This image is the cover for the book Mundelein Seminary, Campus History

Mundelein Seminary, Campus History

Anyone who has driven through central Lake County, Illinois, has likely wandered across the entrance to Mundelein Seminary. The arched gateway is a teaser to the magnificence that lies within.


The heavily forested grounds and sparkling lake provide a backdrop to the unique Colonial architecture of the buildings. The seminary was the dream of George William Mundelein, who told reporters as early as 1916 of his plans to build a seminary shortly after he was named archbishop of Chicago. Mundelein's vision was grand. He wanted a seminary to rival the best in the world, and he wanted it to be truly American. He succeeded. Today, Mundelein Seminary is the largest priesthood preparation program in the country, training priests for Chicago and 31 dioceses around the country and the world.

Gail Kahover

Author Gail Kahover has been fascinated with the seminary since she first stepped foot on campus for a class. The former journalist and avid photographer fell in love with the grounds and the architecture. She immersed herself in the seminary's rich history and is now eager to share this sacred place with readers, giving them a rare glimpse into the place one writer described as a "Garden of God."

Arcadia Publishing