St John the Divine Parish in Chicago's Back of the Yard neighbourhood was the second Polish community to be established in the area, often referred to as New City. The cornerstone of the church was dedicated by Bishop Alexander J. McGavick on 13 October 1918. Three brass tins containing newspapers were placed in the immediate vicinity: Chicago, Union and National, which were published by the Polish community. There is also a document on the history of the parish, soil from Kosciuszko's mound and a flask of holy water from the famous French shrine at Lourdes.

The architect Henry J. Schlacks designed the church building, combining Renaissance and Baroque elements. A particularly impressive feature was the two-tower façade with an arcaded gallery that concealed the main entrance. The façade's rosette featured a stained glass window with an image of St Cecilia, the patron saint of church music.