Having survived Chicago's Great Fire of 1871, Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church is the oldest public building in Chicago. It was founded by Irish immigrants in 1846 and dedicated on Christmas morning ten years later. Since its initiation, Old St. Patrick's has prided itself on being a religious haven for all who need it to be. The Church demonstrates the same level of affable hospitality to both newcomers and long-returning members. Everyone is very welcoming, and you would never be made to feel out of place. Evidence of the Church's origin is evident in its design, most obviously in its stained glass windows inspired by the Book of Kells.