Mission Statement...We are a Catholic family, living our awareness of Christ’s presence through worship, service, evangelization & community for the benefit of all.
Our Parish
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St. Thomas the Apostle parish came to be in the year 1846 in a place known as North Barrens, about 4 miles west of Crystal Lake along Route 176. The actual site of the first Church, a log structure, was on the grounds of Mt. Thabor Cemetery. It was Rev. McMahon who organized the Mission Church. The structure was called the Little Church in the Bush by the Algonquin Township residents around Crystal Lake, and the Little Church in the Woods by the Grafton Township residents of Huntley. Both areas attached themselves to the Church. It served approximately 20 -25 families. The Mission Church was served from Woodstock by the following Priests from 1855-1885: Rev. Bernard O’Hara, Rev. James Meager, Rev. Terrance Fitzsimmons, Rev. James Ryan, Rev. J.M. Riordan, Rev. T. Quigley, Rev. T.L. Lightner, Rev. John Carroll, & Rev. Thomas Leyden.
A large influx of Catholics into the Crystal Lake area came in 1846. The congregation grew rapidly, and it became a Mission Church of St. Mary Parish, Woodstock, when that church received its first resident Pastor, Father Bernard O’Hara in 1855. By 1877, when Rev. Thomas F. Leydon was Woodstock’s Pastor, weekly mass had to be said in the larger quarters of Fitch’s Hall (Virginia Street & Florence Street where the Mobile gas Station is currently) in Crystal Lake.
Under the supervision of Rev. Leydon, property was purchased (from Thomas Leonard, Sr.) on Pierson Avenue and a frame church was constructed, with the first mass being said in 1881. The parish consisted of 65 families and the property value was $5,000.00.
In 1905, Barrington and Crystal Lake separated from Woodstock congregation and each was made a separate parishes. Each town had its own church; both communities contributed financial to build the rectory which was located in Barrington. During these latter years, St. Thomas parish was unique in that Mrs. T.F. Leonard, a parish member and gifted artist, decorated the church in the fashion of old country cathedrals. Inspiring murals frescoed the walls, and holy pictures covered the ceiling. The subsequent sale of the building for a homesite found these works of art destroyed, but the impression of their beauty and inspiration remained.
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First Framed Church
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In 1908, the Diocese of Rockford was formed from the Chicago Archdiocese. Barrington, where the jointly-financed rectory was located, was in the Chicago Archdiocese, while Crystal Lake, of course, was part of the Rockford Diocese. An arrangement was made whereby the Diocese of Rockford was allowed jurisdiction in the Barrington section of the parish. This arrangement lasted into the pastorate of Father Edwin A. McCormick (1915-1955).
Crystal Lake returned to a mission status in 1911 when Rev. Lonergan was appointed pastor of Barrington. In 1913, Crystal Lake became an independent parish, and Rev. Longeran was its Pastor; he continued, however to reside in Barrington.
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Diocese of Rockford
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Rev Joseph Lonergon1st Pastor
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In 1914 Rev. Edwin A. McCormick was appointed assistant to fill the vacancy created by the death of Rev. Geis. In the meantime, Rev. Lonergan had entered the armed services. From May 1915 to May 1922, Rev. McCormick served jointly Barrington and Crystal Lake. On May 2, 1922, Rev. McCormick was appointed the first permanent pastor of Crystal Lake. Following a donation of four city lots in 1922 by Mrs. Libby Duffy Reynolds, Rev. McCormick began construction of a parish plant. Excavation for the rectory began on June 1, 1922 (the current Parish Center), with its completion coming in March 1923. An entry in Father McCormick notebook states: “March 3, 1923: I burned my electric lights for the first time.” Total cost was $4,391.25.
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Rev Edwin McCormick2nd Pastor
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First Rectory
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1921
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1923
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1925
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The Existing facilities of the old church became inadequate to care for an ever-increasing number of parishioners and ground was broken for the church June 27, 1924 (Pierson Street Church). It was dedicated July 12, 1925, by Bishop Peter J. Muldoon. The new brick edifice cost over $ 70,000.00 seated 500, and the parish consisted of 84 families.
The increasing number of Catholic families in Crystal Lake soon made a Catholic school a necessity, with work beginning on that in June, 1927. It opened in September of that year with 60 pupils under the supervision of the Springfield Dominican Sisters of Springfield (Lake Street School). The school was modern in every detail and was erected at a cost of $50,000.00. A house was also acquired that year to be used as a convent, at the corner of Pierson and Florence Streets. An addition to the convent was completed in 1952. In 1953 the parish acquired a Catholic cemetery- a Catholic section of Crystal Lake Memorial Park Cemetery.
