Here’s a question for you. Did you know St Luke’s Orthodox Church has a piece of the World Trade Center? It’s an i-beam. The church is at 9300 W. 107th Street in Palos Hills. St Luke’s Orthodox Church is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to faith. It is a monument to community.
The story of St Luke’s Orthodox Church began in 1984. A small group gathered with a shared vision. They wanted an Orthodox parish that moved beyond ethnic boundaries. They wanted to worship in English. The Orthodox Church in America embraced their vision.
Initially, the mission rented space. It was the vacant Sacred Heart Church. This building has its own rich history. It was erected in 1904 as a Roman Catholic mission. It replaced a log church that burned down. This original church was at 101st and Kean Avenue. The Sacred Heart cemetery remains there today.
The land holds even older stories. In the 1600s, the French army built a fort on this hilltop. Missionary explorer Father James Marquette spent a winter in a log cabin here.
The architect of the Sacred Heart Church was William J. Brinkman. He designed several notable churches in Chicago. The Romanesque building had a steeple. It was topped with a golden cross. Today, St Luke’s Orthodox Church plans to construct a bell tower. It will have a golden cupola and cross.
Interesting features remain. The round rose window over the front door is unique. Originally, it contained stained glass petals. Some were stolen over the years. Now, clear panes alternate with stained glass. The basement wasn’t original. It was dug out later for a fellowship hall.
In 1971, Sacred Heart parish moved. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese rented the building. It became the Newman Center for Moraine Valley Community College. In 1984, the Archdiocese rented it to the newly formed Orthodox mission of St Luke. By 1986, St Luke’s Orthodox Church purchased the building. The final mortgage payment was made in 1996.
The parish has continued to grow. In 2002, a new multi-purpose complex was completed. It includes classrooms, offices, a conference room and a fellowship hall. The bells ring throughout the Moraine Valley. The facility is open to various community groups.
St Luke’s Orthodox Church acquired an i-beam from the World Trade Center in 2002. The bell tower is dedicated to those who perished on 9/11/2001.
St Luke’s Orthodox Church also supports mission work. They support efforts in India, Romania and Africa. Members have gone on mission trips to Mexico, Alaska and Guatemala.
Today, St Luke’s Orthodox Church stands as a beacon. It is a testament to faith, community and service. Its history is etched in its walls. Its future is bright with hope. It is a place where history and faith intertwine. It’s a place where everyone is welcome.