What if these walls could talk? Holy Cross Church in Chicago has a fascinating story. It began with Lithuanian immigrants seeking a spiritual home. They settled in the Back of the Yards area at the turn of the 20th century. Many worked at the nearby Union Stock Yards.
These immigrants desired a place to practice their faith and celebrate their culture. In 1902 they formed the Society of St Vincent Ferrer. The society then approached Archbishop Quigley with a request. They wanted to establish a Lithuanian parish. Quigley agreed.
On February 1 1904 the Society purchased ten lots on 46th Street. These lots were between Hermitage and Wood Streets. Alexander Skrypko began organizing the new parish on June 16 1904. Holy Cross was founded as a national parish for Lithuanians.
Construction began in 1904 and continued for over a decade. The cornerstone was laid on October 26 1913. Finally the church was completed in 1915. The first mass was celebrated on September 15 1915. This day was the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The architecture of Holy Cross reflects the heritage of its founders. Joseph Molitor designed the Baroque church. It resembles many of Chicago’s Polish Cathedrals. This is because Poles and Lithuanians shared a common heritage. This heritage is evident in their architectural tastes. Chicago’s Lithuanian churches were designed to affirm Lithuanian culture. They were meant to reaffirm ties to their former homeland.
The church features striking bell towers and domes. Ceramic tiles imported from Lithuania adorn the floors. Paintings statues and stained glass windows fill the space. Thaddeus von Zukotynski created the ornate Stations of the Cross. Later Sr Mary Stanisia restored his work.
A lofty dome covers the vast interior. Lithuanian artists decorated the church in 1951. These artists sought refuge from the Soviet Union. Adolfas Valeška created four oil paintings. They depict scenes from Lithuanian and American history. Marble columns support the vaulted ceiling. More than 2000 light bulbs brighten the church each within a rosette.
The stained glass windows were installed in 1943 and 1944. Arthur Michaudel’s Chicago firm created them. They depict scenes from the life of Christ and various saints. The church also has two choir lofts and an organ with over 1700 pipes.
Holy Cross faced challenges in the 1970s. The closure of the stockyards led to a decline. It then merged with Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. In 2021 the parish united with St Joseph and St Michael. They formed Holy Cross and SS Mary Joseph and Michael Parish.
Today Holy Cross serves a largely Latino community. Spanish language services are held here. The architecture has aided in the transition to Latin American congregations. Both groups find the Baroque style familiar.
Holy Cross stands as a testament to faith community and architectural beauty. Its history reflects the immigrant experience and the enduring power of faith. Its walls have witnessed generations of worship and community. Holy Cross remains a vibrant center for spirituality in Chicago.