St. Adalbert Church in Chicago, inside view [Polish parishes and churches in Chicago]

In the case of American churches which were being built at that time reference to European architecture and art can be seen as natural. Usually it did not involve thoughtless copying of patterns, but rather being inspired by European architecture. Architects operating in the USA often mixed European models with earlier American designs. However, the relationship with Europe was not only understood on a purely artistic level. For many immigrants the church was not only a place of religious worship, but also an extension of the old country.