Saint John the Evangelist
St. John the Evangelist Parish is a Roman Catholic Church located in Saint John, Indiana. The church is a cornerstone of the community, with a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The parish was officially established in 1837 and has since played an important role in the spiritual and cultural life of the town.
The architecture of St. John the Evangelist Parish is stunning and unique. The church is designed in the American Romanesque Revival style, popular in many Midwest Catholic Churches. The style is characterized by rounded arches, massive stone architecture, thick walls, and small windows, all of which are features of St. John’s.
The exterior of the church is made of white brick and features two large, imposing bell towers. The bells ring out across the town to signal important events, such as weddings and funerals. The entrance to the church is framed by a large stone arch, which is adorned with intricate carvings and adjacent to stained glass depicting biblical scenes.
Inside the church, visitors are greeted with a soaring nave that is lined with additional stained glass windows. Like countless other Catholic churches, the stained-glass windows depict scenes from the life of Jesus and other important biblical figures, like Mary and Joseph. The altar is made of marble and features intricate carvings and gold leaf accents. The ceiling of the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes, which depict angels and other religious motifs.
The history of St. John the Evangelist Parish is closely tied to the history of the town of Saint John. The area was first settled by the Hack family, immigrants from Prussia, in 1837. He welcomed fellow countrymen to the area, forming what would be known as an extremely industrious community for years to come. After erecting the first Catholic church in Lake County in 1839, today known as St. John the Evangelist Parish, the region was poised for prosperity. The first church was a small, wooden structure - constructed of materials hauled all the way from Chicago. The first confirmation in Lake County occured in 1846, and soon a larger log church was erected with recycled materials. This building still stands today, near the St. John the Evangelist School.
Among the many ways that the church serves the community is through its outreach programs. The parish runs a food pantry that provides assistance to families in need, and it also operates a clothing closet and a furniture bank. These programs help to ensure that everyone in the community has access to basic necessities and can live with dignity and respect. The church also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. These include religious education classes, Bible studies, and prayer groups. The parish also hosts an annual festival, which is a highlight of the town’s social calendar. The festival features live music, carnival rides, and delicious food, and it is a popular event that draws visitors from throughout the area.
St. John the Evangelist Parish is a beautiful and historic church that has played an important role in the community of Saint John, Indiana for nearly 200 years. The church’s unique architecture and design make it a local landmark, and its commitment to serving the community through outreach programs and events has endeared it to residents and visitors alike. For those interested in exploring the spiritual and cultural history of Saint John, a visit to St. John the Evangelist Parish is a must.
