The Clark Building!

 

This is the roof of our chapel in Chicago on Clark Street, thus called the Clark Building.  So. let me explain.  This building is six stories tall and currently houses three wards:  Lake Shore 1, Lake Shore 2 and Chicago YSA wards.  We were assigned to all three of these wards by the new Stake President of the Wilmette Chicago Stake.  The first three floors are parking.  The forth floor houses the chapel, a balcony meeting area, the kitchen, Cultural Center (basketball court etc.), the Relief Society room, baptismal font and a bunch of classrooms.  The fifth floor houses the Elders Quorum room and a bunch of classrooms.  As we are working with the Bishop of the YSA ward who also is the Building Facilities Bishop, he has the keys to the roof.  He took us up and let us look around.  So cool.  So starting upper left and forming a Z the pictures are as follows: 1-Yours truly with Bishop Monson.  2-This is a picture of the steeple.  I didn't even know this church building had a steeple until I was on the roof!  Being six stories tall, you don't really look up when you are ground level and up close.  Bishop Monson gave us a tour and even allowed me to look up inside the steeple.  He offered to let me climb up inside but I didn't want to get dirty (very dirty and dusty).  What was funny is that after the church built this building another building containing apartments was built right next to it.  So, Bishop Monson warned us that when you exit onto the roof keep your eyes to the left until you get around the stair exit as looking right gives you a direct view into several apartment bedrooms.  I guess you look at your own risk!  Ha, Ha.  The last picture is the Lake Shore District having District Workshop on the balcony on the fourth floor.  The balcony is complete with trees, bushes etc.  It is quite inviting!  Of interest is picture 3.  Do you see the little loop on the far left (black spot)?  Those are all over the roof as it allows the window washers top hook up to wash the windows.  By the way, the 6th floor is unfinished and is expected to be used as a second chapel as the area grows!