous trading network. Today, he is often remembered as Chicago’s first non-Indigenous permanent settler. The piece of art will serve as representation of the Haitian community in the Chicagoland area. Blome , who made the sculpture, chose Evanston to be the first yearlong home of the structure. It will eventually tour around the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

# data[].attributes.body
Artist Indira Johnson exhibited an installation of emerging Buddha sculptures at the Chicago Cultural Center. She noticed visitors contemplating the sculptures. Many told her that they felt a sense of peace. In 2010, a leading grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation helped progress the project’s development and launch a planning process to explore how this inspiring sculpture could impact public spaces and communities. While the image of the Buddha is a symbol of peace for Johnson, it is a surprising and sometimes provocative one for others, especially when seen on city streets.

# data[].attributes.body
Prior to 1993, the residents of Evanston did not have a direct train route to the city of Chicago. Since close to 40% of Evanston's population works in Chicago, this made it extremely inconvenient for the residents to get to work. By extending the Purple Line route to Linden, not only the CTA, but the entire city of Chicago become easily accessible to Evanston Residents.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lake Street Church of Evanston, Lake Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Lake Street Church of Evanston, Lake Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Lake Street Church of Evanston, Lake Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
Lake Street Church is know as First Baptiste Church. Was built in April of 1858 by Frances Iglehart, making it Evanston's oldest Public Building.

In 1870 the church was accused of racism against the black community, which caused it to split into two Baptist churches. Eventually the two churches reconciled in 1991, and although they are still separate, they have a good relationship.

The extraordinarily rich history of this church reflects the country's history from 1858 forward. The wars over this breadth of history - the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, the Afghanistan War, the Iraq War - have all provided and continue to provide context for the life of the church.

# data[].attributes.location_name
WCTU Property, Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union promoted the understanding of the social and physicial problems alcohol can cause; advocated for women’s rights, including political, religious, personal and educational rights; and supported labor reforms for workers, including the 8 hour day (as an example, the local union was very involved with advocating for temperance in Evanston).

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was founded in November 1874 in Cleveland, Ohio as a direct response to the Woman’s Temperance Crusades of the winter of 1873. The Temperance Crusades were spontaneous demonstrations held by women in small towns in Ohio to stop the sale of alcohol at the drug stores, hotels and saloons in their towns. The WCTU was organized to formalize these early efforts and mobilize women for a national effort against the abuse of alcohol. Frances Willard, first Dean of the Woman’s College of Northwestern University and Evanston resident, was a founding member of the WCTU and the first Corresponding Secretary. When Frances Willard became the second President of the WCTU in 1879, Evanston became a national center of temperance activity.

Evanston also had its own local Union of the WCTU. The Woman’s Temperance Alliance, founded in March 1874, was the first organization of local women for the temperance cause. Its main purpose was to catch and prosecute violators of the “Four Mile Limit” which prohibited the sale of alcohol within four miles of Northwestern University and the city of Evanston. Elizabeth Marcy was the first President. In May of 1875, the Alliance changed its name to the Evanston WCTU, and in 1878 officially joined the State and National Unions. Other than law enforcement, the local union was involved with forming kindergartens and industrial schools, holding temperance prayer meetings, and promoting temperance education in Evanston.

# data[].attributes.body
Evanston is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Home to Northwestern University, it is situated 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, bordered by Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north. On the shore of Lake Michigan just north of Chicago, the area that is now Evanston was home to Potawatomis until the 1830s, when they were moved west to Iowa. During the 1840s the area became thinly settled by farmers from upstate New York and elsewhere in the eastern United States and by German -speaking immigrants from the region where today the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany converge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Evanston colors, Illinois | 4K footage in 3 seasons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
how was the city of Evanston Illinois 100 years ago - old photos 1900's

# data[].attributes.body
This video portrays the cultural diversity in Evanston, the mix of different cultures such as hispanic, jewish and others, it shows the variety of culture in Evanston that is expressed in murals, dance, sculpture, painting and the different activities in the city. It show us the cultural richness and how people show their culture through art.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Reba Place Church, Madison Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Reba Place Church, Madison Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Reba Place Church, Madison Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The Reba Place Church was formed from the Reba Place Fellowship, which began in 1957. The early members of the fellowship was to get out of radical Christian discipleship as they observed it in the Gospels and the book of Act's: open and loving relationships, full sharing of material resources, a visible common life an a priority on living out of the world of the Lord rather than talking about it. They believed the words of the earthly Jesus were meant to guide the community of his disciples in every area of life not only then, but now. By the early 1900’s Reba as a whole had become a large and vigorous congregation with about 25 small groups and about 300 groups. The absence of persons of color, except as visible exceptions, was conspicuous in this large white congregation meeting in an interracial neighborhood. Reba’s problems dealing with diversity were visible in the lack of a common intake and formation process, the drift from a united common life within expectations, and the simple reality of size. By 1997, what was most clear was that Reba had embarked on a corse which involved profound changes and an uncertain outcome. The changes were coming in response to two major developments: the accumulation of some unresolved stresses from internal developments over the years, and the sweeping consequences of the commitment to become an evangelistic and an anti-racist congregation.

