Ninety years of faith. That’s a milestone Saint Tarcissus Roman Catholic Church celebrated. This church has a rich history. It continues to evolve with its community.
Saint Tarcissus Parish was formed on April 3 1926. Cardinal Mundelein established it. He responded to Catholic families’ prayers in Chicago’s Gladstone area. The parish’s first pastor was Father Martin Hayden. He quickly set up a rectory in a two-flat on Moody Avenue. Parishioners helped construct a temporary wooden church nearby. This shows their dedication from the start.
Early days were challenging. The temporary church lacked heating and plumbing. Still, the community thrived. Organizations like the Holy Name Society formed. They focused on fundraising.
By late 1926, ground was broken for a two-story building. It housed both a church and a school. The first mass was celebrated there on July 23, 1927. The church could seat 625 people. Today, that space serves as the school auditorium.
The school expanded. A third floor was added in 1928. Despite the Great Depression, Father Hayden prioritized his parishioners’ needs. He even delayed building a new rectory. He felt his people’s needs came first.
After Father Hayden’s death in 1951, Father Edward Kush became pastor. His main goal was a new church for the growing parish. The cornerstone was laid on May 23, 1953. The first mass in the new church was on Easter Sunday 1954. Cardinal Stritch formally dedicated it on July 25 1954. Father Kush wanted the church to honor Msgr. Hayden.
The school continued to grow under Father Kush. Additions were made in 1956 and 1963. Father Kush retired in 1971 after twenty years of service.
Later pastors also left their mark. Father Dan McCarthy oversaw significant church renovations. These included a baptismal pool and a handicapped-accessible washroom. The Holy Family Prayer Garden was added in 2008.
In 2016, Saint Tarcissus joined other parishes. They created Pope Francis Global Academy. This ensured a strong future for Catholic education.
Saint Tarcissus has always been a multi-generational parish. It attracts older and younger members of the same family. This creates a strong sense of community.
In 2020, Saint Tarcissus joined St. Cornelius and St. Thecla. They formed St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish.
Saint Tarcissus Roman Catholic Church stands as a testament. It shows faith, community, and adaptation. Its history reflects the changing face of Chicago. It is a place where tradition meets the future.