Skokie Approves Assyrian Church’s Worship Space Expansion at Former Jewish Center Site

The Skokie Village Board has approved plans for the Assyrian Church of the East’s Mar Sargis Parish to build a dedicated worship space on the former Mayer Kaplan Jewish Community Center site. The approval, granted on February 2, includes site plan approval and a special use permit for the church, which has been meeting in the gym since 2019. The move aims to create a permanent space for worship while allowing the facility to serve as a broader community hub.

Ashur Shiba, a Morton Grove village trustee and executive director of the grassroots group Vote Assyrian, emphasized the potential for the building to become a multi-purpose community center. He noted that once the chapel is completed, the gym will be returned to its original purpose, with programs modeled after the former JCC’s offerings. “We want everyone there — anyone and everyone — all walks of life, religious or not,” Shiba said.

The project is planned in phases, with the construction of a 1,536-square-foot worship space as the first step. Subsequent phases will involve remodeling the gym and other parts of the building. Shiba highlighted the importance of the space for the Assyrian community, which has largely comprised immigrants from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran over the past several decades.

Skokie trustees approved the plans with the condition that Mar Sargis Parish and Assyrian community leaders implement a parking management plan to prevent complaints about congestion. The plan requires the church to provide a shuttle bus to an overflow lot at the Assyrian National Council of Illinois, which has 125 parking spaces. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods.

Mayor Ann Tennes expressed support for the Assyrian community’s plans, noting that she trusts attendees will adhere to the parking plan. “We are grateful for that and we appreciate that,” she said, reflecting the city’s commitment to balancing community needs with neighborhood concerns.

The Assyrian Church of the East, one of the oldest Christian communities, has a long history of serving its diaspora. The community’s need for a dedicated space reflects both its cultural and spiritual significance. As the Assyrian community continues to grow, the transformation of the former JCC into a community center aligns with efforts to preserve cultural identity and foster inclusivity, as Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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