Hale Church in Peoria falls

I have just learned of the demise of the historic Hale Church in Peoria, Illinois. The church was damaged by a fire in 1999, causing an estimated $100,000, then purchased by the art community, Yaku, with the intention of creating an artist creative space. They soon realized the renovation necessary was beyond their capability and sold the building to another group with the intention of renovating the building as an event space. 

The church was completed in 1900 and named for abolitionist Asahel Hale and was built on the corner of High and Main Streets. It was home to several congregations over the years. Recent engineering study revealed severe damage to the truss structure and for joists due to the effects of the fire and water incursion as the building suffered prolonged exposure to the elements. 

This building has been on our watch list for some time as it is most likely an F. S. Allen design, and with its 1900 completion date, likely one of his last church projects. During his Streator days, Allen dabbled in church design,  commercial and public buildings, even industrial buildings, before settling on school design as his primary focus. 

These photos are courtesy of the Journal Star.