St. Casimir Parish, South Bend

St. Casimir Parish is a church building in South Bend that blends Romanesque and Italianate design elements throughout its structure. Detailed stonework and rounded arch windows create a distinctive exterior appearance that reflects the architectural choices of the early 20th century.

The building was constructed in 1924 under the leadership of Rev. Stanislaus Gorka at the corner of Dunham and Webster Streets. Polish immigrants had founded the original parish community 26 years earlier in 1898 to serve their spiritual needs.

The name honors Saint Casimir, the patron saint of Poland, reflecting the community's heritage. Visitors can experience this connection during the annual Mikolaj celebration in November, when traditional Polish food and music fill the parish.

The church sits in a residential neighborhood and is accessible on foot from nearby streets. Services are held regularly throughout the week, with Masses offered in both English and Spanish to serve the community.

The building was recognized as a contributing property to the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its role in American immigrant church history. This designation reflects how Polish communities shaped neighborhoods and institutions across the country.

Location: South Bend

Inception: 1925

Part of: St. Casimir Parish Historic District

Website: http://stcasimirparish.org

GPS coordinates: 41.66670,-86.26890

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26