“From farmland to beautiful buildings.” Those were Samuel Cardinal Stritch’s words. He spoke them at Saint Giles Roman Catholic Church’s 25th anniversary. This quote sums up the history of Saint Giles.
Welcome to Saint Giles Roman Catholic Church in Oak Park. It serves both North Oak Park and the Galewood section of Chicago. But now, it welcomes parishioners from beyond those borders. Many families here have deep roots. New parishioners are always joining. They seek fellowship and service here. They also want sacraments and religious formation.
George Cardinal Mundelein anticipated the needs of Catholics. They were moving into North Oak Park and Galewood. He established Saint Giles parish on June 17, 1927. The property was Kelly’s farm. Rev. Lawrence W. Frawley became the first pastor. On August 7, 1927, 300 adults attended the first mass. It was in a temporary building on Greenfield Street. The location was between Linden and Columbian Avenues.
Father Frawley and parishioners agreed on the first building. It would be a school. They believed spiritual and mental growth of children was most important. The first floor served as a church. It seated 600 people. The second floor held six classrooms. These accommodated 340 pupils. Cardinal Mundelein dedicated the new building on October 28, 1928. It was the Feast of Christ the King.
The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, directed the school. They maintained a presence for 70 years. Four sisters taught 75 pupils in the first term. By 1933, the school grew. More sisters were needed. A new convent was built for them.
In 1938, plans began for a new church. Cardinal Mundelein laid the cornerstone in July 1938. Only four walls and a temporary ceiling were built at that time. In 1946, parishioners decided to build windows. They also planned a permanent roof. They wanted to finish the interior fittingly. World War II interrupted the production of decorative elements. Work didn’t begin until June 1948. Samuel Cardinal Stritch dedicated the church on May 14, 1950.
The parish continued to grow. Additional classroom space was needed. In September 1954, Cardinal Stritch dedicated the Rev. Joseph E. Corrigan Building. It stood on Linden Avenue. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. James D. Gleeson Building opened in the fall of 1960. It was on the corner of Greenfield and Columbian.
In 1964 Rt. Rev. Msgr. James D. Gleeson succeeded Monsignor Frawley. During Gleeson’s time, the parish changed its liturgies. These changes followed the Second Vatican Council. The main altar was moved forward. It had a marble mosaic. Other changes opened up the sanctuary space. Monsignor Gleeson retired in 1972.
John Cardinal Cody appointed Rev. Thomas B. McDonough. He became Saint Giles’ third pastor. To accommodate more meetings, a second floor was added to the Gleeson Building. Archbishop Joseph Bernardin dedicated the new Guildhall on January 7, 1983. After Fr. McDonough’s death in 1989, the Women’s Guild renamed the Guild Hall as McDonough Hall.
In June 1989, Reverend Joseph Edward Corrigan became pastor. Under him, Saint Giles began a three-year program. It was called “To Restore the Gift.” Parishioners pledged over $750,000. This money restored the parish buildings.
On September 1, 1994, Reverend Thomas M. Dore was appointed. He replaced Fr. Corrigan. Fr. Dore completed the “To Restore the Gift” campaign. He also started the “Call to Excellence”. This was a capital fund appeal. It continued the repair and upgrading of parish facilities.
Saint Giles has a rich history. It began as farmland and grew into a vibrant community. Countless people have found faith and friendship here. The parish continues to evolve while honoring its past. It welcomes all to worship and serve. It’s a testament to charity and sacrifice.