In the historic Main-Dempster Mile, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is a top Evanston music venue and an architectural gem. This English Gothic Revival landmark features soaring ceilings, a 10-ton marble altar, and a world-famous Skinner pipe organ. Founded in 1885, the parish grew from a small storefront into a major cathedral, serving as a pillar of local history and spiritual life for over 140 years.
This season, the magic of Candlelight at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church transforms this hallowed space into a glowing masterpiece, where thousands of flickering candles illuminate the cathedral acoustics for a series of breathtaking string tributes.
Background on St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
St. Luke’s is a storied monument to resilience and artistry. Designed by architect John Sutcliffe and built in stages starting in 1906, the venue is the largest church in the diocese and holds the title of the oldest Episcopal presence in the Evanston area. Its history is marked by a steadfast spirit, having survived a global pandemic in 1918 and five separate fires, yet never losing its atmospheric charm.
The venue is particularly acoustically resonant, even more so than many standard concert halls, due to its specialized stone construction. Visitors are often captivated by the Lady Chapel, a hidden “church-within-a-church” in the northwest corner, and the Battle Cloister, an interior courtyard (Garth) added in 1920. Perhaps the most intriguing secret lies within the altar itself: when consecrated in 1964, it was reportedly sealed with primary relics of Saint Joachim and tertiary relics of Saints Benedict and Teresa.
What can you do at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church?
As a vibrant community hub, St. Luke’s hosts a variety of cultural and liturgical activities. The venue remains a cornerstone for the Anglican musical tradition, offering weekly choral services and monthly Choral Evensong. Beyond its religious functions, the church has historically served as a site for nursery schools, lectures, and social justice outreach.
Candlelight concerts at St. Luke’s masterfully blends tradition with modern hits. The venue’s ‘cathedral sound’ elevates diverse performances, including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a string-led tribute to TOOL, and a 90s Hip-Hop crossover. From classical roots to The Beatles, this season offers a sophisticated journey through musical evolution.
Where is St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and how to get there?
The venue is located at 939 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL, in a charming residential pocket of the Chicago metropolitan area. Public Transport: The church is highly accessible via the CTA Purple Line (Main Street station) and the Metra Union Pacific North Line (Main Street station), both just a short walk away. Parking: While street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, public transit is highly recommended as the nearby Main-Dempster Mile district is a popular destination for dining and shopping.
FAQs
Is the venue ADA compliant?
Yes, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is fully ADA compliant and accessible for guests with reduced mobility, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the architecture and events comfortably.
What is the age requirement for concerts?
For Candlelight events, the minimum age is 8 years old. Furthermore, any guest under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How long are the performances?
Performances typically last between 60 and 65 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes prior to the start time; however, late entry is strictly prohibited to preserve the atmosphere of the concert.
Nearby Venues in Chicago
If you enjoyed the atmosphere at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, you might also enjoy exploring other iconic locations. From the historic Stan Mansion to the modern Wintrust Urban Lab, Chicago offers a variety of stunning backdrops for live music and much more.