A humble petition changed Chicago forever. This is Saint Mary’s Church. Right here where we stand.
In 1833 a small group of Chicago’s Catholics sent a letter to Bishop Rosati in St Louis. They asked for a priest. They were only about 100 people. Their faith however was immense. Their plea was simple but fervent.
Their request was answered. Father John Mary Irenaeus St Cyr arrived. He celebrated the first mass in a small log cabin. The first Catholic church was built soon after. It was a modest structure. Made of wood it stood on Lake Street.
But Chicago grew rapidly. Saint Mary’s Church moved. First to Michigan and Madison. Then to Wabash and Madison. It grew larger each time. It became a cathedral.
Tragedy struck in 1871. The Great Chicago Fire destroyed the cathedral. The parish however persevered. They purchased a church that had survived the fire. This became the new Old Saint Mary’s Church.
Years passed and Saint Mary’s changed again. In 1903 the Paulist Fathers took charge. They formed a renowned choir. The Paulist Choristers were internationally acclaimed.
But even this magnificent church eventually fell into disrepair. Demolition followed in 1971. A new chapter however began. A new Saint Mary’s Church was built. It opened in 2002 on South Michigan Avenue. A testament to faith resilience and architectural beauty. It stands proudly today.
This is not just a building. Saint Mary’s Church is a living story. A history etched in wood brick and stone. A reflection of faith hope and community. It’s a journey of perseverance. A testament to the enduring spirit of Chicago’s Catholic community. It’s a church with a past a present and a future written in the hearts of its people. A beacon of faith indeed.