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Pierson St Church
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Convent circa:1927
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St. Thomas School
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1927
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1929
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1952
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Rev. Devine
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In May 1955, Rev. Robert Devine was appointed assistant to Rev. McCormick.
Fr. McCormick was called to his eternal reward on Dec. 13, 1955 after leading St. Thomas for 40 years. Rev. Devine acted as administrator until 1957 when Rev. Burwell E. Beddoes was appointed the 3rd Pastor. The entire community, Catholic and non-Catholic, were deeply grieved by his death and as a tribute to his 40 years of service, a public park was named in his honor and memory. A suitable marker was erected and a formal dedication of the “The Father McCormick Memorial Park” took place in August 1955, (this is where the Chamber of Commerce sits today).
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Rev. Beddoes
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Following Rev. Beddoes appointment, plans for a massive building project took form. The parish had grown to 850 permanent families with an additional number of summer residents. Plans were formed in December for a new school building (King Street School) with 8 new classrooms, library, & office with 23,034 square feet, which was dedicated on May 10, 1959. A new rectory to accommodate 3 priests was built at Washington & Pierson Streets (current location) and remodeling began to convert the old rectory into a larger convent (the current Parish Center).
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Convent
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New Rectory
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Rev. Reier
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The assistants serving with Rev. Beddoes were Rev. A Edward Reier 57-60; Rev. William McHugh 60-61; Rev. James Griffen 61-64 & Rev. David E. Beauvais 7/62-9/62. Rev. Beddoes was not destined to enjoy for long the fruits of his labors. He became ill early 1962 and passed to his eternal reward on June 9, 1962.
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Rev. McHugh
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ReV. Beauvais
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1953
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1954
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1955
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1956
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1957
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Rev. Raymond Eipers, the 4th pastor of St. Thomas was appointed in September 1962. He was transferred to Rockford in August, 1964.
In August, 1964, Rev. Leo H. Ambre arrived to begin his care of the Crystal Lake area Catholics. The assistants serving with Rev. Ambre were; Rev. Edward Hughes (67), Rev. L. Thomas Risley(6/64-), Rev. Thomas Coughlin(67), Rev Melvyn Vlasz, Rev. Mr. Daniel Hermes, Rev. Eugene Parker, Rev. Thomas Dempsey, Rev. Michael Douglas, Rev. Matthias Rauen, Rev. Paul Lipinski, Rev. John Holdren, & Rev. William McKinstra. The parish had grown to over 2,000 households and masses were to be held in the main church and a second altar was created in the basment. At that time, the addition of another parish was being considered for the city. After meetings between Bishop Loras T. Lane and Father Ambre, it was decided to retain the one parish situation, at least for a time, but there would be an additional church built.
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Rev. Eipers
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Rev. Ambre
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Rev. Hughes
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Rev. Risley
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Rev. Coughlin
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Rev. Vlasz
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Rev. Mr. Dan Hermes
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Rev. Parker
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Rev. Dempsey
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Rev. Douglas
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Rev. Rauen
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Rev. Lipinski
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Rev. Holden
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Rev. McKinstra
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The site chosen for the new structure was on the north side of the city, on Rte 176 and Oak Street. Ground broke March 20, 1967. Hexagonal in shape, the church would seat over 800 persons around its contemporary altar. Rather than calling the new building a Mission Church, parishioners referred to it as St. Thomas on Oak Street while the original Church was referred to as St. Thomas on Pierson Street. The new Church conformed to the latest decrees on church liturgy proposed by Vatican II. The plan is hexagonal in design expressing the concept of unity. While the structure seats 800 persons, there is no seat more than 50 feet from the Altar of Sacrifice.
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The Baptistery Is positioned at the entrance of the church following the traditional symbolism that we enter in the Church through the sacrament of Baptism.
Within the church the Altar of Sacrifice commands the attention of the worshipers. Suspended above the Eucharist table is a figure of Christ the High priest, hand carved of Lindenwood, on a cross of walnut and bronze. A chair is located behind the altar for the celebrant, from which he presides over the parish community. The Blessed Mother and St. Joseph are honored on opposite sides of the sanctuary area by hand carved statues with light polychrome finish. On the nave walls hang bronze Stations of the Cross of contemporary design.
