Community Christian Church is the result of a collaboration between Rev. Burris Jenkins and visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the building in 1940 as a cutting-edge structure to reflect the congregation’s unconventional approach to engaging its community. Instead of a traditional steeple, Wright designed a Steeple of Light made up of bright lights beaming from the rooftop. The building is one of only ten houses of worship in Wright’s long and storied career and regularly attracts tourists and architecture aficionados. The nonprofit Wright on Main was established in 2018 to maintain and enhance Community Christian Church and provide cultural programming, in partnership with the congregation, and in 2020 raised $80,000 to renovate the Steeple of Light.

Holding true to its purpose, the church is utilized frequently as a space for community programming, hosting an annual interfaith service, concerts and other performances, and quarterly art gallery events. Community Christian Church shares space with recovery groups, martial arts classes, and music rehearsals. Additionally, Community Christian Church partners with social service organizations to assist in resettling refugee families and providing holiday support to foster children. The congregation’s food pantry, which started in the 1980s, has rapidly grown to serve over 5,000 individuals per year.

A National Fund grant of $160,000 with $160,000 in matching funds raised by Wright on Main in partnership with the congregation will repair the exterior of the building to address water infiltration.

Courtesy Community Christian Church