Seventh Day Adventist Church

Did you know that the Seventh Day Adventist Church has a rich history, not just globally, but right here in Chicago? Our journey begins in 1912 amidst a raging winter storm. Elder O.A. Olson awaited a young man named Rosario Calderone, fresh from a Roman Catholic Seminary in Italy. Calderone, once preparing for priesthood, arrived hours late due to the storm. He was taken to the Seventh Day Adventist mission home at 33rd and Cottage Grove Avenue. Calderone’s mission was to bring the Adventist faith to Chicago’s Italian community. He began with the Romeo and Pisciotta families, facing challenges due to the lack of Italian literature. Undeterred, Calderone printed handbills, advertising lectures at the old Swedish Seventh Day Adventist Church on Oak Street. Among his early attendees were Anthony Catalano and Vincenzo Messina. The meetings later moved to the Norwegian Seventh Day Adventist Church on Erie Street. Slowly, the group grew with the addition of the Timpano and Scropo families. Anthony Catalano remained a dedicated member, even attending lectures when no one else did. Calderone and Catalano would sing hymns for an hour and a half before heading home. Mary LaPaglia became Calderone’s first baptismal candidate, followed by Anthony Rizzo. A pivotal moment for the Seventh Day Adventist Church arrived on September 20, 1913. Eight people were baptized, including Catalano, Messina, and others. The Italian Seventh Day Adventist Church was officially organized with twelve charter members. It was on this day that Rosario Calderone was ordained. The church flourished, requiring a Bible worker. Elder Olson’s niece, Vesta Cash, eventually accepted the call despite initial hesitation. In 1914, the growing number of children led to the creation of a church school in a makeshift basement room. Hulda Berg became the teacher for the twenty-two children. Continued growth prompted a move to a larger building on Gilpin Place in 1917. The first floor housed the church, while the upper floors accommodated the school. In 1920, Calderone left for New York, leaving behind a legacy that inspired many to dedicate their lives to the church. Giusto Vitrano, one of Calderone’s converts, took over. The church continued to expand under Vitrano’s fifteen-year leadership. They eventually purchased a former German Lutheran Church on Francisco Avenue in 1932 after two years of negotiation. A memorable baptism took place just before Vitrano’s departure in 1935, with eighteen new members joining the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The story continues with Ralph Valerio, followed by Anthony Catalano, the first charter member, returning as minister. The Italian Seventh Day Adventist Church eventually became the Elmhurst Seventh Day Adventist Church.