In the area behind the Sanctuary is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel visible from all points of the church. The chapel provides a sacred space for daily mass. Traditional prominence due the Eucharistic Presence is maintained while keeping it separate from the area designated for the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Six large faceted windows and six skylights add a rhythmic pattern of light and color to the entire edifice. The interior and exterior is basically red and charcoal brick. Plaster panels of antique gold add an attractive dash of color. The laminated beams, roof deck and sanctuary panels are treated with ebony and walnut stain. The pews are dark oak with black naugahyde seats and kneelers. Vestibule and baptistry feature black slate. The nave floor is covered with copper gold carpeting. Surmounting a black shingle roof is a cupola containing carillons and supporting an eighteen foot aluminum cross.
Two cry rooms, a parish library, an usher’s room, a sacristy, and a small apartment for a resident priest complete the first floor plan. The basement has 600 square feet of usable space for parish activities. The entire building is air conditioned. In the near future, a pipe organ will be installed as a Memorial to Father Burwell Beddoes, a former pastor. St Thomas Church was designed by Millin, Ewald and Proctor of Crystal Lake, with Ladd Enterprises as General Contractors.
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1968
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Along with the structure ,a pipe organ was designed and built. A magnificent building that would cost approximately $688,000.00 before it was completed. The parish celebrated the completion of the new structure on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968. In 1969, parishioners Al & Florence Kasluga donated a magnificent 21 Rank Wicks pipe organ which still graces the Church today.
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To accommodate the growth of the community and with an eye toward the future, new rectory was purchased at 445 Dartmoor Drive in June of 1975. A new parish was established in Crystal Lake in 1979 and named St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. St. Thomas the Apostle parish gave the newly founded parish the rectory on Dartmoor Drive, the land for the new church and a loan of $500,000.00 to be repaid over a ten-year period.
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In March 1980, Rev. Leo Ambre left St. Thomas and we welcomed Rev. James V. McKitrick and Rev. Sam J. Guagliardo as co-pastors until October 1980 when Rev. Guagliardo was installed as Pastor of St. Thomas. Assisting Rev. Guagliardo were; Rev. Donald Smithes, Rev. R Kearney, Deacon Dan Hurley, Deacon Robert Nebel, & Rev. Thomas Brantman. Rev. Guagliardo remained with St. Thomas until August 1987 when Rev. Geoffrey Wirth came to St. Thomas.
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Father McKitrick
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Father Guargliardo
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Rev. Kearney
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Rev. Brantman
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Rev. Smithes
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Under Rev. Wirth's guidance, St. Thomas planned the first phase of an interior renovation to Oak street Church. In spring of 1988, the 26 year old church received an extensive renovation which included the skylights being repaired and the ceiling cleaned and resealed. The brick and cedar were cleaned, the paneling in the sanctuary was cleaned and treated, as well as woodwork, wooden doors were cleaned and resealed. The plaster areas underwent repair of cracks and holes and were painted; all metal windows and door casings were also painted. The carpet was removed and new carpeting was laid. The roof was replaced and interior lighting was upgraded and increased and ceiling fans were installed. In the altar area, the baptistery font was moved to the front and the former site in the back of the church was renovated, reworking of the platforms on the altar to increase the second level and removal of the fourth level and new tile installed. To round out the renovations, a new altar and lectern were installed, chairs on the altar were reupholstered, free-standing candles were added and cordless microphones were purchased.
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In September 1989 a newly renovated parish center was blessed.
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A phase I building fund campaign “Building Together for Our Future” was started for the building of the community center at Oak Street Church and the new school facilities. Ground was broken in October 1994 for a new addition to the school on King Street and a new community room at Oak Street Church. These were dedicated and Bishop Thomas Doran gave a solemn blessing for the completion on January 1996. The additions gave the parish 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including a library, a multipurpose room, kitchen and nursery at Oak Street. The King Street building added 11,000 square feet to the existing school, which allowed the school to provide athletics, sports, musicals and Christmas events on site, thereby eliminating the need to rent space for these activities.
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In November 1999 a granite monument titled “To Life” featuring the Holy Family and two granite benches with the words “Respect Life” etched into each one were installed and blessed by Rev. Wirth. The piece was funded by the Knights of Columbus Council # 3880, which had raised funds for it for 6 years.
