One of America’s Oldest Churches Still Stands in Illinois

Dating back to 1699, the Church of the Holy Family in Cahokia, Illinois, is one of the oldest continuously operating parishes in the United States.

A Church Built in 1699 Still Standing Today

Now more than 300 years old, the church was originally built as a log structure in 1699 and holds a deep, fascinating history. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1740. The current log church, which still stands today, was constructed using salvaged logs from the original structure, preserving a physical connection to its earliest days.

Lewis and Clark’s Connection to Cahokia

Two of America’s most renowned explorers, Lewis and Clark, are connected to this church, as they would have seen the building during their expedition.

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Today, the church is still active and used for special events, weddings, and funerals. A Latin Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 9:00 a.m., and visitors can also tour the church to learn more about its rich history.

A Living Landmark Still in Use

The courthouse in Cahokia is also a National Landmark worth visiting. Both the church and the courthouse are the last two remaining buildings of their kind, built using the same construction methods, stretching from here all the way to Oregon.

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I love history, and knowing there are buildings still standing and still in use, after more than 300 years, is incredible. It really makes you wonder: if those walls could talk, what stories would they tell?