The ancient mural at Chicago's Second Presbyterian Church was restored after being mostly hidden from view for more than a century.

Architect James Renwick drew out plans for the church that was constructed in 1874.

"It’s one of Chicago’s most amazing arts and crafts interiors," Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, told Fox 32 recently.

The vibrancy of the windows and the mural had been obscured by dirt after more than 100 years, prompting church supporters to launch a campaign to restore the artistic gems to their full glory.

"It had over a century of dirty air on it, and we also found when we started cleaning that there was repainting and a heavy amber, varnish layer," Chicago-based Parma Conservation head Peter Schoenmann said.

The sanctuary is adorned with four massive sculpture medallions symbolizing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; as well as Gothic-arched windows, seven large Tiffany-flecked windows and other spectacular architectural features.

The mural is a 40-by-30-foot painting of the "Tree of Life" by acclaimed artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and is positioned above the altar.

The church, which is located at 1936 S. Michigan Ave., burned down in 1900 and had to be rebuilt in 1901. It is both a national historic landmark and a Chicago landmark.