Save historic Shepherd's Temple!
The wrecking ball threatens a century-old historic church which has the distinction of being one of the few places in Chicago where Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech. Originally built as a synagogue, Shepherd's Temple changed hands and became the church home of African American Baptists. Now, however, the City of Chicago says it's unsafe and needs to be bulldozed. Preservationists and other activists literally barricaded the church with their bodies to prevent the church's demolition on a recent Tuesday. Their heroic action has spearheaded a discussion as to whether Shepherd's Temple can be saved with city leaders conceding time to raise renovation funds. Architect Carey Wintergreen says the building would be a great place for a Martin Luther King Jr. museum. Tell Chicago city leaders you support saving Shepherd's Temple!
We the undersigned ask that you stay your hand from demolishing the beautiful and historic Shepherd's Temple. Build as a synagogue and converted into an African American Baptist church, this building is a perfect slice of American history. Shepherd's Temple is also one of the few sites in Chicago where Martin Luther King Jr. spoke. As such it is an icon not only of religious and architectural history, but of the civil rights movement. Please give the hundreds of people who love this church the opportunity to raise money for its restoration!
