West Devon Street in Chicago, particularly in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, stands as a vibrant testament to cultural and religious diversity. Recent Census data highlights this area, bounded by Ridge Boulevard, Pratt Boulevard, Western Avenue, and Devon Avenue, as Chicago’s most diverse tract. Here, a rich tapestry of cultures intertwines, with a population comprised of 32 percent Asian, 24 percent Black, 23 percent Hispanic, and 21 percent White residents. However, the true essence of West Rogers Park’s diversity is not just reflected in demographics, but profoundly in its religious landscape, especially along West Devon Street Chicago.
While West Rogers Park offers a variety of dining experiences, with a notable South Asian culinary presence, the religious institutions along Devon Avenue truly encapsulate its multicultural spirit. Echoing the spirit of the first Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Chicago in 1893, Devon Avenue acts as a modern-day interfaith center. On a mile-and-a-half stretch between Clark Street and Kedzie Avenue, you can find a remarkable representation of the world’s major religions. Christianity in its Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox forms, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism all have a significant presence, creating a unique interfaith corridor in the heart of Chicago.
This concentration of diverse faiths serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the idea of religious conflict. On West Devon Street, these communities coexist harmoniously, engaging in daily interactions that transcend religious boundaries. It’s common to see Muslim residents frequenting kosher bakeries after Friday prayers, and Jewish Chicagoans browsing Indian boutiques for unique home décor. Devon Avenue offers an extraordinary opportunity: the chance to experience a different religious service every day of the week, showcasing a living, breathing example of interfaith dialogue and community.
A Week of Faith on West Devon Street Chicago:
Monday: Sikhism at Gurudwara Sahib of Chicago
At 2341 W. Devon Ave., the Gurudwara Sahib of Chicago, a welcoming Sikh temple, opens its doors to all. Head priest Teerath Singh emphasizes inclusivity: “Anybody of any religion is welcome.” Visitors are asked to remove their shoes and don a head covering as a sign of respect before entering the sanctuary. Here, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, is enshrined under a dome, surrounded by flowers and vibrant pink fabrics. While Sunday services attract 50 to 70 people, weekdays see a steady stream of 15 to 20 visitors who come to pray or utilize the temple’s food bank. Worshipper Mohinder Singh aptly describes Devon Avenue as “the holiest place” in Chicago, highlighting the street’s spiritual significance.
Tuesday: Hinduism at Shree Ganesh Temple
Shree Ganesh Temple at 2540 W. Devon Ave. is Chicago’s unique Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity. His imposing, crowned statue stands behind the altar, a focal point for devotees. The influx of Indians to Devon Avenue in the 1970s and 80s has made them the dominant ethnic group, shaping the street with Indian restaurants, sari shops catering to Midwest weddings, and cultural businesses. The temple offers miniature Ganesh idols and conducts ‘poojas,’ blessing ceremonies for various life events. For Indian Americans, Devon Avenue is a “little home away from home,” as a temple volunteer notes, where they can comfortably converse in Gujarati or Hindi. Across the street, Huma Mahtani, owner of Resham’s Indian boutique, observes the cultural connection between Hindus and Jews, noting, “fifty percent of our customers are Jewish… Hindus and Jews are attracted to each other’s cultures. I think we are both very humorous people. When you see your kind, you recognize them.”
Wednesday: Protestantism at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries
Wednesdays mark a significant midweek service night for many Protestant denominations. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries at 2020 W. Devon Ave., an interdenominational church serving the Nigerian community, hosts an Evening Bible Study and Revival Service from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., offering spiritual enrichment and community fellowship.
Thursday: Catholicism at Blessed Alojzije Stepinac Croatian Catholic Mission
The Blessed Alojzije Stepinac Croatian Catholic Mission at 6346 N. Ridge Blvd. holds a Croatian-language mass at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Originally St. Henry’s, built for Luxembourgish farmers in the 19th century, the church’s graveyard still bears Germanic names like Sontag and Ebert. Croatians arrived in the 1970s, replacing the assimilated earlier population, as explained by pastor Fr. Drazan Boras. The Croatian Cultural Center at 2845 W. Devon Ave. further anchors the Croatian community. Notably, the former Angel Guardian Orphanage adjacent to the church once hosted the Chicago Bulls for practice sessions before they built a dedicated facility.
Friday: Islam at Masjid-E-Ayesha
Friday prayers, Juma Khutba, take place at Masjid-E-Ayesha at 2409-B W. Devon Ave. This modest basement mosque, accessed via concrete stairs, becomes a gathering point for hundreds of Muslim cab drivers, restaurant owners, and shopkeepers each week. Most of Devon Avenue’s Muslim residents have roots in India or Pakistan. A worshipper explains the Friday gathering is also practical: “People like to gather here on Fridays, do their shopping, get some sweets for their wives… They especially like the Jewish bakeries, because they’re kosher.” IQRA’ Book Center at 2749 W. Devon Ave. further supports the community, offering prayer rugs, Qurans, and Muslim cultural items.
Saturday: Judaism at Congregation Bnei Ruven & Multi-Ethnic Christianity at Devon Church
Shabbos is observed at Congregation Bnei Ruven at 6350 N. Whipple St. West Rogers Park, particularly west of California Street, remains a significant center for Orthodox Judaism. While some Jewish residents have moved to suburbs, the Orthodox community remains due to the religious prohibition of driving on the Sabbath. Every Saturday, streets are filled with families walking to synagogue. This large community of approximately 25,000 boasts its own infrastructure: schools, synagogues, restaurants, and bakeries like Tel Aviv Bakery (2944 W. Devon Ave.), famous for kosher kolacky and rugelach. Whipple Street even transforms into a Sukkot festival grounds in the fall.
On the first Saturday of each month, Devon Church at 1630 W. Devon Ave. hosts “Saturday Night Alive and Bible Study.” Originally founded as the Japanese Church of Jesus Christ for Japanese-American Christians after WWII internment camps, Devon Church now identifies as “A Multi-Ethnic Christian Church,” reflecting the evolving demographics of the neighborhood.
Sunday: Eritrean Orthodox Christianity at Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church of St. Mary
Services at the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church of St. Mary in Chicago, located at 6350 N. Paulina St., take place in a building originally built in 1918 for Swedish Methodists, another ethnic group that once defined the neighborhood. Eritrea, along with Ethiopia, has a long history of Christianity dating back to the 4th century. Nearby, Den Den Eritrean restaurant (6635 N. Clark St.) offers a taste of Eritrean cuisine, including pasta, reflecting Italy’s colonial influence in East Africa.
Conclusion
West Devon Street Chicago is more than just a street; it’s a living embodiment of diversity and peaceful coexistence. It showcases a unique urban environment where multiple faiths not only exist side-by-side but also enrich the community fabric. From Sikh temples to Jewish synagogues, Hindu temples to Christian churches and Muslim mosques, Devon Avenue offers a fascinating glimpse into Chicago’s multicultural soul and the harmonious potential of interfaith relations in a globalized world.
