St. Mary's Church was founded in 1866, not too long after Evanston was established. It became a parish in 1872 and the current structure was completed in 1892. The church is constructed of the same limestone used to build Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. St. Mary's offers religious education, music programs, seniors groups and soup kitchens. The Senior Pastor is Rev. Gregory S. Sakowicz. Located on the site of the church is Pope John XXIII School, which teaches preschool-aged through eighth-grade children.