Speaking of "Cloisters"

While I'm on the subject of cloisters (see my last two posts), I thought I'd bring you a post about another cloister found in a very active church in the heart of Chicago.  The Fourth Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest buildings on Michigan Avenue and is located at the north end of what is known as the Miracle Mile.

This church building dates back to 1912 and was designed in the Gothic Revival style.  However the church history goes back a bit further.  Two other Presbyterian congregations combined to form the Fourth Presbyterian Church and they dedicated the original church building on October 8, 1871.  That happens to be the very same day the Great Chicago Fire started.  Needless to say, the new church's building was destroyed.

However, the congregation survived and they soon rebuilt their church and eventually made plans to build the even bigger one that we see today.

The parish house and cloister were added after the church was completed and were designed to fit in perfectly with the Gothic Revival style.

If you are walking down the very busy Michigan Avenue and you slip through the arch that leads to the cloister, you will find yourself in a completely different world.  The noise of traffic disappears and you are surrounded by beauty and quiet.

It's a peaceful spot to escape from the hectic life on the outside.  I guess if you think about it, that's what a "cloister" is all about; Peace and quiet.