Did you know that St Gelasius Church in Chicago almost disappeared? This beautiful Renaissance Revival building at 6400 South Woodlawn stands before you a testament to preservation. St Gelasius wasn’t always a landmark. In fact it was slated for demolition. The Archdiocese of Chicago planned to tear it down in 2002. The church had been closed that year. The dwindling congregation and the high cost of upkeep sealed its fate. Or so it seemed.
The story of St Gelasius Church is a fascinating fight between preservation and demolition. This wasn’t just any old church. It’s a stunning example of Henry Schlacks’s work. Schlacks a prominent Chicago church architect designed it in 1923. The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture. Its ornate exterior and detailed windows are a sight to behold. Its 120-foot bell tower once dominated the Woodlawn skyline. The Archdiocese’s plans were met with fierce resistance from the community. They believed St Gelasius deserved to be saved. They rallied and fought back.
The community’s battle to save St Gelasius Church was historic. It was the first time the Chicago Landmarks Commission had attempted to landmark a church without the owner’s consent. The 1987 city ordinance typically required such consent. However city officials argued that since the church was no longer used for religious purposes it didn’t fall under those restrictions. The fight went all the way to the City Council. After a tense vote in January 2004 St Gelasius received landmark designation. Only one alderman voted against it.
The landmark designation saved St Gelasius from demolition. However the church’s journey was far from over. Another fire ravaged the building in 2015. The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest took over the church in 2004. This religious order was determined to restore it. This wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It was about the community. They worked tirelessly to restore the church again. This second fire almost led to the church’s final demise. But once again the community rallied.
Today St Gelasius Church continues its mission. It serves as a reminder of the power of community action. It’s also a testament to the beauty of preserving our history. The story of St Gelasius is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about the people who fought to save it. It’s about the resilience of a community. And it’s about a building that continues to stand tall as a symbol of hope and perseverance.