On June 2, 1927, His Eminence, Cardinal Mundelein, appointed Rev. Leo Sharp to establish and organize the parish of St. Symphorosa and her Seven Sons in the Clearing district. The very first Mass in the newly established parish was held on June 18, 1927 at the home of Mr. John Collopy, 61st and Mason Avenue. The first Sunday Masses were held at 8:00 am and 10:00 am in the Clearing Town Hall. Weekday Masses were offered in a funeral home at 63rd Place and Central Avenue.
Ground was broken at 62nd and Mason Avenue on January 18, 1928 for the construction of the first Church and school building. The first Mass in this new building was offered on June 27, 1928, and the building, which still stands and is today known as the Parish Center or the Sharp Center, was dedicated by Cardinal Mundelein on September 23, 1928.
Before the first building was complete, Benedictine sisters traveled from Rogers Park to St. Symphorosa to teach catechism to the parish children. On August 16, 1928, five Benedictine Sisters, including the first principal, Sister Bernadine, arrived at St. Symphorosa to prepare for the opening of the parish school on September 4, 1928. At that time, 115 children were enrolled in grades first through sixth.
In 1947, a new school building was built at 6148 South Mason Avenue to accomodate the growing enrollment. A second floor addition was built later. This building still stands today and is commonly referred to as the "I-Building" or "Mason Avenue Building".
A new convent was constructed in 1953 at 6119 South Austin. Today, this site is the home of the Rev. Monsingnor Francis Maniola Prayer Garden.
Enrollment continued to soar throughout the years. In 1950, 510 students were enrolled in St. Symphorosa Catholic School. By 1955, this number soard to 1,035.
In 1963, construction was completed on the "A-Building" which still stand today at 6125 South Austin Avenue. Today, all grades from Pre-K through 8th, are housed in this building.
Today, St. Symphorosa School continues to be a vibrant institution which offers a high quality, faith-filled academic program. Our school is THE choice for parent on the Southwest-Side of Chicago who are looking for an excellent academic experience which is firmly rooted in the beliefs and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
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