Picture this a simple wooden structure nestled on Lake Street. This was the humble beginning of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in 1833. A small group of Chicago’s Catholic community petitioned Bishop Rosati for a priest. They were about 100 strong. Their faith ignited a spark. This spark grew into a vibrant parish.
Saint Mary’s wasn’t always where it stands today. It moved several times. First to Michigan and Madison. Then it became the first Catholic cathedral in Chicago at Madison and Wabash. Tragically the Great Fire of 1871 destroyed it. The resilient spirit of Saint Mary’s however lived on. The Plymouth Congregational Church. This church miraculously survived the fire. It became the new home of Saint Mary’s. It was renamed Old St Mary’s.
The Paulist Fathers took charge in 1903. They established the renowned Paulist Choristers. A sixty-five-voice choir of men and boys filled the church with music. Their voices echoed for decades. The choir’s legacy continues to resonate today. Old St Mary’s eventually fell into disrepair. It was demolished in 1971.
A new chapter unfolded. A chapel at Van Buren and Wabash became the new Old St Mary’s. Yet another move followed. A beautiful new church opened at 1500 S Michigan Avenue in 2002. This impressive building stands as a testament to faith. Its architectural beauty stands out. It won a prestigious design award.
The stained-glass windows tell a story. They depict Mary and Christ. The crucifix a powerful symbol of faith is surrounded by red glass. This represents the Blood of Christ. The baptismal font a unique womb shape symbolizes new life. The church’s rich history is interwoven into its architecture. It reflects the community’s deep devotion and unwavering faith.
The story of Saint Mary’s is not just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of resilience. It’s about community faith and perseverance. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. It’s a vibrant living legacy in the heart of Chicago. The beautiful building standing before you today is a beacon of hope and a testament to faith. It’s more than just a church. It’s a spiritual home for generations of Chicagoans.