“UFO of a building” is how some people describe Saint Gall Catholic Church. In 1956, it landed at 55th and Kedzie in Chicago. It still stands today as a circular slice of architectural innovation.
Saint Gall Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. Its history goes back to the 1840s. German farmers first settled this area now known as Gage Park.
Originally a mission of St. Agnes Parish in 1890 Saint Gall started small. Reverend J.A. Hemlock held Masses in a cottage at 5151 S. St. Louis Ave. The early Catholic community grew and changed locations several times.
In May 1899 Father Michael J. Sullivan became the first pastor. A parishioner suggested the church be named after his home canton’s patron saint in Switzerland. Archbishop Feehan accepted and Saint Gall became the newest parish.
Electric trolley service spurred growth. Between 1910 and 1930 Gage Park became part of the “bungalow belt”. St. Gall saw tremendous growth which led to building a school.
In 1910 the first classes met above the church at 54th and Millard. Dominican Sisters from Adrian Michigan were the first teachers.
As the congregation grew Saint Gall moved to 55th and Kedzie. The new school building opened in 1924 at 55th and Sawyer. The Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary took charge of the school. Weekly Mass took place in the school basement.
Monsignor James Hishen became pastor in 1934. St. Gall saw its greatest growth under him. A second school building was added in 1935. Social clubs and annual parties became parish staples.
The basement church flooded during rainy weather. Plans emerged for a new “upper church”. Monsignor Hishen broke ground for the new church on October 16 1955. Easter Vigil 1957 saw the first Mass in the current church.
The seating capacity was to be 1400. The architects created a quarter-circle design. This shortened the distance to the altar. It also increased seating. The new Saint Gall Catholic Church was dedicated on April 13 1958.
Ornate details remain inside the church. The mosaic-tiled baptismal font stands out. The grid of screens behind the altar also catch the eye. The glossy blue-green brick evokes the Fifties.
In 1996 the first Spanish-language Mass was celebrated. Over 2500 people attended.
Saint Gall Parish celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2000. Weekly Mass attendance continues to grow.
Today Saint Gall Catholic Church stands as a landmark. It is a testament to faith community and architectural innovation in Chicago.