First Universalist Church, Romanesque church in Elgin, Illinois.
First Universalist Church is a church building with an unusual 16-sided shape and a conical tower in Elgin. The interior features original stained glass windows that filter light throughout the structure.
The building was designed in 1892 by architect George Hunter and replaced Unity Hall on this site. It gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as a protected historic landmark.
The church served as a meeting place for the community and reflects how religious spaces were tied to the industrial life that shaped Elgin. It shows how places of worship functioned as social centers in the town.
The building is located on Villa Street within Elgin's historic district at the corner of Villa and Dupage Streets. Visitors should note that the interior remains in active use and tours may only be available at certain times.
The building's architecture resembles a pocket watch, paying tribute to the nearby National Watch Company that made Elgin a center for timepiece manufacturing. This clever design choice shows how architects wove local economic history into their work.
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