The Archdiocese of Chicago has withdrawn its request to demolish a historic South Side church just days before a city commission was to determine whether the church should be designated as a landmark.
St. Gelasius Catholic Church closed in June 2002 because of declining attendance. The archdiocese later decided to demolish the church, citing rising maintenance costs… The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest will use the church in the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood and has agreed to take on the structure’s maintenance and operating costs. Geoly said he is not sure when their masses will begin.