Greater Tabernacle Cathedral

Solon S. Beman, George Pullman's hand-picked architect for the Pullman Palace Car Shops and surrounding town, was also commissioned to draw up plans for the Holy Rosary Church (now Greater Tabernacle Cathedral). The 1890 church was made to blend in with the model community's red brick buildings. Under the leadership of Father Edward Keough, who pastored from 1907-1947, the church’s congregation grew rapidly. Noted Chicago artist John Mallin decorated the interior with paintings on the walls and ceilings. In March 1937, a fire engulfed the church, and although the structure was saved, the interior had to be gutted. The restored church was back up and running by Easter Sunday, 1938. In 1985, Barack Obama had an office in the lower level of the rectory while working as a community organizer. The closing mass at Holy Rosary was held in June 2008, ending the 126-year history of this parish. Greater Tabernacle Cathedral purchased the building in 2016, a bright new chapter for the 60+ year old Chicago-area faith community.

Solon S. Beman