OUR HISTORY
Saint Mary of the Lake was founded in 1901 and Our Lady of Lourdes was founded in 1892
The new parish of Saint Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes was founded in 2021
For over a century, Saint Mary of the Lake parish and Our Lady of Lourdes parish have been welcoming homes for Chicagoans of all ethnicities. From our founding by Western European parishioners, we now have people from all over the world worshiping and participating in all levels of our parish. Our neighborhood has embraced homegrown transplants from Appalachia, African Americans from the deep south, Hispanics from Mexico and Central America, Native Americans and urban professionals from across the United States.
The two parishes combined into one new canonical parish in 2021 and both church buildings operated until May of 2024. Our Lady of Lourdes Church is now closed and all activity takes place at the Saint Mary of the Lake Church and property. See below for the parish timeline of Saint Mary of the Lake parish and the timeline of the combined parish, Saint Mary of the Lake and our Lady of Lourdes.
Saint Mary of the Lake and Combined Parish Historical Timeline
-
1901
The Parish of Saint Mary of the Lake was established, the first Mass being celebrated on October 2nd at Horace Greeley School. Rev. Msgr. John J. Dennison was the founding pastor and served for over half a century.
-
1902
The first Mass was celebrated in the temporary church.
-
1913
The cornerstone was laid for the current church, designed by Henry J. Schlaks.
-
1916
The current rectory was dedicated. Construction also commenced for the first two floors of the current school building, which was dedicated in December. The school is staffed by the Sisters of Mercy and dedicated laypeople.
-
1917
The present church was dedicated on May 20th, the cost of construction was $127,000.
-
1939
The Hagerty Building was dedicated in December, this building served at the convent for many years. The sisters former convent on the corner of Buena and Kenmore was razed to create a playground for the school.
-
1945
4152 North Sheridan Road was purchased for use as a parish clubhouse.
-
1956
Fr. Harry Rynard is installed as pastor.
-
1962
Fr. John Hartnett is installed as pastor. 4228 North Sheridan Road was purchased and home was razed to make a parking lot.
-
1964
Weekly Spanish language Sunday Mass is instituted.
-
1966
Fr. John Kuhlmey is installed as pastor.
1971
Bishop Nevin Hayes is installed as pastor.
1974
Fr. John Rosemeyer is installed as pastor. 4221 North Kenmore was purchased for use as a community center.
1976
Mr. Ted Kuntz is ordained as the first permanent deacon for the parish.
1988
Fr. Robert Mair is installed as pastor.
2000
Fr. James Colleran is installed as pastor.
2007
Fr. James Castigar is installed as pastor.
2019
Fr. Manuel Dorantes is installed as pastor.
2021
Saint Mary of the Lake merges with Our Lady of Lourdes (4640 N. Ashland Avenue) on July 1st to form one new parish, as a result of Renew My Church restructuring. The parish is named Saint Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish; the main worship site and ministry center is Saint Mary’s site, while the Our Lady of Lourdes site is open for Sunday worship.
2022
The Soup Kitchen moves from Our Lady of Lourdes to Saint Mary of the Lake Church on February 9, 2022. The Soup Kitchen continues its mission since 1981, serving more than 300 our unhoused and migrant guests every week.
2022-2026
Through the generosity of one of our parishioners, Saint Mary of the Lake Church was repainted with a new paint scheme, additional artwork and embellishments were added, restoring our church to its original splendor.
2024
Parishioners, leadership and the archdiocese make the difficult decision to close the Our Lady of Lourdes Church building after 108 years of service. The final Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartosic on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024.
2024
Fr. Sergio Rivas-Tamayo is installed as pastor.
2026
After years of planning and fundraising, the church is fully air conditioned for the first time.