The statue of St. Alexander, a stern but kind-faced figure, watches over the congregation. It is a reminder of this church’s long and rich history. Saint Alexander Church, nestled in the quiet town of Palos Heights, is more than just a place of worship it’s a living testament to faith and perseverance.
This Roman-Catholic church, built on land donated by the Crawford family, was founded in June 1959. The church’s namesake is a third-century Pope, a choice made by the first parish priest, Father Hanton, in honor of his deceased father and brother. The very first Mass was held in a local funeral parlor, but the congregation quickly grew, leading to the use of the Palos East auditorium.
Imagine the excitement of the groundbreaking ceremony on December 6, 1959 for the church and school complex. The first Mass in the new building was held in August 1961. The church’s cornerstone was laid two months earlier and the completed complex was dedicated by Cardinal Francis Meyer on October 4, 1961. The church building itself stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the strong bond of the community it serves.