A phase II building fund campaign “Honoring our Past and Believing in our Future” was started in 1997 to help reduce outstanding debt and pay for the renovation of Pierson Street Church. The anticipated cost was $240,000.00 plus furnishings.
At Oak Street Church, meeting rooms in the basement were renovated starting in February 1999, and were completed in May of 1999. The meeting rooms (Loras Hall) were divided into 3 rooms. A small vending kitchen is located next to one of the rooms and a movable partition wall will separate the rooms. Each meeting room will accommodate 50 people comfortably. The third space will primarily serve the parish choir and include storage for their robes and materials. This project will include the installation of an elevator. As the project nears completion focus will shift to the remodeling of Pierson Street Church.
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Pierson Street Church work began in February 2000; the work began on the upper floor with plaster repair and painting. The scope of the work included new paint, minor repairs to the mechanical equipment, new carpet and furnishings. The stained glass windows received minor repairs. The statuary and Stations of the Cross remained. The stairwell and foyer were resurfaced and painted. New exit doors and locks were installed on the front of the church. The 75 year old light fixture in the foyer will remain. Following the work upstairs, work began on the basement. Some demolition work in order to expose all of the condition and determine the best solution to the problems uncovered began. The finished basement included an area retained for the maintenance staff offices and shop, six meeting rooms, common space that can be expanded by movable partitions around 2 of the meeting rooms; a kitchenette and several storage spaces along with the restrooms were remodeled; all and all space could hold 120 people.
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In January of 2001, Rev. Wirth started construction on a new Baptismal pool to replace the small font that was located just behind the ambo on the altar. Construction began on the new baptismal pool in the rear of the church. The pool was octagonal shape, one of the ancient designs for baptismal pools. There was an upper font for infants and a lower pool for adults. The water flowed from the upper to the lower. This was ready for Easter April 2001. Assisting Rev. Wirth were Rev. Andrew Wisdom 88-1989; Rev. Joseph Schlade 1988-1989; Rev James Swarthout 1989-1992; Rev. Joseph Kaiser 1989-1991; Rev. Walter Johnson (hispanic ministry); Rev. David Huber 1992-1995; 1997-1998;1/1999-9/1999; Rev. Robert Jones 1992-1995; Rev. Timothy Seigel 1995-1997; Rev. William Schuessler ( in residence); Rev. Ephrem Karwowski ( in residence); Rev. Aaron Brodeski 1998-2000; Rev. Mr. Michael Black (summer) 1999; Rev. Leonardo Maldonado3/2000-10/2000; Rev. Keith Roscoe 2000-2002; Rev. Mark Campobello 2000-2001; Rev. Ken Stachyra 2001-2003; Deacon Ralph Statter 2001-2015.
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Rev. Wisdom
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Rev. Schlade
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Rev. Swarthout
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Rev. Kaiser
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Rev. Huber
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Rev. Jones
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Rev. Siegel
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Rev. Schuessler
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Fr. Brodeski
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Rev. Roscoe
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Rev. Stachyrs
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Rev. Wirth left and Msgr. Daniel Hermes came in July 2001. At that time there were approximately 3400 families registered. In February 2002, Msgr. Hermes started the remodel of the sanctuary space of St. Thomas which was returned to its original 1968 configuration, with the Tabernacle moving to the center of the sanctuary behind the altar. The Altar was moved to a more central location to be one of the main focus’ of the Church. The ambo was also moved to the opposite side of the sanctuary so that the Choir had easier access to the microphone for the sung parts of Mass. With the tabernacle in the center the celebrants chair was located to the side. Along with those changes a new crucifix was commissioned from Italy to hang in the sanctuary. This was hand carved of lindenwood by the Dematz Company of Ortisi, Italy (in northern Italy, at the base of the Alps). It was designed by Daprato-Rigali Studios. This change was brought on by the 2000 National Conference of Bishops document titled “ Built of Living Stones-Art, Architecture and Worship” this was asked of all Catholic parishes in our country. The Christ of Salvation was moved to the gathering area.
In 2002, the windows at the school needed to be replaced along with concrete that was broken or dangerous. Tuck pointing of the bricks and cracked asphalt needed repair. These started in the summer with new concrete steps in front of Pierson Street Church being poured along with new sidewalks and a concrete stoop outside of the school. The windows on the Pierson street section and on the Lake Street portion were replaced for $127,000.00. In addition, a new air conditioner at Oak Street Church was replaced for $6,600.00, and heat added in the school art and volunteer room at a cost of $11,000.00. New cabinetry for the school was purchased for $25,000.00 and a new protective railing was added at the Pierson Street Church for $9,750.00.
