St. Thomas Sixty-Year Commemorative History

Title: St. Thomas Sixty-Year Commemorative History
Description: Written by Reverend Michael Rochford in 1976, this document celebrates sixty years of St. Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church. Rev. Rochford provides a detailed account of the entire church history. St. Thomas was founded by wealthy Irish Catholics in what was known as the "Wilson Avenue District," now known as Uptown, after a severe snow storm in February of 1916 made it difficult for many to walk to church. Demanding Archbishop George Mundelein to create a closer parish, their wishes were fulfilled after collecting five-hundred signatures in only four days. Formally founded March 4, 1916, the parish would host Mass in local theaters and teach in a rented out house until a building was completed on June 24, 1917. Through shifting demographics, St. Thomas would become an incredibly diverse parish, moving its focus away from wealthy patrons to serving those in need, even those who were not parishioners.
Is Part Of: Mary, Mother of God Roman Catholic Parish; St. Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church
Denomination: en Roman Catholic Church
Date: September 1, 1976
Source: Parish Heritage Center Mary, Mother of God Parish
Language: English
City: Chicago
Neighborhood: en Uptown; en Edgewater; en Andersonville
Rights: Image courtesy of Mary, Mother of God Parish
Contributor: Caelinn Carraher