How much did it cost to build the original Saint Cyprian Church? The answer, my friends, lies within the walls of this very building! Today, Saint Cyprian Church stands as a testament to the faith and determination of the River Grove community.
The story of Saint Cyprian began in the 1920s. The village of River Grove was growing, and the Catholic families there needed a place of worship closer than Chicago. In 1926, under the guidance of Cardinal Mundelein, Saint Cyprian was established. It started as a humble mission church of St. Gertrude’s parish. The first mass was celebrated in Senf’s Hall, a far cry from this beautiful structure.
In 1926 construction began on a new church and school building. The cost? A hefty $40,000! This building served the community for many years, even housing a temporary “Portable” church in 1929. This structure, weakened from being moved between parishes, was shored up by the Holy Name Society. Can you imagine the community spirit it took to keep their church standing? Finally, in 1950, construction began on the Saint Cyprian Church we see today, a magnificent edifice built for $117,000. It was dedicated in 1951, a proud moment for River Grove!