Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church

What lies behind the unassuming stone facade of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church? Many pass by this edifice on the corner of South Jeffery Boulevard and East 79th Street, unaware of the vibrant history and hidden beauty it holds within. Our Lady of Peace, a name synonymous with tranquility and hope, stands as a testament to the ever-changing cultural tapestry of Chicago’s South Side. Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church was founded in 1919. Legend has it that a priest serving in World War I was inspired to build the church after a divine encounter on the battlefield. The church we see today wasn’t completed until 1935, a design brought to life by architect Joseph W. McCarthy. Don’t let the stoic exterior fool you. The church’s interior, often dubbed the “Blue Jewel,” explodes in a riot of color and detail. Imagine stepping into a vast sanctuary bathed in a cool, ethereal glow emanating from the abundant blue terra cotta. Your gaze would be drawn upwards to the intricately carved plasterwork ceiling, a symphony of ornate designs and geometric patterns. Adding to the grandeur are two rows of stained-glass windows, each pane narrating tales of the apostles and biblical scenes. Our Lady of Peace has always been a beacon for the faithful. Initially, the church served as a spiritual home for the Irish and German Catholic communities. The 1960s saw the arrival of African-American parishioners, and by the 1970s, they formed a significant part of the congregation. Our Lady of Peace embraced this shift, becoming a symbol of inclusivity and shared faith. Today, Our Lady of Peace stands as the official home for Chicago’s Haitian Catholic community. Masses held in both English and French echo within its hallowed halls, with the French service often drawing a larger crowd, a testament to the church’s evolving congregation. Sadly, Our Lady of Peace held its last mass in 2020, just shy of its 101st anniversary. The Archdiocese of Chicago, in an effort to consolidate, decided to merge Our Lady of Peace with St. Philip Neri, another South Shore parish. While the “Blue Jewel” no longer hosts regular services, its legacy as a spiritual and cultural hub on Chicago’s South Side remains strong. Our Lady of Peace stands as a silent sentinel, a poignant reminder of the city’s rich history and the enduring power of faith and community.