NORMAL - Some of the pews at Jackson Boulevard Christian Church on Chicago's west side are held together with two-by-fours.

A piano, likely original to the church, also is on "its last leg," said the Rev. Larry Jackson. A member of the congregation figured out a way to tie the pedals so they wouldn't fall off.

With a congregation of only about 100 people, many of whom are children, there's no budget to replace what's broken or beyond repair.

But thanks to a bittersweet circumstance, the church soon will have what it needs.

"Having been there, I couldn't think of a better place for our physical stuff to go," said Ron Gramley, a member of Normal's University Christian Church, 206 North St. "They are very much in need. It's a growing church. Our church is at the other end of the spectrum."

An aging congregation and poor accessibility at the nearly 100-year-old building prompted members to close University Christian Church. The last service will be Sunday.

The building was purchased by JSM Development Inc. of Champaign. Development director Jill Guth said the company plans to raze the church to make way for a building with retail on the first floor, office space on the second floor and high-end rental apartments on the top floors.

But before that happens, University Christian Church members want to recycle as much as possible. They are working with the Rev. Scott Woolridge, associate minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Illinois and Wisconsin regional office, based in Bloomington.

Woolridge suggested a good recipient would be Jackson Boulevard Christian Church. "It grew out of a relationship developed at Miracle Day in 2005," said Woolridge.

More than 450 members of Disciples of Christ churches helped Jackson Boulevard Christian Church renovate its building. The church has been using its education building for services since the sanctuary was destroyed by fire in the 1950s.

"Over the years, (the church) sat in the middle of low-income housing known as the projects," said Jackson, the Chicago pastor. "It was an anchor to the housing."

At its height, church membership soared to 3,000. But changing times took its toll on parishioners and eventually only a handful of faithful remained.

With little money, the condition of the church building declined.

Jackson was hired about five years ago, with hope of the church returning to its grander days. He said that's exactly what happened.

"There's a resurgence of spirit, life and wanting to continue," he said.

Painting, cleaning and repairing revived the physical church and opened Woolridge's eyes to the need for pews and a piano.

"I hated to think of (the pews) going to the landfill," said Gramley, who along with his wife, Nancy, had helped with Miracle Day work at the Chicago church. "The Lord said, 'This is the perfect answer.' "

The only thing still needed is a semi-trailer truck and driver to transport the pews, piano and sanctuary pulpit to Chicago, Woolridge said. He has some leads, but nothing definite.

The Rev. Pat Meyers, who leads University Christian Church, is organizing a group to help Jackson Boulevard members remove pews from the Normal sanctuary. The work likely will be on a Friday in April so the Chicago church members can return home by Saturday and possibly sit in the recycled pews in time for their Sunday service.

"It's a second miracle," said Jackson.

How to help

The Rev. Scott Woolridge, associate minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Illinois and Wisconsin regional office in Bloomington, is looking for a semi-trailer truck and driver to transport the pews and other items from University Christian Church in Normal to Jackson Boulevard Christian Church in Chicago.

He also is accepting monetary donations to help cover the cost of the trip, including gasoline.

To donate, call (309) 828-6293.