Did you know Saint Marys Church in Chicago began as Saint Mary of the Assumption? It started in April 1833. A group of Catholics petitioned Bishop Rosati. They wanted a pastor in their flourishing city.
Let me tell you more about the origins of Saint Marys Church. The petitioners said they had about 100 Catholics. They promised to pray for their request to be considered.
The original Saint Marys Church was built in 1833. It stood on the south side of Lake Street. This was west of State Street. In 1836, the building was moved. It went to the northwest corner of Michigan at Madison. There, it was enlarged with an open belfry.
In 1843, Chicago got its own diocese. Saint Marys Cathedral was built. It was at the southwest corner of Madison at Wabash. The original wooden Saint Marys Church was cut in half. It moved to the cathedral grounds. The first Catholic grammar school in Chicago opened there in 1846.
The Great Fire of 1871 destroyed the cathedral. Plans arose for a new cathedral parish. This became Holy Name north of the Chicago River. The Plymouth Congregational Church at 9th and Wabash had survived the fire. It was purchased and renamed Old Saint Marys.
In 1903, the Paulist Fathers took charge of the parish. A downtown Saint Marys chapel opened in 1961.
Old Saint Marys at 9th and Wabash fell into disrepair. It was demolished in 1971. The Saint Marys Chapel at Van Buren and Wabash became the new site. On July 21, 2002, the community dedicated a new church. It stands at 1500 S. Michigan Ave.
Saint Marys Catholic School became a reality in 2004. It was a response to young families seeking faith-based education. The school started with a preschool class. By 2011, a new school building housed over 260 students. Enrollment has grown each year since.
Saint Marys Church has a rich history. Father John Mary Irenaeus St. Cyr was its first priest. He was born in France in 1803. He became a priest in 1833. St. Cyr arrived in Chicago on May 1, 1833. He celebrated his first mass in a log cabin on May 5, 1833.
The first Saint Marys Church building cost about $400. It was not plastered. It had rough benches for pews. The outside was not painted. It lacked a steeple or tower. Later, a low tower was added. It held a small bell. This was the first bell in Chicago to call people to worship.
Over the years, Saint Marys Church has had many locations. It has survived fires and changes. Today, it continues to serve the community. It offers faith and education. Saint Marys Church is a beacon of faith in Chicago.