Rev. Thomas J. McCormick, C.S.V., who founded St. Edward Mission, purchased a 150x165-foot plot of land at the northeast corner of Sunnyside and 44th (now Kostner) for $2,300. W.J. Fournier, a contractor was hired to build the simple, wood-framed church. On December 10, 1899, Rev. Andrew Corcoran, C.S.V, pastor of St. Viator, dedicated St. Edward Mission. Fewer than one hundred families lived within the original parish boundaries, which extended from Niles Center parish (now Skokie) on the north to Belmont Avenue on the south, and from the Chicago River on the east to the Des Plaines River on the west. 

In 1901, Rev. Thomas J. McCormick, C.S.V, was officially appointed the first resident pastor and St. Edward's status as a mission church ended. He was just 41 years old. Father McCormick spent long hours guiding the formation of his young parish. The area grew slowly until the streets were paved which made it easier to travel the distance to church. The opening of the Lawrence Avenue electric streetcar in 1896 and the Montrose Avenue streetcar line to Knox Avenue in 1901 not only helped Father McCormick in his missionary work, it also helped the parishioners get to the church for Holy Mass, Baptisms, Weddings, and other parish functions. 

Before poor health forced him to resign as pastor in 1903, Father McCormick purchased a two-story home at 4344 W. Sunnyside, which he had converted into a rectory. Rev. J. J. Cregan, C. S. V., was named his successor, and St. Edward's second pastor.