On the verge of demolition after a devastating fire in 2015, a historic South Side church has a new owner and will be restored.
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Sunday that it signed over the deed for Shrine of Christ the King to the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest after the group raised sufficient funds to save the structure, according to a news release sent by the Archdiocese. The Institute plans to fully restore the more than 90-year-old Woodlawn church.
“We express our deep gratitude to all the individuals and organizations whose most generous and timely donations helped bring us to this moment,” wrote Reverend Canon Matthew L. Talarico, Provincial Superior for the Institute. “We are mindful of the dangerous condition of the Shrine and will begin stabilization immediately with funds already collected.”
The City of Chicago had recently approved a request by the Archdiocese to demolish the historic landmark. Estimates to restore the church ranged from $3 million to $6 million, according to the Coalition to Save the Shrine.
The church sustained extensive damage from a fire in October, which was sparked after improperly stored rags used to apply floor stain spontaneously combusted, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
Formerly St. Gelasius Church and also St. Clara’s, the church was the scene of another large fire in 1976 that also nearly led to its demolition. It was again saved by the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, which has run the church since 2004.
