St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church, Chicago
Following the waning demand for labor during the California gold rush and the construction of the Transcontinental railroad, a significant number of Chinese immigrants embarked on a journey eastward to Chicago. The earliest Chinese settlers primarily hailed from Taishan, a county in the southern province of Kwangtung, and the majority of them adhered to some form of Buddhism or Taoism. Many of them found employment with small import-export enterprises and manufacturing companies, and it wasn't until around 1912 that they began to establish their presence in what is now the Chinatown area.
In 1940, Reverend John T.S. Mao, a native of Nanking, China, leased a storefront at 2302 S. Wentworth and inaugurated Chicago's first Chinese Catholic Church, christening it Saint Therese in honor of the patron saint of missions, as a culmination of prior endeavors to foster a Chinese Catholic community in the city. In 1947, as Chinese immigrants began fleeing from communist China, the church's Mission played a pivotal role by providing free education to their children and addressing their other essential needs.
As the Chinese Catholic population continued to grow, the need for expanded worship space became apparent. The nearby Italian community graciously extended their hospitality by sharing the rectory and basement auditorium of their own church, Santa Maria Incoronata. In 1960, Chinese Catholics officially held their Chinese Mass within the Italian church, and just three years later, the building was formally transferred to them. This transition was a poignant moment for many Italian parishioners who had worshipped at the location; however, today, both groups coexist harmoniously, regularly sharing in worship. While the Italians once hosted the Chinese at Santa Maria Incoronata, the Chinese now reciprocate the gesture by hosting the Italians at Saint Therese.
The ensuing decades leading up to the 21st century have witnessed a transformation in the church's composition. Although still referred to as a Chinese mission, it now proudly represents a "salad bowl" of diverse ethnic origins. Acknowledging its rich heritage and looking forward to its future, this church stands as one of Chicago's most exquisite, a testament to its past and its evolving identity.
In 2000 and 2001, a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment project breathed new life into the church, shining brighter than ever in its century-long history. During the planning of this ambitious endeavor, great care was taken to preserve the church's cherished traditions while seamlessly incorporating the contemporary. The statues and stained glass windows pay homage to its Italian heritage. Statues of Saint Rocco and Saint Christopher symbolize the towns of Simbario and Ricigliano in Italy, while many stained glass windows honor the patron saints of specific Italian regions. Simultaneously, Chinese influences are prominently featured, with the parish's primary statement written in Chinese above the altar鈥攁 character signifying "love". The parish's motto is beautifully inscribed along the columns from right to left, bridging the rich tapestry of its diverse congregation: "Together in Christ, we are one happy family."
In 1940, Reverend John T.S. Mao, a native of Nanking, China, leased a storefront at 2302 S. Wentworth and inaugurated Chicago's first Chinese Catholic Church, christening it Saint Therese in honor of the patron saint of missions, as a culmination of prior endeavors to foster a Chinese Catholic community in the city. In 1947, as Chinese immigrants began fleeing from communist China, the church's Mission played a pivotal role by providing free education to their children and addressing their other essential needs.
As the Chinese Catholic population continued to grow, the need for expanded worship space became apparent. The nearby Italian community graciously extended their hospitality by sharing the rectory and basement auditorium of their own church, Santa Maria Incoronata. In 1960, Chinese Catholics officially held their Chinese Mass within the Italian church, and just three years later, the building was formally transferred to them. This transition was a poignant moment for many Italian parishioners who had worshipped at the location; however, today, both groups coexist harmoniously, regularly sharing in worship. While the Italians once hosted the Chinese at Santa Maria Incoronata, the Chinese now reciprocate the gesture by hosting the Italians at Saint Therese.
The ensuing decades leading up to the 21st century have witnessed a transformation in the church's composition. Although still referred to as a Chinese mission, it now proudly represents a "salad bowl" of diverse ethnic origins. Acknowledging its rich heritage and looking forward to its future, this church stands as one of Chicago's most exquisite, a testament to its past and its evolving identity.
In 2000 and 2001, a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment project breathed new life into the church, shining brighter than ever in its century-long history. During the planning of this ambitious endeavor, great care was taken to preserve the church's cherished traditions while seamlessly incorporating the contemporary. The statues and stained glass windows pay homage to its Italian heritage. Statues of Saint Rocco and Saint Christopher symbolize the towns of Simbario and Ricigliano in Italy, while many stained glass windows honor the patron saints of specific Italian regions. Simultaneously, Chinese influences are prominently featured, with the parish's primary statement written in Chinese above the altar鈥攁 character signifying "love". The parish's motto is beautifully inscribed along the columns from right to left, bridging the rich tapestry of its diverse congregation: "Together in Christ, we are one happy family."
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such 鈥渇orever free and open鈥� space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Popularly referred to as 鈥淐hicago's front lawn,鈥� this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Popularly referred to as 鈥淐hicago's front lawn,鈥� this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world鈥檚 great avenues 鈥� or Chicago鈥檚 version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago鈥檚 Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques 鈥� all of which have turned an area once referred to as the 鈥淐abbage Patch鈥� into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Tour in Oak Park
Oak Park, located in Cook County, Illinois, just outside Chicago, made history in 1889 when Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's most renowned architects, and his wife settled there, leaving a profound impact on the area's appearance. This village boasts the highest concentration of Wright-crafted buildings in the world - over a dozen! - making it a pivotal destination for enthusiasts to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago鈥檚 smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you鈥檒l find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chicago Souvenirs: 15 Distinct Local Products to Bring Home
One of the most fascinating cities in the U.S., if not the whole world, Chicago has no shortage of things closely associated with it, often due to their direct origin (blues, gangstership, etc.), so one might literally be spoiled for choice as to what to choose as a "piece" of Chicago to...