Saint Edna History
A 14-acre site, the former Stade farm, was purchased on Arlington Heights road. Until the new church could be built, parishioners attended Mass in the gymnasium of MacArthur Junior High School at Palatine and Schoenbeck Roads.
After some remodeling and renovation, the old farmhouse became the parish rectory when Father James Doherty moved in on July 8, 1965. Then, what had been the old farmhouse parlor became a chapel for daily Mass as well as for administration of the Sacraments of Baptism and Penance. Small group meetings, and later religious education classes for children were also held in the rectory. Meanwhile, crews were busy clearing away brush and tearing down some old farm buildings.
In November of 1966, Archbishop Cody gave his approval to the building of the church and parish center. Final approval was given to the architectural design and ground breaking ceremonies were held on September 3, 1967. Construction was completed on the new church in the fall of 1968. The first Sunday Mass was celebrated there on November 10th.
The new parish center was completed and dedicated on Memorial Day weekend of 1992. The new parish center provides additional office space, classrooms, a teen center and spaces for meetings and recreation.
Saint Edna presently is home to over 3000 families celebrating the rhythms of their faith lives and is being served by 800 plus Lay volunteer ministers.
