La Grange Church Added To National Register Of Historic Places

LA GRANGE, IL — 25 properties were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, including a church in La Grange. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, places are added to the register by the National Park Service based on recommendations from the IDNR State Historic Preservation Office; the IDNR works to preserve and promote the state's heritage by added properties to the register.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located at 203 S. Kensington Ave., was recognized for its artistic value, according to the IDNR. The IDNR said the church is an excellent example of Late Gothic Revival architecture as shown in its emphasis on verticality, cruciform floorplan, stepped buttresses and crocketed spire.

According to the IDNR, the complex includes the chapel, built in 1925, the Parish House, built in 1938, and the South Building, built in 1962, all designed by John Neal Tilton, Jr. The church has made few physical changes to the complex since its construction.

"These new additions to the National Register of Historic Places each helps tell the story of Illinois through the rich history of our state," IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthal said in a release. "Thanks to the efforts to local community leaders and local preservationists, we are delighted to help obtain national recognition for these historic buildings and neighborhoods."

According to the IDNR, the National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties that merit special attention and preservation. Every Illinois county has at least one property or historic district listed in the National Register.

Image via Google Streetview.