St. Joseph Church
1747 Lake Ave., Wilmette

St. Joseph’s began as a log cabin in 1847 on the north bank of the Chicago River. Its presence helped write the future history of Wilmette. Mother church to several other parishes, its worship site moved three times, finally resting on the area’s highest point of land.

This last church dedicated by Cardinal George Mundelein just before his death in 1939, was designed by his favorite architect, Joseph W. McCarthy in an elegant mix of Romanesque and Art Deco styles. Prepare to experience “a holy longing” as light filters through its exquisite stained glass windows of brilliant reds and blues. Medieval chant through modern melodies echo from the historic pipe organ.

A vibrant parish of new families as well as those with founders’ roots, their energy envelops catechetics, liturgy and service. Their school has reopened, and since 1997 the Sisters of Christian Charity have resided in the once-closed convent.