St. Michael's Church - Old Town (Chicago, Illinois)

 landmark, place with historical importance, Roman Catholic church

St. Michael's Church in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago is a Roman Catholic church staffed by the Redemptorist order of priests. The parish was founded to minister to German Catholic immigrants in 1852 with its first wooden church completed that year at a cost of $750 (including the bell). The Redemptorists were invited to administer the parish in 1860 and a large brick church was finished in 1869. When completed, its tower made it the tallest building in Chicago, a distinction it held until the old Chicago Board of Trade building was completed in 1885.

The church was one of 7 buildings to 'survive' the path of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, albeit heavily damaged. Portions of the building survived -- the stone walls of St. Michael's being the only structures standing in the Old Town area. The church was quickly rebuilt.

It is said in Chicago that if you can hear the bells of St. Michael's, you are in Old Town.
www.st-mikes.org/aboutushistory.html