“Bohemian immigrants sought a spiritual home.” That is how the story of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church begins. Today, we stand before a place that once echoed with the prayers and hymns of a vibrant Bohemian community. Saints Cyril and Methodius Church served Chicago’s Bohemian Roman Catholics for almost a century.
Let’s step back in time to 1913. Imagine the dedication of this beautiful Renaissance Revival church. Joseph Molitor, a Bohemian-born American architect, designed Saints Cyril and Methodius Church. It became a beacon of faith. The church’s grounds even included a convent.
For decades, Saints Cyril and Methodius Church thrived. It was a center for Bohemian culture and faith. But times changed. By 1990, the parish had dwindled. What was once a congregation of 900 families became just 150. Weekend masses saw only about 100 attendees. The collection basket barely covered the utility bills.
In 1990, the Archdiocese of Chicago made a difficult decision. Due to budget cuts, Saints Cyril and Methodius Church was permanently closed. The last mass was held on June 30, 1990. Reverend Charles J Kouba, the pastor for 19 years, shared the news with a small group of parishioners.
The interior of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church underwent renovations after the Second Vatican Council. The walls were simplified with Marlite. But the original stained-glass windows remained. The Munich Studio in Chicago created these beautiful windows.
Saints Cyril and Methodius Church stands as a reminder of Chicago’s diverse religious history. Though closed, its story lives on. It reminds us of the Bohemian immigrants who built a community here. Their faith shaped this neighborhood for generations.