Saint Agnes of Bohemia Roman Chatholic Church

From humble beginnings to a cornerstone of Little Village, the Saint Agnes of Bohemia Roman Chatholic Church has witnessed over a century of Chicago’s history. In 1904, the Czech community in Lawndale needed a new spiritual home. Archbishop Quigley appointed Reverend Francis Vanous to establish Blessed Agnes of Bohemia Parish. The first church, a small brick structure, was dedicated on June 5, 1904, at 27th and Central Park. The Saint Agnes of Bohemia Roman Chatholic Church quickly became more than just a place of worship. A four-room school opened in 1905. By 1907, the Sisters of St. Francis were brought in to manage the growing school. The church expanded in 1914, adding a 10-classroom school addition. The parish, under Reverend Kestle, eliminated its debt by 1926. That same year, a new church was built at the corner of 27th and Central Park, dedicated on November 21st. The Saint Agnes of Bohemia Roman Chatholic Church thrived. By 1930, it boasted over 3,800 members and 500 students. A former tailor shop on Drake was even converted into a convent for the Sisters. Reverend Krizka’s tenure (1944-1969) saw the construction of the current rectory. The Saint Agnes of Bohemia Roman Chatholic Church continued to grow, adding a school addition with nine classrooms, a meeting room, and a gymnasium in 1954. This marked the parish’s 50th anniversary. The changing demographics of the neighborhood led to the inclusion of Spanish masses in the early 1970s, cementing Saint Agnes of Bohemia Roman Chatholic Church’s role as a central hub in what is now known as Little Village. Today, it’s the largest Hispanic parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago, a testament to its enduring spirit and adaptability.