Church of Notre Dame (New York City) facts for kids
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Church of Notre Dame and Rectory
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Facade of the Church of Notre Dame
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 405 W. 114th St. and 40 Morningside Drive, New York, New York |
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| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Daus & Otto; Cross & Cross |
| Architectural style | French Neo-classical |
| Website | Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002678 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1980 |
The Church of Notre Dame is a Roman Catholic church in New York City. It's located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, at 40 Morningside Drive and 405 West 114th Street. This church is part of the Archdiocese of New York. In 2022, it joined with the nearby Corpus Christi Church.
Contents
History of Notre Dame Church
How the Church Started
The Church of Notre Dame began in 1910. It was started by a group of French priests called the Fathers of Mercy. They wanted to create a mission, which is like a special church outreach program. This mission was part of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
The church was built thanks to a gift from Geraldyn Redmond. She gave money to the Fathers of Mercy. She asked them to build a chapel to honor Our Lady of Lourdes. The first leader of the church was Father Maurice Reynauld.
Connection to Lourdes
In 1913, Father Reynauld connected Notre Dame Church to the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady in Lourdes, France. This meant that people praying at Notre Dame in New York City could receive the same spiritual benefits as those praying in Lourdes.
From the very beginning, a special agreement was made. Water from the amazing spring in Lourdes would be sent directly to the Church of Notre Dame. This special Lourdes water has been available at the church ever since.
Building the Church
The first part of the church, the sanctuary, was finished in 1910. It was designed by architects Daus and Otto. Later, in 1914, the architects Cross & Cross designed the main part of the church, called the nave, and the front of the building, called the facade. They also designed the rectory, which is where the priests live.
A large dome was planned for the church but was never built. The church's expansion continued over many years. It took about 50 years for the building to be fully completed.
Church Dedications
The chapel was officially opened on October 2, 1910. Archbishop John Farley led the dedication ceremony. When the church was made larger, Cardinal Farley dedicated the new, expanded building on February 11, 1915. This date is important because it is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Growth and Community
Notre Dame became its own independent church in 1919. It grew from a small chapel to the large church you see today in the late 1920s and early 1930s. For many years, it was a special place for the French community in New York. Important French church leaders visited the church in the 1920s.
In 1936, a group of church members called the Notre Dame Study Club made history. They were the first Catholic group of their kind to ask all Catholic churches to help support social justice for Black people.
In 1960, the Archdiocese of New York took over the care of Notre Dame from the Fathers of Mercy.
Landmark Status
In January 1967, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission gave the Church and Rectory of Notre Dame a special honor. They were named official city landmarks. Later, on May 6, 1980, the buildings were also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites.
Notre Dame Today
A Diverse Community
Over the years, the church's original French community grew to include many other groups. Today, Notre Dame is home to people from many backgrounds. This includes people of Irish, German, Italian, Black, Hispanic, and Filipino descent. The church community is as diverse as the neighborhood it serves.
Church Leadership
In 2003, the Archdiocese of New York asked the Polish branch of the Dominican Order to take care of Notre Dame Parish. They managed the church and its activities for several years. In the fall of 2011, control returned to the archdiocese.
Community Outreach
Notre Dame Parish also helps with Catholic Campus Ministry at Columbia University. This started in 1988. The church community also provides ministry at St. Luke's Hospital and the nearby Amsterdam Nursing Home. These are both part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System.
The church is also home to Columbia's Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life. This institute opened its doors in 2023.
