Whispers of history echo from these very walls. This is the Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church. Its story begins not here but in the turmoil of World War I. Assyrian families fleeing persecution in Turkey found refuge in Chicago. By 1953 nearly 300 families had settled here. They established Mar Sargis the Martyr parish in Lincoln Park. But their neighborhood changed. The church needed a new home.
The Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church community rallied. They purchased a building at 1850 West Cuyler. This wasn’t just any building. It had previously been a Lutheran church. The Assyrians remodeled it. They transformed it into a place of worship reflecting their unique liturgical architecture. Six months of hard work and unwavering faith brought their vision to life.
On Palm Sunday March 29 1953 a momentous event took place. Patriarch Mar Eshai Shimun XXIII consecrated the new Mar Sargis Parish. The ceremony was magnificent. Nearly 20 choir members sang. 400 faithful laymen joined the celebration. The bells of glory echoed the joy of the day. In the evening a banquet celebrated the consecration. Three hundred and fifty people gathered to honor His Holiness the Patriarch.
This wasn’t just a local event. The British Consul General of Chicago attended. So did several prominent clergymen from other Chicago churches. The Chicago Tribune even sent a reporter. The Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church was making its mark. It served as the Patriarchal headquarters for thirteen years. Later it became the Bishopric headquarters for Bishop Mar Apri Khamis.
The Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of the Assyrian community in Chicago. It’s a living legacy built on the sacrifices and devotion of generations. Their journey reflects the remarkable story of immigration faith and the enduring spirit of community. It is a story woven into the very fabric of this church. A story that continues to unfold. Today the church stands as a beacon of Assyrian heritage a place of worship and a vital part of Chicago’s rich cultural tapestry. You stand before a symbol of resilience and faith.