Community Corner
What’s that Building on Chestnut?
Those new to Western Springs often ask about the small, church-like building located at 1215 Chestnut Street.
According to the Western Springs Historical Society archives, the building in question dates back to 1893 when it was the Swedish Methodist Church (see photo below). While it went through several renovations over the years, the original building remains largely intact.
By 1950, the Methodist congregation had outgrown the church and built their current place of worship at 43rd Street and Howard Avenue. They then sold the original church building to Masonic Lodge No. 1136, which has used it as their Masonic Temple since 1951. However, according to the Mason’s website (www.westernspringsmasoniclodge1136.org), the lodge itself has been active for 85 years, making it one of the oldest such fraternal groups in the area.
If you have driven by the building and been curious as to its origins and interior décor, you have a unique opportunity this coming Sunday. The Masonic Lodge has graciously agreed to open its doors to participants in the Western Springs House Walk. In fact, the building will serve as the Refreshment Oasis for the entire day’s event, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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If you enjoy these stories and other work of the Historical Society, please support the May 19 House Walk. Advance tickets are $30 and are available online at www.westernspringshistory.org , as well as at Clever Girl, the Western Springs Recreation Center, the Thomas Ford Library, and the historic Water Tower (Saturday, 10am to Noon).
