You might ask why were some churches included in Heavenly City and others were not. The answers are complex, not fixed on any one criteria, and sometimes, it was too far to drive to a Church at the end of the day and make it to the photo lab to see the proofs for the next morning.
St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr on Chicago's far west side (Near Grand and Central, at 5352 W. Belden Ave), is a whale of a drive, and makes a good case for a second book of Chicago Churches. The ceiling is terrific, with a low slung barrell vault, unique in Chicago Churches (though looking a bit like the Palmer House). Dramatic statues, excellent condition, vivid colors (violet no less) and most importantly, an Open Door when I rang at the rectory, with a helpful parish worker named Ida who guided me through the Church.
Still holding Polish Language Mass, since 1893, this St. Stans (as well as the older one on the near Northwest side) is going strong, and very active per its bulletin. Air conditioning is being installed in the Church, if you have the ability to send a donation to cool the parishoners.
1 comment:
...makes a good case for a second book of Chicago Churches.
I hope this happens. I can think of many favorites that were not included in the first volume, for whatever reason. Ss. Volodymyr and Olha, St. Gregory the Great, and Nativity BVM in Marquette Park are, to me, the three most interesting Catholic church buildings in the city.
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