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 St. James Church Pastor: Father Edward Linton, OSB Photo by: Sandy Bertog |
 by Dolores Madlener St. James Church History is embodied in this limestone neo-gothic structure, considered architect Patrick C. Keeley’s crowning achievement. Archbishop Patrick Feehan consecrated it in 1880 and the belfrey’s 20-bell carillon echoed for eight miles. As a parish of Irish immigrants, its priests ministered to Confederate prisoners at nearby Camp Douglas; it survived the Chicago fire and witnessed decades of urban social movements including African-American integration in the 1950s-60s. It survived a devastating church fire in 1972 that melted its Tiffany windows and gutted the sanctuary. But like the phoenix, St. James rose from the ashes. Today’s vibrant liturgies are the source for an active ministry to families, an abundant food pantry, campus and hospital ministries in the neighborhood, and a commitment to faith-based scholarship programs for its youth. As their Web site proclaims: “St. James stands today as a sign to the community that God does, indeed, move among His people and make His presence felt.” |
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