Hear ye hear ye. A century of stories whispers from the walls of Saint John Berchmans Parish. Right here in the heart of Chicago’s Logan Square. This magnificent structure stands as a testament to faith. It is also a symbol of the city’s rich immigrant history.
Saint John Berchmans Parish a cornerstone of the community. It began its journey in 1903. The Archbishop of Chicago answered the call of Chicago’s Belgian community. He tasked Father John DeSchryver a Belgian Jesuit priest to establish a parish. Around 75 Belgian families formed the initial congregation.
The parish’s construction spanned decades. The church itself a monumental Spanish Romanesque masterpiece. Architect John G Steinbach designed it in 1906. He masterfully blended yellow and cream brick with limestone. This created a visually stunning building full of architectural detail. The cream and yellow bricks provide color contrast. Brick and limestone complement each other in color texture and size. The result is a work of grace and aesthetic appeal despite its size.
Notice the church’s two towers. The west tower houses the bells. They fell silent in the 1930s. The mechanism broke down. It was not until 2017 that Logan Square Preservation helped restore the bells. Now their sound rings out once more.
The stained-glass windows are truly breathtaking. The John J Kinsella Company designed and fabricated them. They are in the style of the Munich School. The windows depict scenes like the Last Supper and the Great Flood. The rose window above the entrance shows Saint John Berchmans teaching children. It’s the only window with a distinctly Belgian theme. A rare Old Testament scene the Great Flood is prominently displayed. It may reflect the Belgian community’s history. Their homeland was threatened by the sea.
The rectory school and convent followed. They completed the architectural harmony of the block. All designed by Steinbach they reflect the church’s design. Each building demonstrates the evolution of the parish. It grew from a modest beginning to a substantial complex.
In 1949 a significant addition expanded the church. The sanctuary was lengthened. The ceiling was raised and vaulted. The addition maintained the original design’s brick and stone work.
The parish’s story continues to unfold. It shifted from a primarily Belgian community. It then welcomed German Polish and Latino parishioners. Saint John Berchmans Parish remains a vital part of Logan Square. This beautiful church rectory convent and school are landmarks on Logan Boulevard’s Golden Block. They stand as a testament to faith community and architectural excellence.