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In May 2003 St. Thomas acquired a one of a kind Chandelier pipe organ that would enhance the 21-rank pipe organ built in 1974, making it the largest pipe organ in McHenry County. When played, it allows the assembly to hear the melody of any song as it is played through the pipes overhead. This was installed in the sanctuary that summer and a concert was put on with the organist of St. Peter Basilica in Rome, James Edward Goettsche in September 2003.
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In the summer of 2003 the boiler at Pierson Street needed to be replaced because it died for a cost of $22,000.00 and new windows on the north side of the Lake Street School were replaced for $27,000.00. A new roof also was needed on the rectory with volunteers doing most of the work.
In 2004, the old roof on the original “house section” of the Pastoral Center was replace. The price tag for the new roof was $7,091.20. Tuck pointing of the most badly needed areas and replacing brick that were in danger of falling out to Pierson Street Church took place in the summer 2004 at a cost of $12,300.00. New carpeting was installed in the school rooms in the Lake Street building at a cost of $19,000.00. Liners in several of the chimneys were also installed at a cost of $9,050.00. Two parking lots near the Pierson Street campus, were paved, seal coated another one and totally redid the fourth one. The parking lots were about $60,000.00 when completed. Two new furnaces were installed at the rectory, as both were rusted out and dying, at the cost of $5,600.00. Tuck pointing to the problem areas of the oldest section of the Lake Street School was undertaken for a cost of $8,220.00. The parking lot next to the Lake Street School was totally replaced including new courses of gravel, limestone and asphalt for a cost of $23,250.00. A new 28 space parking lot at the Oak Street Church campus by the back storage area was added to insure no one had to park on Route 176, the second part of that project was the re-surfacing of the western part of the lot. The cost was $ 37,500.00 for the new lot and $48,454.00 for re-surfacing. Windows at the parish center were replaced because they could not be fully closed and were very old the cost was $24,002.95. The parking lot next to the King Street School building had to be taken down to the gravel and completely redone for a cost of $23, 258.75. New carpeting was installed on the community center at Oak Street Church, along with painting which totalled $20,000.00. The parish paid only $2,800.00of the total cost of that project thanks to the generous donations of the St. Thomas Women’s Club, the Funeral Luncheons and Mrs. Leona Rinn.
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In 2004, the first Hispanic Associate Pastor was assigned to St. Thomas and to SS Peter & Paul Church in Cary. Rev. Fabio Garzon moved into the rectory and had an office at the Pastoral Center.
Pierson Street Church originally had a cross on top of the brickwork and a statue of St. Thomas in a niche near the top. Over the years, that brickwork deteriorated and was beyond the point of tuckpointing and had to be taken down for safety reasons and new brick replaced it. Lost in the process was the cross on top of the church as well as the statue of St. Thomas. The Statue of St. Thomas now occupies an honored placein the courtyard, in front of the school building but the church had been without a Cross. In November 2005, a large cross was placed atop the Pierson Street Church. It is lit in the evenings and proclaims to the neighborhood the presence and love of Jesus Christ.
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Rev. Garzon
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In 2006 major repairs and replacements took place at all St. Thomas properties. New air conditioner compressor at Oak Street church was installed for $8,000.00. The bricks on the Parish Center were tuckpointed and two chimneys on the King Street School were rebuilt for $11,000.00. Multiple parking lots were resealed for $15,644.00. Two new chapel furnaces that heated the chapel behind the altar at Oak were installed for $ 6,900.00. Roofing projects included the remainder of the Parish Center, over the maintenance shop, and the upper part of the rectory were undertaken at a cost of $105,000.00. A new air conditioner was purchased for $5,400.00 for Pierson Street. In December 2006, after many faithful years of service, the Bells at Oak Street Church “died”. New ones were purchased and installed from the Schulmerich Bells Company. The Bells not only called the beginning of mass but chimed the Angelus at noon and 6pm daily.
In 2007 necessary repairs on the elderly building were still ongoing as new basement windows were installed at the Pierson Street Church for $17,600.00. Condensation holding tanks were added to the bolier for $3,660.00. The roof was completely replaced on the King Street School for $128,600.00. This included removing 3 additional roofs and new adding new drains. A fund drive began for upgrading the pipe organ to digital technology after the estimate to make the upgrade came in at $105,000.00.
