SCHOOL　•　EVENTS AT OSM　•　BULLETIN　•　WATCH ONLINE　•　STAFF PORTAL　•　VOLUNTEER PORTAL

Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church
GIVE

Our History

From Chicago’s earliest Catholic community to today’s vibrant South Loop parish.

Chicago’s First Catholic Parish

Our story began in April 1833, when the Catholics of a young and flourishing Chicago petitioned for a pastor. Known originally as Saint Mary of the Assumption, the parish has worshiped, served and educated Chicagoans for nearly two centuries.

Old St. Mary’s at State and Lake, 1833–1836

1833–1843

The first church stood near State and Lake before moving to Michigan and Madison. In 1843, St. Mary’s became Chicago’s first Catholic cathedral parish.

St. Mary’s Cathedral at Madison and Wabash

1843–1903

After the Great Chicago Fire destroyed the cathedral, the surviving Plymouth Congregational Church at Ninth and Wabash became Old St. Mary’s.

Old St. Mary’s at Ninth and Wabash

The Paulist Years

The parish was entrusted to the Paulist Fathers in 1903. Its ministries included the internationally acclaimed Paulist Choristers and generations of service in downtown Chicago.

Old St. Mary’s present church

A New Home

The present church at 1500 S. Michigan Avenue was dedicated in 2002. Old St. Mary’s School opened in 2004 and continues the parish’s educational mission.