Being modelled by the immigrant communities over the years, the city of Chicago is replete with ancient churches that marvel. Walk into any popular Chicago church and you'll feel a sense of faith reflected by its ornamental architecture. The pristine interior and intricate artworks reflect the hard work of Catholics. The Saint Mary of the Angels is the best churches that Chicago boasts of. It is an ancient church belonging to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois. Comfortably seated at the 1810 North Hermitage Avenue in Bucktown neighbourhood, this historic structure is a fine representation of a Polish Cathedral pattern church. Opt in for a budget tour from Delta flights and head towards Chicago.
The Church Architecture
This church takes its form and decor much like other Polish Cathedrals such like the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pittsburgh or the Steinbach built the church's pattern on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This church has been accredited as one of the best examples of Roman Renaissance structural design in United States. There is an impressive brick edifice that has a twin bell towers along with a stunning dome that was created at the expense of $400,000. This is a testimony to Father Gordon's zest and the kindness of parishioners.
The Church Nave
Back in 1948, in the arrangement of the Golden Jubilee of the parish, John A. Mallin has furnished the interior of this church with intricate paintings and designs. There is a W. W. Kimball pipe organ, installed back in 1923 incurring an expense of $23,750. It comprises of 57 ranks and four manuals that further consists of theatre stops, that is a rare element in Archdiocese of Chicago. Back in 1973 there were exhaustive restoration works being done on the dome exterior. The “Golden Light” that you'll find visible in the cupola has been contributed by Holy Name Society.
The Church Service
Situated in central Bucktown the Saint Mary of the Angels is open to public visit from dawn to dusk for the whole week. There are Sunday masses organized that is commemorated in Spanish, English and Polish. Per week there are approximately hundreds of area residents that visit this Church to worship, attend the various events and classes held here. Another interesting fact about this church is the priests of Opus Dei order (mentioned in Dan Browm's Da Vinci Code) still supervise the parish.
Recently, this church has witnessed a change from a strict Polish parish to that that of a multiracial and multicultural ones, owing to the entry Hispanic immigrants. So book your tickets to Chicago from British airways flights, from airfarenetworks.com and head to the city to explore this quaint church.
Nguyen An Tra My
Martin Wynn
