“What do carousels, racial transitions and the Catholic Church have in common?” That’s a question you might ask about Saint Columba Roman Catholic Church. This isn’t just another church. It’s a landmark with a rich, evolving history. Saint Columba stands as a testament to faith and community.
In July 1909, Saint Columbanus Church was more than just a place of worship. It was a combination church and school building. It was established in the Park Manor neighborhood. The church initially served Irish Catholics. The Sisters of Saint Dominic played a vital role. They lived in part of the school building. A convent was built in 1917.
By 1923, the parish had grown significantly. The first pastor financed a large church. It was located on the corner of 71st Street and Prairie Avenue. The new church was dedicated in 1925. To support the school children’s physical education, a gym was added in 1933. An addition was made to the school in 1949. The rectory was also enlarged. The Glass House was the final addition to the Saint Columbanus Parish buildings in 1960. It served many purposes over the years. Initially, it was a parish library. Later, it became a credit union for parishioners. Finally, it hosted meetings for various groups. These included neighborhood senior citizens and Girl Scouts.
The late 1930s and early 1940s brought challenges. Racial problems emerged in Park Manor. Homeowners entered restrictive covenant agreements. These prevented Black people from buying property. The U.S. Supreme Court deemed these agreements unconstitutional. African Americans began settling in Park Manor amid racial unrest.
After 1948, Park Manor underwent a racial transition. White residents moved out as African Americans moved in. Between 1952 and 1953, school enrollment dropped. Church membership declined. Parish debts increased. Saint Columbanus Church and the area transformed. It went from predominantly white to mixed and then predominantly Black.
Under the leadership of Rev. John Ryan Gleason, things changed. He was appointed pastor in 1952. He welcomed African American families into the parish. School attendance stabilized. Saint Columbanus Church became one of the oldest African American Catholic parishes in Chicago.
Today, Saint Columba continues to serve its community. Mass times are Saturday at 5:00 pm. Sunday services are at 8:00 am and 10:30 am. Weekday Masses are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30 am. Adoration with Benediction takes place on the second Wednesday of the month. Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 4:15 pm to 4:45 pm. Saint Columba stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community. It embraces diversity and change. It continues to evolve while staying true to its mission.