Around the city, St. John Cantius Cathedral

I've discovered I have an odd fascination with cathedrals. I thought this was limited to the Vatican and other awe inspiring churches in Italy, but apparently it carries right over to Chicago.

I had a doctor's appointment in a part of the city I have never been to and it happened to be right next to this gem. It was huge! And I thought it was beautiful. I took a few pictures to share...

The below is a corner block listing the year construction started, 1893. Below the numerals it reads in Latin; "Awesome is this place. It is the house of God and Gate of Heaven."

I find the history of old churches so interesting. It's hard to believe building of this church, St. John Cantius began in 1893 and that it is still a flourishing parish today! It was originally created as a second church to house the Polish Immigrants who were over flowing out of St. Stanislaus Kostka. The structure is a combination of Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Love the symmetry and "perfectness" of the wood doors.

I also really liked the bell tower. On Palm Sunday of 1897, the three large bells were blessed by the Fr. Vincent Barzynski and put in place in the south tower but were to remain silent for over one year until the church was closer to completion. Weighing respectively 5,186 lbs., 2,891 lbs. and 1800 lbs., the bells cost just over $2000 to install.

 

 

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St. John Cantius

825 North Carpenter Street
Chicago, IL 60642