A Catholic cemetery is a sacred place. It shows respect for God’s creation. Here at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, we see a continuation of faith. It is a belief in the Resurrection.
Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery is a reminder of love. It reminds us of fellowship and faith. We shared these with deceased family and friends. The cemetery serves Ukrainian Catholic parishes. These include St. Nicholas Cathedral and Sts. Volodymyr and Olga Church. Other churches include St. Joseph the Betrothed Church. Immaculate Conception Church and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church also use it.
Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic parish started on January 28 1906. The first burial occurred on April 2 1906. It was at a secular cemetery. The land on Higgins Road was not purchased until 1925. It cost $10000.
In the early years the land seemed vast. One section was used for burials. The larger area was used for picnics. There were food and dancing facilities. After World War II, this changed. Many Ukrainian immigrants came to Chicago. They were displaced from their homeland. The picnic area became burial ground.
A Memorial Cross stands in the center of Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. It commemorates the 950th anniversary of Christianity in Ukraine. This cross was built on June 30 1940. Liturgies were celebrated on various occasions here. Memorial Day services also took place in front of the cross. An altar was erected for these events.
Currently, there are about 8300 burial lots. Ninety percent are occupied. Space is limited. In 1994, a mausoleum was erected. Most Reverend Michael Wiwchar oversaw it. He was the Bishop of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Chicago. The mausoleum was blessed on Memorial Day May 27 1996. The mausoleum has capacity for 470 crypts. It also has 112 niches for cremains. Half of the crypts and niches have been sold. Space is reserved for an addition to the mausoleum. Steps have been taken to acquire more land.
Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery is over 90% full. It has over 8300 burials. The mausoleum was added between 1994 and 1996. It is about half full. There are plans to expand it. The cemetery is next door to the All Saints Cathedral Parish Cemetery. This is for the Polish National Church.
Drivers on Higgins Road may barely notice the headstones. They are surrounded by woods and the Des Plaines River. High-rise hotels and office buildings are nearby. These cemeteries mark heritage for Ukrainian and Polish families. They came from eastern Europe. They established cathedral parishes here. Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery is a testament to their faith. It is a lasting memorial to their lives.