Take a tour of Elgin’s ‘Holy Hill’
Submitted by Congregation Kneseth Israel
Congregation Kneseth Israel and five local churches are opening their buildings for public tours on Sunday, April 28.
Titled the “The Hidden Treasures of Historic Holy Hill,” this tour is a cooperative effort between CKI (which is celebrating its 120th year serving the area’s Jewish community), five local churches, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Area Historical Society, and the city of Elgin. The five participating churches are:
Ÿ Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St.
Ÿ First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St.
Ÿ First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave.
Ÿ Holy Rosary Chapel, 205 Fulton St., Suite A
Ÿ Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 40 Center St.
The walk will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28. A 20-minute continuous tour/presentation will take place at each of the houses of worship.
“The city of Elgin has long spoken of its diversity as a strength for the city. But equally strong is the faith community here, and its tradition of interdenominational respect and cooperation. This tour really highlights that history,” said Rabbi Frisch Klein, the spiritual leader at CKI.
During April, an exhibit at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., will feature the historical treasures of the participating organizations.
The Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., will hold its History Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission tickets for the walk can be used for the fair.
Proceeds from the event will be given to Food for Greater Elgin. Advance tickets are $10 or $5 for those 17 and under. Tickets at the door will be $12 or $6. Ticket prices are tax-deductible.
Tickets may be purchased by check payable to Congregation Kneseth Israel or cash. The office for Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The entrance during the week is on the west side of the parking lot adjoining the shade garden.
For information regarding the tour, call Barbara Maring at (847) 931-1818, ext. 102, Carole Burstein at (847) 428-4617, or the CKI office at (847) 741-5656.