No. 2: Baha'i House of Worship

May 1, 2007 (WLS) -- The Baha'i House of Worship is an architectural gem glistening white against blue skies. Tucked away along the North Shore in Wilmette, it is one of only 7 Baha'i temples in the world. Plans for the Wilmette house of worship began in the late 1800's.

"And it was decided to pick this land outside the city so that people could come to a place of refuge next to the lake to experience some type of tranquility," said Scott Conrad, Baha'i Temple Restoration project manager.

French-Canadian architect Louis Bourgeois spent eight years perfecting his design and construction began in 1921. But, it took decades to complete the magnificent structure because of the complexity of the design. The temple is the world's first pre-cast paneled concrete building, which means each ornate section was created by pouring concrete into a mold and then painstakingly hoisting each completed piece onto the building. The process took so long Bourgeois died before its completion in 1953, leaving other architects to finish the job.

The Baha'i House of Worship is filled with symbolism. For instance, on the 3rd tier square openings were built in multiples of 9, a number representing unity. This vantage point also puts in perspective just how massive this structure is!

The lace designed inside the dome represents the orbiting patterns of the celestial skies. The dome itself is in the shape of a bell - a metaphor calling humanity together in meditation and prayer. The Baha'i faith is based on unity, equality, harmony and world peace. These themes are woven throughout the lace designs, as well as the religious symbols on the outside columns.

"Most people come to visit for the purpose of the House of Worship, which is to provide a space for people of all religions, all nationalities, all races to come and pray and meditate and even if you don't believe in God, to find some peace both in the auditorium and in our gardens," said Pam Mondeschein, Baha'i director of special events.

Services are simple; there is no clergy and the choir sings acapella.

"You understand the pure voice, the blending of voices, the quality of the sound; we use a variety of music to try and attract people from everywhere," said Van Gilmer, Baha'i music director.

The theme of peace and tranquility extends to the many gardens, fountains and a reflecting pool that surrounds the temple. The Baha'i House of Worship is on the national register of historic places as well as being a prominent Chicago-area landmark.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•