In 1955, Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ became the site of Emmett Till’s open casket funeral, a defining moment that helped ignite the modern Civil Rights Movement.
Berglund Construction has been honored to play a role in preserving this nationally significant place.
Our involvement began with temporary stabilization, exterior masonry pointing and patching, roof patching, sealant repairs and interior protection. From there, Berglund continues working alongside Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, The Preserve Roberts Temple Initiative, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the greater project team through preconstruction and a multi-phase restoration effort.
A major portion of that work, Phase I, focused on restoring the primary façade or west elevation closer to its 1955 appearance, including masonry, historic window restoration and window replicas, integral masonry crosses and other character defining elements.
That work was recognized earlier this year when Roberts Temple received a 2026 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
A Historic Sign Returns
This week, project partners and supporters gathered at Roberts Temple for the lighting of a newly fabricated replica of the church’s historic marquee sign.
The sign once served as a beacon for worshipers, neighbors, and visitors. Its return marks the completion of Phase II of the project and helps bring Roberts Temple closer to how it appeared in 1955.
Berglund was proud to participate in the celebration alongside the NTHP African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Roberts Temple and the many partners who have helped move this restoration forward.
Seeing the sign illuminated represented much more than the return of a historic feature. It reflected years of preservation work and a shared commitment to protecting the history held within these walls.
The Work Continues
While the sign lighting marked an important milestone, the restoration of Roberts Temple continues into Phase 3.
The next phase will focus on repairs to the remaining building envelope, interior stabilization and restoration of the sanctuary, and preserving spaces closely associated with Emmett Till’s visitation and funeral while preparing the building for future phases where educational programming, community use and visitor engagement will be incorporated.
For Berglund, this work carries a responsibility beyond construction. Every repaired piece of masonry, restored window and preserved detail helps ensure the stories connected to Roberts Temple remain tangible for future generations.
The historic sign is shining once again, and the work to preserve this sacred place continues.
