Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Chicago)
United States · Illinois · Cook County · South Chicago Township · Landmarks
Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.
Overview
Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is one of the earliest Catholic parish successors in Chicago, located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, USA. The parish can be traced back to the establishment of St. Mary’s Church in downtown in 1833, and the name 'Old St. Mary’s' comes from the Plymouth Congregational Church, which was purchased and converted into a Catholic church after the Great Fire of 1871, symbolizing the continuation of Chicago's first Catholic parish. Today, the church combines modern architecture with a rich history, serving as a landmark for visitors to learn about Chicago's Catholic history and the changes in the South Loop community.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is to take the Chicago 'L' train to the 'Roosevelt' station on the Green or Orange line. After exiting, walk along Michigan Avenue or Wabash Avenue for about 10–15 minutes to arrive at the current location on South Michigan Avenue. You can also take several CTA bus routes (such as those passing South Michigan Ave.) and get off at a stop near the church, walking about 3–5 minutes to reach it.
Highlights
The most notable feature of Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is its role as the historical successor of Chicago's first Catholic parish, having undergone multiple relocations and reconstructions, witnessing the city's development since the 1830s. The current church building, completed in 2002, has a simple modern appearance, with a bright and spacious interior, deliberately responding to the redevelopment atmosphere of the South Loop while retaining the traditional Catholic altar and liturgical space configuration. The church also combines parish school and community activity spaces, serving as a center of faith and community for South Loop residents, where visitors can experience local community life during Mass or open hours.
What to See
Old St. Mary’s New Church (1500 South Michigan Avenue): The main church structure was consecrated and opened in 2002, featuring modern architectural vocabulary, with high ceilings, a minimalist altar, and wooden benches, creating a serene and solemn liturgical space. Historical Heritage Exhibits and Records: The church's history can be traced back to the original St. Mary’s Church in 1833 and the purchase of Plymouth Congregational Church after the Great Fire of 1871. The parish often showcases early church photos and stories in publications, brochures, or tours, including images of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the parish known as 'Old St. Mary’s.' Old St. Mary’s Catholic School: The parish established an affiliated Catholic school in 2004, with a new building opened in 2011, becoming an important educational resource for South Loop families; visitors can see the modern campus buildings and student activities, showcasing the connection between the parish and the revitalization of the city. South Loop Streetscape and Urban Pulse: The church is located in a high-rise and continuously updating South Loop area, with a view of the downtown skyline from the church's front. Walking around, one can feel the transformation of Chicago from an industrial city to a modern metropolis.
Hours & Admission
Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is generally open to parishioners and visitors during the day outside of liturgical hours, allowing guests to enter freely for quiet visits and prayers. However, specific open hours may vary depending on weekday and weekend activities, so it is recommended to check the official website or call the parish for confirmation before visiting. Mass and other sacraments are held on Sundays and weekdays, and participation in Mass does not require a ticket, though parishioners and visitors typically may offer donations to support parish operations. The church itself does not charge an admission fee for visits, but special concerts, charity events, or school fundraising occasions may have attendance or ticket price regulations, which will depend on the specific event information.
Address
1500 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
Travel Tips
Visiting Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is best arranged alongside a trip to the South Loop, including attractions like the Michigan Avenue Cultural Corridor, Museum Campus, or Lakeside Park, allowing for a half-day to full-day walking route. Spring and summer weather is more comfortable for walking and taking a break in the church's front plaza or nearby corners; during winter, Chicago can be cold and windy, so it is advisable to dress warmly and be aware of icy road conditions. It is recommended to dress neatly and respectfully when visiting the church, being mindful of the liturgical space, and checking for any photography restrictions or asking staff before taking photos. If you wish to learn more about the historical background, you can read about the parish's history on the church's official website or download the weekly bulletin for a more complete context regarding the architecture, parish relocations, and developments after the Great Fire of Chicago. There is paid street parking and parking lots around the church, but spaces can be limited during weekdays or large events, so it is advisable to consider public transportation or rideshare services first.
Nearby Dining
Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is located in the heart of South Michigan Avenue and the South Loop, with several cafes, casual dining spots, and American restaurants within a 10-minute walking radius, making it a great place for meals or coffee breaks before or after visiting. Heading north along South Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave., you can find diverse options for brunch, Italian cuisine, burgers, and salads, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range, accommodating different budgets for travelers. If you walk towards the lakeside or Museum Campus, there are also chain coffee shops and light snack places along the way, suitable for enjoying takeout drinks and snacks by the lake or in the park. Some popular spots may be crowded during weekends and peak lunch hours, so it is advisable to allow time for waiting or avoid peak times.
FAQ
Q: Is Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church the oldest Catholic church in Chicago? A: Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is considered the historical successor of Chicago's first Catholic parish, St. Mary’s Parish, and is regarded as one of the earliest centers of Catholic faith in the city. In 1833, Chicago Catholics petitioned Bishop of St. Louis to establish the parish, subsequently building the original St. Mary’s Church on Lake Street. The church has undergone multiple relocations and reconstructions, purchasing Plymouth Congregational Church after the Great Fire of 1871 and renaming it 'Old St. Mary’s,' continuing the tradition of the original parish. Although the current location is a new building opened in 2002, it is still viewed as the legitimate continuation of 'Old St. Mary’s' in the parish's history. Q: Is the Old St. Mary’s Church building we see today built in 1866? A: The current Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church building on South Michigan Avenue was not built in 1866 but is a modern church that opened in 2002, constructed to serve the emerging community and parishioners of the South Loop. The 19th-century previous sites included the original wooden church, the later St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the Plymouth Congregational Church purchased after 1871, many of which have been demolished due to age or structural issues, making the current building a new generation parish space of the 21st century. Q: Do I need to make a reservation or buy tickets to visit Old St. Mary’s Church? A: Generally, visiting Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church does not require a reservation or an admission fee; visitors can enter freely during open hours for quiet visits and prayers. However, as the church is an active parish, if there are Masses, weddings, or other sacraments taking place, visitors should remain quiet and follow the instructions of the staff on site, and may choose to return at another time if necessary. For large groups or special tour requests, it is recommended to contact the parish in advance through the official website to make arrangements. Q: What other attractions are nearby Old St. Mary’s Church that I can visit? A: Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is located in Chicago's South Loop, with nearby attractions including Grant Park, the Michigan Avenue Cultural Corridor, and the Museum Campus to the south (such as the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium). It is very convenient to walk or take short public transportation to reach the lakeside trail and downtown high-rise area, making it a great part of a walking and cultural sightseeing day in the city. Q: Does the church provide tours in English or other languages? A: Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church primarily serves the local parish community and is not a typical tourist church, so regular multilingual tours are not its main service. However, the church's website and parish publications provide a wealth of historical and introductory information in English. For some special events or group reservations, a priest or parish volunteer may provide a brief explanation of the church's history and architectural features in English; if there are specific language tour needs, it is recommended to contact the parish in advance via email or phone.
