Our Lady Of Pompeii Church

At the turn of the century, the influx and growth of the Italian Community of the near west side area of Chicago, was a challenge to all agencies involved in their care, help and development. The church too, with one Italian parish in the area – Guardian Angel Church – saw the need of expansion and of another parochial facility to serve and administer to the growing migrant and immigrant community. It was in 1910 that Father Pacifico Chenuil, then Pastor of Guardian Angel Church, with the guidance and support of His Excellency James Quigley, arrived at the decision to proceed with the establishment of a new parish farther west at Lexington (McAllister Place) and Lytle.