The final Mass. That’s what it was. September 15th 2019. The last hymn faded. The last prayer was whispered. Queen of Apostles Church in Riverdale fell silent. This wasn’t just any church closing. It was the end of an era.
Queen of Apostles Church wasn’t merely a building. It was the heart of a community. It stood at 207 W 145th Street. For years its doors welcomed parishioners. They came to celebrate life’s milestones. Baptisms. Weddings. Funerals. It was a place of solace and hope. A sanctuary where faith flourished.
But times changed. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Church initiative reshaped the landscape. Holy Ghost Parish St Jude the Apostle Parish and St Mary Queen of Apostles Parish merged. They became one. This left Queen of Apostles Church without a parish. A difficult decision followed. The church was relegated to profane but not sordid use.
This meant no more masses. No more Sunday services. The building itself however remains. A silent testament to the faith and devotion of those who worshipped within its walls. It’s a reminder of a vibrant community. It held services for many years. A church that once echoed with laughter. Prayers and hymns now stood still.
Imagine the stained glass windows. They were once radiant. They told stories of faith. Stories of sacrifice. Stories of hope. Now they were silent witnesses. They witnessed the final Mass. They remain. Quiet and still.
The future of Queen of Apostles Church is uncertain. The united parish will decide. They’ll explore future uses. Perhaps it will become a community center. Maybe a museum. The possibilities are endless.
But one thing is certain. Queen of Apostles Church’s legacy lives on. It lives on in the hearts and minds of those who remember. It lives on in the memories created within its walls. The memories of hope. The memories of faith. The memories of community. Queen of Apostles Church may be silent. But its story continues. It resonates. It lives on.