Dating from 1840, the church was the second "Irish" Catholic Church in Lemont proper (the oldest being St. James in Sag) and the first in downtown Lemont. The first St. Patrick's church was a log cabin mission station at the intersection of State and Main Streets In August 1862, services moved to a wooden church built on Stephen Street near where the Central School is located. Construction of the current church, made of Lemont limestone, was started in 1895. It is at the intersection of Illinois and State Streets. Historical data from the Lemont Area Historical Society and Museum
Symbols from St. Patirck Church Stained Glass Windows. Click on a symbol to enlarge the image.
A beautiful, marble statue of the Virgin Mary stands adjacent to the church. Symbolically, Mary, Mother of the Church watches over the main entrance of St. Patrick's Church
The Village of Lemont's motto is "Village of Faith" and its church spires reflect the many ethnic groups who came here to quarry stone, dig the Sanitary and Ship Canal and work in other industries.
Village of Faith
170th Anniversary Celebration
Click on photo to enlarge image
Our former pastor, Fr. Peter Dunn (1975-1990), with Gene Zolecki as his project supervisor, were researching the parish history in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the parish, when they came across a hand-written accounting by Father John Francis Plunkett. It read: “the expenditures for the churches at Juliet and Corkstown commenced April 25, 1839.” Fr. Dunne took this date to be the beginning of St. Patrick in Lemont. Therefore, April 25, 2009, we are 170 years old. Happy anniversary to St. Patrick Parishioners!A year ago we invited Cardinal George to help us inaugurate the year. 1839 - 2009
Statues of St. Patrick Church
Fr. Shannon's 50th Anniversary Celebration
During the month of May, Fr. Shannon reached the 50th year of his ordination as a priest. On June 14, 2009 the parish celebrated with Fr. Shannon. The Mass and reception following was a fitting tribute to an outstanding priest who has served the people of God for more than half a century.. God bless you Fr. Shannon!
