You’ve probably seen the meme. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on Reddit or scrolled through a "weird maps" thread, you’ve definitely seen the satellite view of a certain building in Dixon, Illinois.
It’s the Christian Science Church Dixon Illinois—or, more accurately, the Christian Science Society of Dixon. From 30,000 feet up, the building’s footprint has a, well, unmistakably phallic shape. It went viral about a decade ago, turning a small-town congregation into a global punchline overnight.
But honestly? The story behind the building is way more about environmentalism and bad luck than some secret architectural joke.
The "Accidental" Architecture of 324 W. First St.
When the congregation decided to build their new home at the corner of West First Street and Highland Avenue, they weren't looking for internet fame. They were actually trying to be good neighbors to a tree.
Most developers would have just fired up the chainsaws. Instead, the church officers wanted to preserve a massive, healthy oak tree on the lot. To do that, the architect had to curve the main body of the building around the root system.
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It’s a classic case of good intentions meeting the "Law of Unintended Consequences." From the ground, the building looks like a modern, somewhat curved professional center. It’s got a lot of windows for natural light and a clean, beige exterior. It fits the Dixon aesthetic pretty well. But once Google Earth updated its imagery, the aerial view revealed a symmetry that the designers completely missed on the blueprints.
The church's response was surprisingly chill. Instead of getting defensive, they posted on Facebook: "Giant fig leaf coming soon." They leaned into the joke, which is probably the only way to handle your place of worship becoming a "mildly penis" Hall of Fame inductee.
Why They Had to Rebuild in the First Place
You might wonder why a small congregation was building a brand-new facility in the 2010s anyway. It wasn't just for a change of scenery.
The original church building was actually demolished because of a messy environmental issue. The land had previously been owned by ComEd, and the soil was contaminated with a century's worth of toxins. The EPA stepped in and ordered a massive cleanup.
- ComEd paid the church roughly $750,000 to settle the matter.
- The old structure had to be leveled so the soil could be dug up and replaced.
- Most of that settlement money went straight into the new construction.
By the time the viral fame hit in 2013, the church was actually struggling to finish the interior. Church officer Scott Shepherd mentioned at the time that they didn't even have enough left in the budget to get the organ's electrical work up to code. It's a far cry from the wealthy "mega-church" image some people have; it was just a local group trying to keep their doors open.
What is Christian Science, Anyway?
To understand the people in the building, you have to look past the memes. Christian Science is often confused with Scientology, but they are completely different things.
Founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century, Christian Science is based on the idea that the world is fundamentally spiritual and that "sickness" is a misunderstanding of our relationship with God. They don't have "preachers" in the traditional sense. Instead, they have "Readers" who read from the Bible and Eddy’s book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
Common Misconceptions
- They hate doctors: Not exactly. While many members prefer prayer-based healing, the church doesn't strictly "forbid" medical care. It's a personal choice.
- It’s a new cult: It’s actually been around since 1879. The Dixon congregation itself dates back to 1903.
- The Dixon church is huge: In reality, it’s a "Society," which in Christian Science terminology usually means a smaller group than a "First Church."
The Reality of Being a "Viral" Church
It hasn't all been jokes and fig leaves. The internet can be a pretty mean place.
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Shepherd has spoken about the "bullying" the church faced when the photos went viral. People weren't just making jokes about the shape; they were attacking the faith, the city of Dixon, and even the founder, Mary Baker Eddy. For a small group of people just trying to create a space for spiritual healing, the sudden influx of "sophomoric gossip" was exhausting.
Yet, they stayed. They didn't change the roofline. They didn't sue the architect. They just kept holding their Sunday services at 10:00 AM and their Wednesday testimony meetings.
Visiting the Christian Science Church in Dixon
If you’re actually in Lee County and want to see the place (from the ground, where it looks totally normal), here is what you need to know.
- Location: 324 W. First St., Dixon, IL 61021. It’s right near the heart of town, not far from the Reagan Boyhood Home.
- The Reading Room: Most Christian Science churches have a Reading Room. It’s basically a quiet bookstore/library where you can go to study or pray. The Dixon society has maintained one for decades.
- Services: They are open to the public. If you’re curious about how they worship, you can just walk in. There’s no high-pressure sales pitch. It’s mostly just reading and quiet reflection.
Dixon is a town that prides itself on history—it's the "Petunia City" and the home of Ronald Reagan. The Christian Science Society is just one small thread in that fabric. While the internet will always remember them for a quirk of satellite photography, the locals know them as the folks who spent three-quarters of a million dollars just to save an old oak tree.
Next Steps for the Curious:
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If you're interested in the architectural history of the movement beyond the Dixon memes, you should look into the work of Solon S. Beman. He was the "house architect" for Christian Science in the early 20th century and designed some of the most beautiful Classical Revival buildings in the Midwest.
For those specifically interested in the Dixon location, checking their local Facebook page or the official Christian Science directory is the best way to confirm current Reading Room hours, as these can shift depending on volunteer availability.