The following information is from, "Holy Family Parish: Priests and People" by Br. Thomas M. Mulkerins S.J. published in 1923, and "Born in Chicago: A History of Chicago's Jesuit University" published in 2008 by Ellen Skerrett.
This railing is considered by the artists as a masterpiece. Of the seventeen panels or sections into which the railing is divided only two are repeated, although the groundwork is practically the same in each. This artistic piece of work was carved by Louis E. Wisner, in his own house on 14th and Halsted, in 1866. Wisner, a German Lutheran and Freemason, carved the communion railing from a solid block of walnut. Fr. Damen would visit him daily to offer advice about themes for each railing panel. The railing was built at a cost of less than $500.
The Communion Railing is divided into panels, each panel supported by a square column with a stone base running the width of the church, and the top partially raised and fluted lengthwise. The panels are inlaid with carved vine rods about 1 3/4" in diameter, one above and another below, running horizontally, with a similar rod running vertically at each end. These rods are firmly glued together and are reinforced by a large vine leaf taking root in the base of the railing, and making a circuit of the entire panel. It is upon this groundwork that the entire artistic figures are imposed.
Beginning at the east end of the railing, the following are descriptions of each panel:
On the columns, at each end of the main sancturary, are cherubs exquisitely carved, and similar figures on the two columns supporting the middle gate.