The year 2008 brought exciting news that St. Thomas would open a pre-school for the school year 2008-09. The pre-school was located at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Crystal Lake until 2016 when it moved to the new "Little Saints"pre-school building in 2016. In the aging building projects, the original windows circa 1958 at the rectory were replaced for $33,500.00. With four permanent priests, seminarians and transitional deacons all living in the rectory, a "wonderful" problem arose, so an addition was added to enlarge the common space by adding a 4 seasons room off the kitchen. The projected cost was between $25,000.00 and $30,000.00 and was underwritten by anonymous donors. The work on the heating units at the Oak Street church continued with replacement of the duct work with a projected cost of $32,900.00.
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In 2009 the original roof and skylights at the Oak Street church needed to be replaced. At the same time tuckpointing to the chimneys on top of the roof needed to be done. The cost of the project was estimated between $85,000.00 and $95,000.00 and a church roof fund was started. The roof was completed including the rebuilding of the Chimneys and a new cupola for a cost of $77,225.07, at the finish of this the skylights still needed to be replaced. The Hispanic community updated the Pierson street church with beautiful tile work in the sanctuary and Church aisles and new carpeting.
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In 2010 more repairs on the ailing building took place with one of the two large boilers that heated and cooled the Oak Street Church died and needed to be replaced. It was original and 42 years old on the west side of the Church. The cost of the project and all new equipment was estimated at $61,000.00. Rust erosion on the Oak Street Church doors facing the west required replacement of them; the major re-construction cost was $16,800.00.
In 2011 the large boiler on the east side of the Oak Street Church needed replacement for $38,000.00. Projects were started and completed in 2011 which included a new roof on the Lake Street School, tiling at the King Street School building, new air conditioner for Pierson Street Church, resurfacing of some parking lots, new sidewalks at the Pierson Street church, New roof and windows on the Little Christopher’s building, new downspouts at the Oak Street Church, and New motor for the air conditioning unit at the Oak Street Church. Thanks to a generous donation from the St. Thomas Funeral Luncheon and the Parish new carpet was installed in Oct of 2011 in the Narthax of Oak Street Church along with some tile work.
In 2012 repairs, maintenance, and physical improvements to the many parish buildings were done without any special collections needing to be taken; there was a new security system for the school $31,715.00; Major repairs to the school kitchen $20,863.00; remodeling of the School basement $9,491.00; New intercom system for the school $11,193.00; New concrete work at the school $10,000.00; School Asbestos abatement $14,097.00; New tile for the 2nd floor of the School $5,069.00; and roof of the community center at Oak Street church $14,822.00. Seventeen new windows at the Parish Center second floor were updated,new copper water lines on the first floor were run. At the Oak Street Church old carpeting was removed and new tile was placed down the center aisle and around the Baptismal font.
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A three year pledge drive campaign began to add an Adoration Chapel on the existing Oak Street Church. It was decided that the site should be where the existing Parish Nursery was housed. The Parish nursery would be moved to the current office at Oak Street Church to accommodate the children and the Brides. The Drive raised $1,247,896.00 in pledges. The success of the drive made another blessing possible as they were able to put a new roof on the Community Center at the same time for a cost of $70,000.00. A Foundation was also immediately set up with $100,000.00 for the upkeep and care of the Adoration Chapel.
Groundbreaking took place on site with Bishop Malloy on May 31, 2013.
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Some of the features of the Chapel include three beautiful wooden beams made of walnut accenting the ceiling to help draw your attention forward to Jesus and the Monstrance. The monstrance rests atop a pedestal that sits on a marble floor with steps. The marble altar that holds the monstrance was refashioned from the altar located in the Bishop’s private chapel at the residence in Rockford, IL. That altar was used by the first six Bishops of the Rockford Diocese. The monstrance itself is a highly decorated, traditional monstrance patterned after German models from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. A multi-layered glory comprises gold plated sunburst and elaborate in design silver plated wreath with amethysts. Gold plated design with blue and purple stone around the ciborium. Entirety is topped by the gold-plated cross. Both the node and the base are richly adorned with the stones and enamel ornaments. On the base there are enamel medallions featuring the Holy Family and St. John the Evangelist. The round dome in the chapel, located behind the Monstrance, is all one piece and had to be fabricated and brought inside the building before the walls went up. Since once the walls were in place, there was no opening large enough to accommodate the entry of the dome into the chapel. The chapel has two adorning angels painted on the dome above the monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament. One of the angel's face is that of Pauline Hermes, Msgr. Daniel Hermes Mother. There are two arches over the special alcoves for statues. The one on the right holds a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, patron of the Eucharist Adoration Chapel. On the left, there is a statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The title being a devotional name which refers above all to her love for God the Father, her motherly love for her Son Jesus, and her compassionate love for all. These two statues stand on either side of the monstrance. There is carpeting under the pews but the center aisle is a beautiful terrazzo embedded with crosses, surrounded by a circle, at three different intervals.