# data[].attributes.location_name
St. James Armenian Church, Clark Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
St. James Armenian Church, Clark Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
St. James Armenian Church, Clark Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
Armenians have been present in Evanston for 100 years. In the early 1940’s the need for an Armenian church in this area was expressed to the then Primate Archbishop Karekin Hovsepian. It was after considerable hesitation that Archbishop Karekin gave his assent to the establishment of an Armenian Apostolic church in Evanston, for he could not see how so small community could possibly acquire and maintain a permanent house of worship. In February 1944, it was purchased and the building was consecrated, on February 26, 1945.

# data[].attributes.location_name
St Athanasius School, Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
St Athanasius School, Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
St Athanasius School, Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
In 1921, a small, devoted Catholic community united and founded a new spiritual home in north Evanston, IL. The beginning of St. Athanasius parish. Rev. Thomas J. Murphy, a pastor, organized a school and church. Within three years, volunteers established the parish’s boundaries, identified the current church site, and coordinated activities for parish life. The commitment to St. A’s is an intergenerational tradition. They broke ground on their parish on October 29, 1922. They established their parish school with 32 students in grades one through seven the following year. Today, St. Athanasius still embodies the values that built their parish and school. Their spirit has guided them throughout their past and continues to defines their future. 2022-2023 marks their 100-year anniversary of the school.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Ebenezer AME Church, Emerson Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Ebenezer AME Church, Emerson Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Ebenezer AME Church, Emerson Street, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
The history of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Evanston’s first black church is one of community, persistence and activism. Prior to its founding in 1882, black residents attended the predominantly white First Baptist Church. However, many black members of the congregation requested letters of dismission and would go on to become Ebenezer AME’s original members. Those who left the congregation formed their own Bible study group, which consisted of both Methodists and Baptists and met in various homes and meeting halls across Evanston. As the group grew, it split into Ebenezer AME and Second Baptist Church, the first and second black churches in the city respectively. Ebenezer AME, founded their home at 1813 Benson Ave; is one of eight recently named African American heritage sites in Evanston. At nearly 138 years old, Ebenezer AME Church, which was has been relocated to 1109 Emerson St; remains a symbol of this cultural vibrance. It is still actively engaged in community service and discourses surrounding Evanston’s black community.

# data[].attributes.location_name
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
On Sunday June 7th, 1885 at 4:30 p.m. the first Episcopal Church service held in the village of South Evanston p took place at Ducats Hall at the southwest corner of Main Street and Chicago Avenue. The service, which over seventy people attended, was conducted by the Reverend Marcus Lane, an Episcopal Church clergyman. Construction was completed in the spring of 1887 for a church measuring 45 feet long and 22 feet and 22 feet wide with seating for 200 people. In 1891, the mission became parish of the Diocese of Chicago. Since reopening in 2021, the church has experienced growth. St. Luke mission as a welcoming multigenerational faith community, the church will soon embark on renovations that will accommodate more people and ministries. Critical improvements will enhance easier movements into and around the buildings, making St. Luke’s truly accessible to all who worship.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Ebony Barber Shop, Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.headline
Ebony Barber Shop, Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.subject
Ebony Barber Shop, Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL

# data[].attributes.body
Ebony Barbershop, smack dab at the corner of Dodge Avenue and Church Street, is both the oldest and youngest Black-owned barbershop in Evanston.

Kandi and Gigi are two pillars of brick-and-mortar Black-owned Evanston, and they’ll each tell you that Marshall got them started.

“He opened a shop in 1962. He started out with a one-chair shop,” said Gigi, Ebony’s oldest barber. The four other barbers who work there are men in their mid-30s and most started visiting Ebony Barbershop as children. By the turn of the century, her dad had extended the back of the building and the location boasted five chairs.

# data[].attributes.body
Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space.

Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite.

We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

"We created Zentli because we wanted to remember and honor the creativity and hard work of the Mexican people. We wanted to uplift their adaptability, resilience, and dedication to earning a living with love and honesty.

We created Zentli to remember the wisdom of our ancestors who with their dedication to work and family taught us to observe and respect life, who brought us the gift of Zentli (corn) and the knowledge required to live a healthy, happy life.

We created Zentli because we wanted to remember who taught us to welcome, feed and respect everyone we meet because we are all citizens of our venerable Mother Earth, Tonantzin Tlalli."