As Easter approaches, two Chicago churches find themselves at opposite ends of a tale of triumph and sorrow. In the historic Pullman neighborhood, Greenstone Methodist Church has successfully raised sufficient funds to restore its heating system, ensuring its survival for future generations. Conversely, Saint Thomas Moore Catholic Church on the Southwest Side prepares for its final Easter Sunday service before closing its doors permanently. This divergence in fortune highlights the challenges faced by religious institutions in maintaining their presence amidst shifting demographics and financial constraints.
In the heart of Pullman, a community-driven initiative has brought new life to the 144-year-old Greenstone Methodist Church. Residents, united across various faiths, pooled over $20,000 to cover an outstanding gas bill, restoring heat to the church after enduring two harsh winters without it. Cindy McMahon of the Historic Pullman Foundation expressed the collective joy of the community, noting the success of their GoFundMe campaign. The church, with nearly all its original fixtures intact, stands as a testament to the area's heritage and will soon open its doors to the public during Pullman Railroad Days in May.
Meanwhile, on the Southwest Side, Saint Thomas Moore Catholic Church faces a more somber fate. Once attracting over 1,200 worshippers when it was established in 1958, the congregation now numbers only around 160 members. Despite efforts over three years to recruit more African-American Catholics, the Archdiocese of Chicago has decided to close the church, ending all masses by May 27. Parishioners like Bill McDonald and Kate Aguanunu express deep attachment to the church and disappointment over the decision, hoping for a reversal from the Archdiocese.
The sanctuary of Saint Thomas Moore is adorned with stunning stained glass narrating the story of Saint Thomas More, blue-toned mosaics, and gold-painted wood carvings depicting the stations of the cross. For many, this architectural beauty represents not just a place of worship but a spiritual home. As they prepare for their last Easter mass, parishioners cling to the hope that the Archdiocese might reconsider its decision, allowing the church to continue its mission of attracting new Catholics.
This Easter season underscores the resilience of communities rallying to preserve cherished landmarks and the emotional weight carried by those facing the loss of their spiritual anchors. While one church celebrates a hard-won victory, another awaits a potential reprieve, highlighting the complex interplay between tradition, community, and institutional decisions in modern times.