MONTICELLO - We are starting a brand-new segment on WAND-Today. “Central Illinois Treasures" will highlight people, places and things that make our area so special.
Our first stop on the map, The Steeple Gallery Coffee House, in Monticello. It’s a turn of the century, vintage church that has stood the test of time and now serves as a one-of-a-kind, modern-day coffee shop. Built in 1906, at the corner of State and Lafayette, by 10 local families, it was originally known as St. Philomena's Catholic Church. Owner, Jim Gortner says, “The bricks have an Allerton connection. They were donated by Robert Allerton, who wasn't religious but his best friend was the priest.”
The church changed hands in the 1960's and then sat vacant for 3-years, from 1988 until 1991, when Gortner saw a golden opportunity and bought the building. With the help and talent of local friends, he restored the inside and outside, putting on a new roof, installing new plumbing and putting plate glass over the original stained glass windows, for protection. He opened the doors as an antique store, and gift shop, specializing in custom framing. After 15 years, it was time to re-invent the space and bring something new to Monticello. Gortner says, “I've always been in love with coffee and I thought there should be a place in Monticello that served really good coffee.”
Since 2006, Jim has been fueling his passion and his guests with fair-trade, 100-percent organic coffee, in a place he wants them to simply meet and enjoy. Today, when you walk through the doors, the aroma of fresh brew and baked goods fill the air, to the top of the cathedral ceiling. Paintings, drawings and photographs by local artists, including Jim’s granddaughter grace the walls. Lighting fixtures, works of art themselves, made by Jim’s neighbor, highlight various nooks and crannies. And cabinetry by local craftsmen provides a sense of even more warmth, when you pick up your order. Customers are free to enjoy their java and conversation at antique tables, sitting in a pew, or even high up in the choir loft, all elements that have attracted a loyal customer base.
The place has fantastic acoustics for bluegrass jams on the first and third Saturdays of the month. And it's available as a rental for weddings, rehearsal dinners and receptions. If you like to paint, they have occasional canvas and corks nights. For more information, visit www.steeplegallery.com.