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There a six stained glass windows designed and fabricatedby Daparto Rigali Studios. In the Narthex of the chapel there are 3 statues: St. Tarcisius, the young boy who was martyred in the early days of the Church in Rome while bringing the Eucharist to the Homebound; St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who brought the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the World; and St. Jude, the Patron Saint of hopeless cases, a beloved Saint to many.
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The first window is St. Thomas the Apostle, the patron Saint of people struggling with doubt, blindness, architects, builders, carpenters, construction workers, stone masons, surveyors and theologians. Perhaps the most famous for his doubting that Jesus had truly risen from the dead, but upon seeing Him he uttered perfect words of faith: “My Lord and my God” dying in 72 AD in India by stabbing with a spear for not worshipping an idol.
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The second window is of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini who was the first United States citizen to be canonized a Saint in 1946. Patron Saint of immigrants and migrants. A missionary to the immigrants in New York City, she labored 28 years in the United States and South America establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages, until dying of malaria in her own Columbus Hospital in Chicago, IL in 1917.
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The third window is St. Francis Xavier patron Saint of evangelizers and missionaries and one of the founders of the Jesuit Order. He spent his live preaching the Gospel and seeking religious coverts throughout Asia dying in 1552 at age 46.
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The fourth window is of St. John Vianney. In 1929, Pope Pius XI made him patron Saint of parish priests worldwide. After a lengthy battle with books, a meager formal teaching and understanding the lectures in Latin he became a Priest in 1815. Most remarkable was his work as a confessor spending upwards of 16 hours a day in the confessional. He died at the age of 73.
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The fifth window is that of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, a Doctor of Pediatrics. Patron saint for the Pro-Life cause. She became a pediatric physician, a wife, a mother and a Saint in less than 40 years. While pregnant with her last child a tumor was found, doctors gave her the choice of a complete hysterectomy, removal of the fibroma or an abortion. She opted for the removal of the fibroma while making it clear to her family that “they may have to save one or the other- I want them to save the baby” she delivered her daughter via caesarean and died of septic peritonitis seven days later at the age of 40.
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The sixth window is that of Cardinal Francis Zavier Van Thuan a true “Eucharist Martyr”. His life is one of gentle and heroic love for our Lord and the Eucharist. Imprisoned for 13 years, nine of which were in solitary confinement, in a re-education camp in Vietnam in 1975. During those years he saw an opportunity to come into a closer communion with Christ, increasing his hope which he passed on to others, prisoners and guards. He was released in 1988. He died of cancer at the age of 74 in 2002. He was declared “Venerable” in 2017. His cause for canonization continues.
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In 2014, a house between the St. Thomas School gymnasium and the playground was purchased for $120,000.00. The cost of the house was taken from the savings account that had been set aside for this purpose. The hope was to tear down the house and build a Pre-school and meeting room on the site. A low key fund drive was put into place.
The old house was torn down in July 2015 and building commenced. On April 6, 2016 a ribbon cutting to open the new Pre-school occurred and classes started in September 2016. The student population consisted of 52 students, ages 3 & 4 year olds, at that time the pre-school consisted of 2 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, and their own playground in a fenced area. The following year, pre-school enrollment increased to 78 students. The multi-purpose was converted into a 3rd classroom. The pre-school increased from 1 -four year old class and 2 -three year old classes to 3- four year old classes and 4 -three year old classes and a toddler playgroup for 2 year olds and a stay and play group to extend their day.
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In 2016 Pierson Street Church went through a renovation, the new tile was done in 2009 so painting, new carpet and new wood pews and kneelers were installed in August and September of that year.
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In 2017 a Hearing T-Loop system was installed in the Oak Street Church and the community center with a low key fund drive to offset the cost which was $7,379.00 for the Church and $3,162.00 for the community room. The system was installed under the main church and enabled those with hearing aids to hear through the microphones directly and not through the system that goes out into the church.
