September 26, 2004
St. Simeon Church
430 Bohland Ave., Bellwood

When this second church was built in 1966, architect C. I. Krajewski designed a modern fan-shaped edifice so every worshiper feels close to the altar. Its dramatic sanctuary of rich black and gold rippled Italian marble has a reredos of hand-hammered bronze. A resurrected Christ, 22 feet high, rises triumphant above the altar. It was executed by artist Odell Prather, who also created another striking feature here. The entire rear wall is her powerful stained glass window of the final judgement, focusing on the corporal works of mercy. It is the largest thematic stained glass window in the world, 22 feet high and 144 feet around.

Simeon, the cousin of Jesus and second bishop of Jerusalem, would feel at home here. The church carillon calls parishioners from 26 diverse countries of birth to worship together. Each brings some treasure to contribute to the faith community and no one goes away empty.

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