Quigley Preparatory Seminary Exhibit

Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary’s Memory Endures Through Lasting Ties with the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.

This exhibit, currently on display in Mundelein Hall, features unique artifacts from our collection, along with the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Quigley alums.

Cardinal George Mundelein’s Role in the Success of Quigley

George Cardinal Mundelein played a significant role in the development of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary.

Before becoming the Archbishop of Chicago, then Auxiliary Bishop George Mundelein of Brooklyn and Archbishop of Chicago James Edward Quigley had a conversation about the overcrowding of Cathedral College of the Sacred Heart. When Mundelein was appointed Archbishop of Chicago in 1915, he set forth making plans to build “a large Gothic structure to house the minor seminary and that he would name is as a memorial to his predecessor.”

Mundelein announced plans for the construction of a preparatory seminary at Rush and Chestnut, and work began. While Quigley did not live to see his dream’s completion, Mundelein was adamant the building memorialize Quigley, even asking the Children of Chicago to donate for the construction of the St. James Chapel! Groundbreaking took place on November 1916, and the cornerstone was placed on September 16, 1917. An addition was added in 1925.

Expansion and Closure

in 1961, Quigley South and Quigley North were established. Quigley South was located at 7740 South Western Avenue on the South Side of Chicago. Quigley South closed in 1990. On September 19, 2006, Francis Cardinal George announced the decision to close Quigley North.

Today

The building at 835 North Rush Street remains an important example of French gothic revival architecture in Chicago, and is owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago at the Archbishop Quigley Center.

On May 22, 2025, USML will recognize Quigley alumni at a special event held at the Archbishop Quigley Center.