Saint Christina Church

Did you ever hear of a church built by the very hands of its parishioners? Saint Christina Church, nestled in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood, is just such a place. Its story begins in 1921. Reverend Peter Geraghty saw the growing community’s need for a spiritual home. He acquired land at 111th and Homan. Driven by families like the Burnses, Cardinal Mundelein approved their request for a parish. The first mass was held at Cunningham School, led by the newly appointed pastor, Reverend Thomas Friel. A portable church soon arose at 11023 South Homan. On June 15, 1927, the first service echoed through its temporary walls. This marked the beginning of a tradition. The men of Saint Christina would become builders of their own spiritual haven. Under Reverend J.A. Rebedeau, Mount Greenwood boomed. The men built a recreation center in 1929, completing it within just a few months. A rectory followed, dedicated in 1930. By Christmas 1935, a brick church graced the land. The growing parish needed a school. In 1938, Father Rebedeau secured a lease on the old Central Park school. Staffed by Dominican sisters, it became Saint Christina Parochial School. Father Rebedeau witnessed the birth of the magnificent church that stands today at 3342 West 111th Street. It was dedicated in 1956 by Cardinal Stritch. It can hold 1,500 souls. Saint Christina Church’s tale is one of community, dedication, and faith. It’s a story written not just in history books, but in the very bricks and mortar of the church itself. A place built not by hired hands, but by the love and labor of its devoted members.