History
Founded in 1901
For over a century, St. Mary of the Lake parish has been a welcoming home for Chicagoans of all ethnicities. From our founding by Western European parishioners we now have Latin American, African and Asian members worshiping at every service and participating in all levels of our parish. Our neighborhood has embraced homegrown transplants from Appalachia, African Americans from the deep south, Native Americans and urban professionals from across the country.
Parish Historical Timeline
1901–The Parish on St. Mary of the Lake was established, the first Mass being celebrated on October 2nd at Horace Greeley School. Rev. Msgr. John J. Dennison was the founding pastor and served for over half a century.
1902–The first Mass was celebrated in the temporary church.
1913–The cornerstone was laid for the current church, designed by Henry J. Schlaks.
1916–The current rectory was dedicated. Construction also commenced for the first two floors of the current school building, which was dedicated in December. The school is staffed by the Sisters of Mercy and dedicated laypeople.
1917–The present church was dedicated on May 20th, the cost of construction was $127,000.
1939–The Hagerty Building was dedicated in December, this building served at the convent for many years. The sisters former convent on the corner of Buena and Kenmore was razed to create a playground for the school.
1945–4152 North Sheridan Road was purchased for use as a parish clubhouse.
1956–Fr. Harry Rynard is installed as pastor.
1962–Fr. John Hartnett is installed as pastor. 4228 North Sheridan Road was purchased and home was razed to make a parking lot.
1964–Weekly Spanish language Sunday Mass is instituted.
1966–Fr. John Kuhlmey is installed as pastor.
1971–Bishop Nevin Hayes is installed as pastor.
1974–Fr. John Rosemeyer is installed as pastor. 4221 North Kenmore was purchased for use as a community center.
1976–Mr. Ted Kuntz is ordained as the first permanent deacon for the parish.
1988–Fr. Robert Mair is installed as pastor.
2000–Fr. James Colleran is installed as pastor.
2007–Fr. James Kastigar is installed as pastor.
2019–Fr. Manuel Dorantes is installed as pastor.
2021–Saint Mary of the Lake merges with Our Lady of Lourdes (4640 N. Ashland Avenue) on July 1st to form one new parish, as a result of Renew My Church restructuring. The parish is named Saint Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish; the main worship site and ministry center is Saint Mary’s site, while the Our Lady of Lourdes site is open for Sunday worship. Fr. Manuel Dorantes, assigned as pastor, Fr. Don Woznicki and Fr. Elvio Baldeon, were assigned as Associate Pastors of the new parish.