The completion of exterior restoration work at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ marks a significant milestone in preserving a Chicago landmark tied to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Berglund Construction has supported the multi-phase restoration, including façade rehabilitation and preservation work that is bringing the Bronzeville church closer to its 1955 appearance.
Berglund Construction’s work has included temporary stabilization, masonry pointing and repairs, roof patching, sealant repairs and interior protection. Phase I concentrated on the church’s primary west elevation, with restoration of historic masonry, windows and other architectural features.
The completed exterior work restored painted brick, masonry crosses, historic window elements and other character-defining features that had been altered over the years. The effort has helped return the building’s exterior closer to the appearance it had when Roberts Temple hosted Emmett Till’s 1955 funeral and extended visitation.
Roberts Temple is located at 4021 S. State St. in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and is part of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
A newly fabricated replica of the church’s historic neon sign was installed and illuminated Sept. 9, marking completion of the exterior restoration phase. The sign recreates a prominent feature associated with the church during the 1955 funeral and visitation.
The restoration team includes Berglund Construction, Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, the Preserve Roberts Temple Initiative and preservation organizations supporting the project. Berglund has been involved with Roberts Temple and its preservation partners since 2021.
The exterior restoration also received recognition earlier in 2026 through a Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence.
The next phase will shift attention to the building’s interior, including stabilization and restoration of the sanctuary and spaces associated with Emmett Till’s visitation and funeral.
Project partners are also preparing for future educational programming, community use and visitor engagement. The interior work is intended to support the long-term preservation and public interpretation of the historic site.
The Roberts Temple project demonstrates the construction and preservation challenges involved in rehabilitating nationally significant historic properties while retaining their architectural character. For owners and preservation teams, the work highlights the importance of phased restoration, specialized masonry and window rehabilitation, stabilization and coordination among construction and historic-preservation stakeholders.
The project also represents a broader effort to maintain Roberts Temple as both an active place of worship and a site where visitors can learn about the history surrounding Emmett Till and the Civil Rights Movement.
Source: Berglund Construction.
