The imposing facade of the Quigley Seminary Building rises before you. This isn’t just any building. It’s a silent witness to Chicago’s rich Catholic history.
Founded in 1918 as Quigley Seminary it served as a preparatory school for young men considering the priesthood. The Archdiocese of Chicago meticulously chose the location and design. They envisioned a space that would inspire future clergy.
The building’s construction was completed in 1917. It was designed in a Late 19th and 20th Century Revival style. Architects Zachary Taylor Davis and Gustave Steinback masterfully crafted its impressive structure. The stunning Chapel of St James stands out. Its stained glass windows are modeled after the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Dedicated in 1920 the chapel’s beauty is breathtaking.
Quigley Seminary wasn’t just about religious training. It educated nearly 2500 priests. Among its alumni are two cardinals over forty-one bishops and even two Basketball Hall of Fame members. The school’s legacy extends far beyond its religious impact.
Interestingly the seminary’s early history is intertwined with Cathedral College of the Sacred Heart. When Archbishop James Edward Quigley needed a larger space he laid the groundwork for Quigley Seminary. His successor Cardinal George Mundelein championed the project. His vision for a new building was clear. It would become a landmark in Chicago.
The seminary went through several phases. Expansion became necessary due to growing enrollment. At its peak Quigley housed over 1300 students. But times changed. Enrollment declined leading to the seminary’s closure in 2007.
Today the building stands as the Archbishop Quigley Center. It houses the offices of the archdiocese’s curia. The building’s history however remains alive. Its walls resonate with stories of faith dedication and remarkable achievements. It’s a monument to the legacy of Quigley Seminary. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Chicagoans.