Shrine of Christ the King to be restored; Archdiocese transfers ownership

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's Shrine of Christ the King Catholic Church will be rebuilt and ownership will be transferred from the Archdiocese of Chicago to the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, officials announced Sunday.

The Archdiocese said the Institute has received sufficient funding for repairs on the historic building, which was left heavily damaged by a fire in October 2015. The congregation has been using a temporary worship space at neighboring First Presbyterian Church in the meantime.

The Coalition to Save the Shrine raised more than $650,000 for the restoration of the church after an Archdiocese-commissioned report said the church had to be secured or demolished within a short period of time.

Coalition officials say estimates to restore the landmarked building are between $3-6 million.