Historic Lincoln Park Church To Become Dance Studio

CHICAGO, IL — The landmark Hermon Baptist Church in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood has been purchased by a dance company. The church, at 1754 North Clark Street, has been around since 1887. It was built by African American Baptists who lived and worked in the area, and were tired of walking to the South Side to worship.

The Giordano Dance Company purchased the church for $3.25 million, and plans to carry on the building's rich history through art. The company said its dancers can't wait to bring "beauty and energy" into the new space.

Church representatives said its congregation was growing smaller and the building was aging, so it made no sense to keep it. The Hermon Baptist congregation will attend services in a temporary location in Bronzeville until a new building is found.

Pastor Keith Edwards said he has faith that the church's legacy will continue on.

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