Before Saint Wenceslaus even existed Bohemian Catholics in Chicago had to rely on other churches. St Peter’s and St Francis’ were nearby. However these churches lacked Bohemian-speaking clergy. This created a significant obstacle for confession and other religious practices.
This changed in 1863. A meeting was called. The decision was made to purchase property. The location was De Koven and Des Plaines Streets for $1100. The construction of Saint Wenceslaus began in 1865. It was completed the following year. The initial structure was a combination building. It included a church a school and living quarters for a priest.
Saint Wenceslaus Roman Catholic Church holds a special place in Chicago history. It’s the first Bohemian Catholic Church in the city. More impressively it survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Many early church records survived too. These records are a valuable resource for genealogy research. They’re freely available on the Family Search website. Registration is required.
The church’s survival during the fire was remarkable. The fire started very close to Saint Wenceslaus. However it miraculously moved away sparing the church. The fire drastically changed the neighborhood. Many original Bohemian residents did not return after rebuilding. Bohemian settlement shifted outwards. The area became known as the Czech Pilsen district.
Father Joseph Molitor was Saint Wenceslaus’s pastor from 1866 to 1906. His name appears on many early records. Father Molitor played a significant role in the development of the Chicago Bohemian Catholic community. He is mentioned in the establishment of other Catholic churches. These include Panna Marie Dobre Rady (St Mary of Good Counsel) Saint Adalbert’s and St John Nepomucene. He was also involved in establishing Catholic newspapers and publishing Czech school books.
In 1916 eleven Bohemian Catholic congregations existed in Chicago. Nine were exclusively Bohemian. Saint Wenceslaus was among them. The church and its school had 8200 children. The church itself underwent several renovations and expansions throughout its history. In 1932 it was even moved across the street.
Unfortunately Saint Wenceslaus Roman Catholic Church was demolished in 1955. This was part of a larger urban renewal project. The church and school were torn down. The site made way for an industrial center and the Congress superhighway. The legacy of Saint Wenceslaus however lives on in the memories of its parishioners. Its important role in the development of Chicago’s Bohemian community is undeniable. Its survival of the Great Chicago Fire stands as a testament to its strength and the faith of its people.