If you drive down 81st Street toward California Avenue on Chicago’s South Side, you can't miss it. The architecture is striking. It is a massive, mid-century modern beacon that has anchored the Ashburn community for decades. We are talking about St. Thomas More Chicago, a parish that serves as a living timeline of the city’s complex religious and social evolution. Honestly, if these walls could talk, they’d tell a story of massive post-war growth, demographic shifts that redefined neighborhoods, and a resilient faith that survives even when the pews aren't as packed as they were in 1960.
It’s more than just a church. It’s a landmark.
The Boom Years of the South Side
Back in the late 1940s, Chicago was bursting at the seams. Veterans were coming home. They wanted space, a yard, and a Catholic school for their kids. The Archdiocese of Chicago saw the handwriting on the wall and established St. Thomas More in 1944. Originally, the community met in a portable "tabernacle" building. Think about that for a second. A major parish starting out in what was essentially a temporary shack. But by the 1950s, the growth was explosive.
The current church building, dedicated in 1962, is a masterpiece of that era’s design. It was designed by the firm of Meyer and Cook. They didn't go for the traditional Gothic spires you see in Lincoln Park or Bridgeport. Instead, they leaned into the modern aesthetic: clean lines, vast interior spaces, and a sense of forward-looking optimism. At its peak, the school was one of the largest in the city. We’re talking thousands of students. It was the quintessential "parish life" that defined the Irish and Italian Catholic experience in Chicago for a generation.
Why St. Thomas More Chicago Still Matters
Neighborhoods change. That’s just the reality of a city like Chicago. As the decades rolled by, the ethnic makeup of Ashburn shifted. The "white flight" of the 70s and 80s hit many South Side parishes hard, leading to closures and consolidations across the Archdiocese. But St. Thomas More stayed. It didn't just survive; it adapted.
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Today, the parish is a vibrant, multi-ethnic community. It reflects the modern South Side. You’ve got a mix of long-time residents who remember the 1950s and newer families—many African American and Hispanic—who have made the parish their own. This isn't just a place for Sunday Mass. It’s a community hub. They host food drives, community meetings, and youth programs.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking these old parishes are just museums. They aren't. They are functioning, breathing organisms. When the Archdiocese launched the "Renew My Church" initiative—a massive restructuring plan to deal with declining priest numbers and building maintenance costs—St. Thomas More was a central part of the conversation. In 2022, it was announced that St. Thomas More would unite with St. Mary of the Star of the Sea.
Change is hard. People get attached to their pews. They get attached to the specific statues and the way the light hits the stained glass at 10:00 AM. But the "St. Thomas More" identity persists within this new unified structure.
The Architecture: More Than Just Bricks
If you’re an architecture geek, St. Thomas More Chicago is a must-see. The 1960s saw a shift in Catholic liturgy, moving toward the "Vatican II" style which emphasized the "priesthood of the believers." This meant churches became less like long, narrow tunnels and more like gathered circles.
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- The fan-shaped seating brings the congregation closer to the altar.
- The use of natural light is intentional, meant to create a "heavenly" atmosphere without the dark gloom of older cathedrals.
- The exterior features a dramatic verticality that mimics the skyscrapers of the Loop but applies it to a sacred space.
It’s bold. Some people at the time hated it. They wanted the steeples. But today, it’s recognized as a premier example of mid-century ecclesiastical design.
Navigating the Modern Parish Landscape
Living in Chicago means dealing with the reality of "consolidated" parishes. If you are looking to visit or join, you need to understand how the new grouping works. The "St. Thomas More" campus remains a vital site for worship, but it’s part of a larger administrative family.
Don't just show up expecting a 1955 experience. Show up for the gospel choir. Show up for the community activists. Show up for the bake sales that fund local scholarships.
The school situation has also evolved. While many parochial schools have closed, the legacy of education at St. Thomas More remains a point of pride for alumni across the country. There is a massive network of "STM" grads who are now leaders in business, politics, and the arts in Chicago. They carry that identity with them.
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What You Should Do Next
If you're interested in the history or the current community at St. Thomas More, don't just read about it online.
- Visit the Site: Head to 2825 W 81st St. Even if you aren't religious, the scale of the building is worth the trip. It tells the story of Chicago's mid-century ambition.
- Check the Schedule: Since the "Renew My Church" unification, Mass times and office hours can shift. Check the official parish website or the Archdiocese of Chicago portal for the most current times for the St. Thomas More campus.
- Explore Ashburn: Don't just hit the church and leave. Walk the surrounding streets. Notice the brick bungalows. This is the "Bungalow Belt." It’s the backbone of the city's residential history.
- Support the Community: The parish often runs outreach programs for the South Side. Whether it’s a food pantry or a neighborhood cleanup, these are the best ways to see the "real" Chicago beyond the tourist traps of the Magnificent Mile.
The story of St. Thomas More Chicago is essentially the story of Chicago itself. It’s a story of immigration, growth, struggle, and eventual reinvention. It’s not a relic of the past; it’s a foundation for the neighborhood’s future. Whether you’re a parishioner, a history buff, or just someone looking for a sense of place in a massive city, this corner of 81st and California holds a piece of the city's soul.
Everything changes. That’s the one constant in Chicago. But the bells at St. Thomas More still ring, and for the people of Ashburn, that means something. It means home.
Actionable Insights for Visitors and Residents
To truly engage with the St. Thomas More community today, focus on local involvement. Start by attending a Sunday service to experience the diverse liturgical styles that now define the parish. If you are a researcher or genealogist, the Archdiocese of Chicago Archives is the place to go for historical records, as many of the original parish documents are now centralized. For those looking to move into the Ashburn area, the proximity to this historic parish remains a draw for families seeking a sense of established community and architectural character. Keep an eye on the "Renew My Church" updates via the Archdiocese website to stay informed on how the St. Thomas More and St. Mary Star of the Sea unification continues to evolve, as this model represents the future of urban Catholicism in America.