Have you ever wondered about the story behind a church? Standing before Saint Walter’s Roman Catholic Church in Chicago, a magnificent example of mid-century architecture, you can almost feel the dedication of its founders. Saint Walter’s was built in 1956, a time when Chicago was experiencing a post-war building boom. The church was established from parts of two other parishes, St. Cajetan Church in Chicago and St. Benedict Church in Blue Island. The area around the church, located on the far south side of Chicago, was rapidly growing with new families, many of whom were Catholic. Father Albert Walter Peterson, a former assistant at St. Gabriel Church, was appointed to organize the new parish. He had a vision for a church and school that would serve the growing community. Things didn’t come easily. The residents of Blue Island didn’t want a church and school built in their neighborhood. Father Peterson had to work to convince the city to grant them the necessary permits. He even had to resort to using a little-known law that allowed for the construction of a church and school on land that was previously zoned for commercial purposes. And so, in 1954, construction began on the church and school. The church itself is a beautiful example of modern architecture, with its yellow brick and Lannon stone exterior. The interior is equally impressive, with its high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Today, Saint Walter’s is a vibrant part of the community, offering Mass, religious education, and a variety of other programs. It was one of the first churches in the area, and it’s been a place of worship and community for over 60 years.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one