Third Unitarian Church of Chicago

The Third Unitarian Church (commonly abbreviated as "TUC") is a Unitarian Universalist church in the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in November 1868. Because of its pioneering architecture for its day, it has become much of a landmark in Chicago, and is now an official landmark. The church is liberal and describes itself as "a progressive, welcoming, and diverse congregation". For a long time, it has encouraged gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to join its congregation.

Current Minister

The Reverend Jennifer Nordstrom is serving as the Interim Minister in 2014 while the Third Unitarian Church conducts a search to select a new minister.

The church was founded in November 1868 by a few practitioners of this religion interested in having a Unitarian church in what was then referred to as Chicago's "West Division." They placed an ad in the newspaper calling on others that shared this interest to join them in worship. The minister presiding over these early services was Carlton A. Staples and the congregation originally met at Martine Hall, on Ada Street near Madison.

Rev. Staples was officially installed as the first pastor of TUC in June 1869. This significant event included the “extension of fellowship” from Reverend Charles Lowe of Boston, on behalf of the Unitarian Association. The sermon was given by then president of Antioch College, Rev. George Washington Hosmer, D.D.

The church flourished during Staples time there. The congregation quickly grew to over 100 families, and plans were started for a building dedicated specifically to TUC. The congregation bought land at the corner of Laflin and Monroe Streets. The land was purchased for $13,000 and, according to the Chicago Tribune, was “bought on long time and low interest.” This meant the chief initial financial concern was getting the church built. Services and church-related activities were already being held in the above-ground basement of the building before the upper floors were even completed. Construction was slowed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated the businesses of many of the more wealthy congregants. Not only did this reduce the support necessary to continue building, but during this time, the basement was opened up to those displaced by the fire. Nonetheless, the new church was officially dedicated in early 1872.

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Wikipedia