Potential Buyer Identified for Closed St. Adalbert’s Church in Pilsen, Leading to Concerns About Campus Preservation

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Archdiocese of Chicago has been trying to sell St. Adalbert’s Church since closing it in 2019.

There are assurances that the historic church will be preserved by a new buyer, although the other buildings associated with the church will not receive the same treatment. This decision has caused concern among those who are passionate about protecting the church.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The beautiful historic church building is well over a century old.

Originally constructed by Polish immigrants, St. Adalbert served as the focal point of their religious community in Chicago. However, as the demographic shifted over time, the Latino population became the predominant group in the Pilsen area.

Despite being closed for almost six years due to declining attendance, St. Adalbert remains an important symbol for a dedicated group of immigrants who are determined to uphold its traditions within the Catholic faith.

“These churches are the cornerstone of our architectural legacy here in Chicago,” said Jennifer Carlin Mills, with Save Our Catholic Churches.

That’s why a small group of faithful have kept vigil outside the church for years.

City officials say the church campus, which includes a rectory, convent and school as well as the church, is on the verge of having landmark status, which would protect it from being demolished or substantially altered.

“No church can survive on its own. It needs the benefit of the parking lot, the buildings around it to generate income,” said Julie Sawicki, with the Society of St. Adalbert.

After several failed attempts to sell the church property over the years, the archdiocese says they now have a buyer: a nondenominational church, which would likely demolish the rectory and convent.

In a statement, the archdiocese said in part, “We have been consistent in respectfully opposing the involuntary landmarking of this property, especially in its entirety. We have worked transparently with all stakeholders throughout this process and are grateful to those in city leadership who support limited landmarking. We’re excited about the potential steward that has come forward, People Church, and look forward to the return of the church to its full potential as a respite for the faithful.”

But the Society of St. Adalbert wants to save the entire church campus as a shrine to the Catholic Church.

“This is what makes our city architecturally significant and beautiful. These are the things that drive tourism here since we now have a pope from here,” Sawicki said.

The Zoning Committee meets Tuesday morning, and will consider changes to allow just the church to be landmarked.

As they have done since the beginning, those in the group trying to save the church say they will pray for a solution.