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Save Greenstone Church: Help Preserve a Historic Chicago Landmark in Urgent Need

By Tom Barnas
4/28/2025

Help Save a Cornerstone of Chicago’s History: The Greenstone Church Needs You

The Historic Pullman Foundation urgently seeks your support to help preserve the Greenstone Church—an iconic landmark of Pullman National Historical Park and a vital piece of Chicago’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Built in 1882 as an interdenominational place of worship for the residents of the pioneering Pullman company town, the Greenstone Church has stood as a symbol of unity and resilience for over 140 years. Today, it faces one of its greatest challenges.

Due to more than $10,000 in unpaid utility bills, the gas has been shut off, leaving the building without climate control. This puts the church’s historic features—including its irreplaceable pipe organ and intricately carved wood interiors—at serious risk of deterioration. The bell tower and other architectural elements are also being damaged by exposure to the elements, compounding the urgency of needed repairs.

Like many churches across the country, Greenstone has struggled financially as its congregation has declined. Despite its status as a National Historic Landmark, funding for preservation has been hard to secure—especially in the face of rising repair costs driven by inflation.

Preserving the Greenstone Church isn’t just about saving a building—it’s about honoring the legacy of Pullman, protecting a key chapter of Chicago’s story, and ensuring future generations can experience this cultural treasure.

Time is running out. Without immediate action, we risk losing this irreplaceable landmark forever.

Please consider donating today. Your support will help keep the doors of Greenstone Church open—and protect a vital piece of our shared history.

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