St Josaphat's in Chicago
St. Josaphat's in Chicago, referred to in Polish as Kościół Świętego Jozafata and in Cassubian as Kòscół Swiãtégò Jozafata ,is a historic church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago located in, Chicago, Illinois. It is a prime example of the so-called 'Polish Cathedral style' of churches in both its opulence and grand scale. St. Josapahat's dominates over the Lincoln Park skyline with the church's two massive Romanesque belltowers a landmark view of the neighborhood.
History
Founded in 1884 as a Polish 'national' parish for Cassubians, also referred to as Kaszubs, who although Polish in national orientation, possess their own distinct culture and language marked by the distinct influences of their maritime way of life as well as German culture. The parish served as a chiefly Polish congregation well into the second half of the twentieth century, with half of the 450 families belonging to the parish in 1980 being of Polish origin. The parish now serves a very diverse congregation in a newly prosperous , gentrified neighborhood. The recently renovated church, with its excellent music program and traditional architecture, has become very popular for weddings, with over 65 a year.
Architecture
The Romanesque church, built at a cost of $125,000 in 1902, was designed by William J. Brinkman, who also drew plans for the Neogothic masterpiece of St. Michaels in South Chicago.
See also
- Polish Cathedral style churches of Chicago
- Polish Americans
- Roman Catholicism in Poland