Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church

A hidden gem of West Ridge, that’s Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church. It stands at the corner of California and Bryn Mawr, a testament to the changing times of this Chicago neighborhood. Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church isn’t just a building. It’s a story woven into the fabric of the community. The tale begins not with stained glass and hymns, but with pickles. The land where Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church now stands was once part of the Budlong Brothers farm, famous for its Budlong pickles. As Chicago grew after World War I, the farm gave way to houses, and with them came the need for a local church. Imagine, in 1919, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Annen, new residents, facing a three-transfer streetcar trip just to attend Mass at St. Ita’s in Edgewater. Their persistence, along with other new arrivals, led to the establishment of Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church. In 1926, the first Mass was held in a temporary “portable” church on Lincoln Avenue. Can you picture it? A church assembled each week, a testament to the community’s dedication. The permanent structure of Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church arose under Father Thomas J. Burke. The accompanying St. Hilary School opened its doors in 1928, run by the Benedictine Sisters of Saint Scholastica. Growth was rapid. A new convent and rectory followed, making room for more eager students. The Great Depression and World War II tested the parish’s resilience, but Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church persevered. The 1950s ushered in an era of expansion. The new Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church building on Bryn Mawr and California was dedicated in 1956, its Romanesque architecture a striking presence. Inside, the stone relief Stations of the Cross, the marble statues, and the immense spun bronze Baldacchino over the altar create an atmosphere of reverence. The stained glass windows, designed by F.X. Zettler, tell stories of faith. Sadly, some original windows were stolen in the 1970s and replaced with the “Keys to the Kingdom” and flanking windows. Listen closely. Can you hear the music? The 1956 Wicks Organ, with its 1,500 pipes ranging from pencil-thin to 16 feet long, fills Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church with powerful melodies. From pickle farm to place of worship, Saint Hilary Roman Catholic Church stands as a symbol of community spirit and enduring faith.