Since its beginnings on the eve of July 4, 1916, the story of St. Simon Parish could be summarized by four words: THE MYSTERY OF GROWTH. As human growth takes place in a certain environment and is influenced by world events, so was the growth of the Parish. Courage and determination surmounted crises and disappointments; the growth of the Parish was not without reversals or mistakes. St. Simon Parish is fortified today with the learning that comes from having faced setbacks and with the zeal and concern of the many people that have walked through its doors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 3, 1916 -A group of Slovak immigrant people petition the Archbishop of Chicago for permission to build a Slovak church on Chicago's south side.

December 10, 1916 - A decision was made to purchase land at 52nd & California Ave. for the new church, which was to be called Saints Peter & Paul.

March 25, 1917 - Progress on the proposed church comes to a standstill during World War I.

The 1920's - Major fundraising takes place and donations are collected so that the community can proceed with its plans to build a church for the Slovak People.

September 26, 1926 - The first pastor, Rev. Edward Sendek is named and meets with the building committee.

 

January 10, 1927 - The Chancery Office assigns the Slovak parish the new name of Saint Simon the Apostle because a parish in the vicinity already had the name of SS. Peter and Paul. A frame wooden church at 5143 S. California is built.