Founded in 1886 Our Lady of Mount Carmel stands as a testament to Chicago’s rich Catholic history. This wasn’t just any church. It served as the mother parish for all English-speaking Catholic congregations on the city’s north side. Imagine Father Patrick O’Brien the founding pastor. He built the first church a simpler structure on Wellington near Sheffield.
The Sisters of Mercy established Mount Carmel Academy in 1888. They used the current Casey Hall building. This school played a vital role in the community for many years. Father Patrick Gill took over in 1895. He oversaw the construction of the magnificent Indiana limestone church we see today. It’s a beautiful example of English Tudor Gothic architecture.
The interior is equally stunning. Father Joseph Casey who became pastor in 1925 completed it. He added the breathtaking Kinsella windows. The Carrara marble altars are exquisite. The majestic E M Skinner pipe organ fills the space with glorious sound. The rectory was built in 1923. The convent and school followed in 1926. Father Casey later became Monsignor remaining pastor until his death in 1958.
Many pastors followed each leaving their mark. Monsignor Ernest Primeau served before becoming Bishop of Manchester New Hampshire. Father Thomas Byrne served from 1960 to 1976. Father Thomas Healy served as pastor from 1977 until 2001. He oversaw additions such as the Eden Chapel with windows designed by Faith Posey of Drehoble Brothers. The sanctuary and nave were also redecorated. The Kinsella stained glass was repaired. The E M Skinner pipe organ was restored. A Visser-Rowland tracker action choir organ was installed.
Father Thomas Srenn served as pastor from 2002 to 2013. During his tenure the Parish Ministry Center was created. Eden Chapel was renovated. For the parish’s 125th anniversary a major renovation project called Renovo CXXV addressed accessibility issues. A new Carrara marble altar and ambo were commissioned. A new paint scheme was also introduced. Cardinal Francis George consecrated the new altar on September 25 2011.
Father Patrick Lee served as pastor from 2013 to 2022. Father John McGivern became the ninth pastor in 2023. Our Lady of Mount Carmel continues to serve as a vibrant center of faith and community in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. Its history echoes through its stones a testament to generations of devotion and service.