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Also in late 2017 a new altar, ambo, tabernacle pedestal, baptismal font, credence table, pascal candle holder, priest and altar server chairs and ambry were all purchased and installed due to the generous donations from the Hispanic community in the original Pierson Street Church.
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At the preschool a sandbox for the preschool play yard was installed with the help of volunteers and paid for with a grant from the American Heart Association.
In 2018 a new automatic handicapped accessible door was installed at the Oak Street Church. This door was installed across from the handicapped parking spaces facing Route 176 to accommodate the parishioners with wheel chairs, walkers or who just needed a little help. A new sound system was installed at Oak Street church. For several years the old system experienced buzzing feedback, the priest's microphones going in and out, and not being able to hear well in certain areas of the church. Four large speakers in the front of the Church that were located on the brick walls near the music hymnal number boards. The speakers project sound to every pew in front of them and also included 2 small speakers in the chapel behind that altar. Those speakers will project sound to the seats in the chapel area. New microphones for the Priests and for the Ambo were added . A new roll top mixing console desk/cabinet and digital mixer for the contemporary music group to use rounded out the improvement. A wall touch programmable panel that will allow a “lock down” of certain microphones that should never be adjusted or changed. A new piano microphone clip and microphone to help the piano be heard in all areas of the church with two additional hanging choir microphones for the traditional choir. Total cost for this project was $81,968.00.
Assisting Msgr. Daniel Hermes was Rev. Steven Lange 2002-2003; Rev. Mr. David Austin; 5/2002-8/2002; Rev. Cesar Pajarillo 2003-2006; Rev. Hector Moreno 2003-2006; Rev. Mark Kreis 2003-2006; Rev. Jude Moreno 5/2006-9/2006; Rev. Fabio Garzon 2004-2006; Rev. Mr. Randy Fronek summer of 2004; Rev. Gerry Paderon 2004-2005 ( in residence);Rev. Jose del Carmen Romero 1/2006-7/2006; Rev. Alfredo Rios 2006-2009; Rev. Bal Pabello 4 months in 2005; Rev. Dennis Morrissy 2006-2009; Rev. Max Striedl Jr. 2006-2007; Rev Gustavo Corredor ( in residence); Rev. Mr. Deacon John Gow 6/2007-7/2007; Rev. John Lovell 2007-2009; Rev. Mr. Scott Duvall summer of 2008; Rev. Rafael Tunarosa 2009-2012; Rev. Timothy Barr 2009-2010; Rev. Mr. Jonathan Bakkelund 12/2009-8/2010; Rev. Akan Simon 2009-present;Seminarian Javier Rocha summer of2009;Seminiarian Ervin Caliente 9/2010-5/2011; Rev. Jerome Koutnik 2010-2019; Rev. Mr. Timothy Draper summer of 2011; Rev. William Tunarosa 2012-present;Seminarian Ryan Browning summer of 2012; Seminarian John McNamara summer of 2013; Seminarian Kyle Manno 2/2014-7/2014; Seminarian Joseph Van Havermat 8/2014-1/2015; Deacon Sean Grismer summer of 2015; Seminarian Charles Warren summer of 2016; Deacon Allen Bondi 2001-present; Deacon Ed Morrison 2001-2020; Deacon David Deitz 2016-2020.
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Rev. Lange
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Rev. Pajarillo
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Rev. Kreis
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Rev. Fronek
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Rev. Rios
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Rev. Morrissy
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Rev. Striedl
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Rev. Gow
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Rev. Lovell
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Rev. Duvall
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REV. RAFAEL TUNAROSA
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Rev. Barr
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Rev. Bakkelund
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Rev.Akan
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Rev. Caliente
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Rev. Koutnik
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Rev. Draper
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Rev. William Tunarosa
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Rev. Browning
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Rev. McNamara
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Rev. Manno
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Rev. Grismer
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Rev. Warren
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In June 2018 Msgr. Hermes retired and Rev. John R. Evans came to St. Thomas and was installed as new Pastor. Assisting Rev. Evans were Rev. Charles Fitzpatrick 2019-Present; Seminarian James Linkeheld summer of 2019
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Rev. Fitzpatrick
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Rev. Linkeheld
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In June of 2020 Fr. Evans was moved and we welcomed again Rev. Robert Jones. Assisting Rev. Jones were Rev. Andrew Hernandez June 2020-Present
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Rev. Jones
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Rev. Hernandez
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