St. Paul Church (New York City) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Paul's Church |
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(2018)
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Province | Archdiocese of New York |
| Leadership | Fr Pablo Waldman |
| Location | |
| Location | 113 East 117th Street Manhattan, New York City |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1834 |
| Website | |
| stpaulchurchhive.org | |
The Church of St. Paul is a Roman Catholic church in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. It is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. This church was the sixth Catholic parish (a local church community) to be started in New York City. On June 28, 2016, it was named a special New York City Landmark.
Contents
History of St. Paul's Church
Before 1834, there was only one Catholic church north of Canal Street in New York City. This was St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Priests like Rev. James Walsh would hold Mass (church services) in homes and barns for small groups of people.
How St. Paul's Church Started
Bishop John Dubois decided to create a new church community on 117th Street. He asked Rev. Michael Curran to lead it. Father Curran was a missionary who had worked in the mountains of Pennsylvania. He was good at speaking Gaelic, which helped him connect with many of his church members. The first stone for St. Paul's church was laid on June 29, 1835.
Changes Over the Years
In 1843, Father Curran left to go back to Ireland for a while. Later, during Father Maguire's time as pastor, the church building was made much bigger. Archbishop John McCloskey officially reopened it on July 9, 1871.
Around 1905, Dr. McQuirk had the old school building taken down. A new school was built in its place. While the new church was being built, services were held in the school's main hall. A new house for the priests (called a rectory) was also built.
Over time, more Spanish-speaking Catholic families moved into the area. Msgr. Drew started a special program for them. Since 1998, priests from the Institute of the Incarnate Word have been in charge of the church. In 2015, another church, Holy Rosary, joined with St. Paul's.
The Church Building's Design
The church building is made of brick over a steel frame. It has a front made of limestone. It was finished in 1908. The church was designed in the Romanesque Revival style by Neville & Bagge. This style often uses round arches and strong, thick walls. Later, during Father Kane's time, a marble altar rail and a solid oak reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar) were added.
St. Paul's School: Learning and Community
In 1870, Father Eugene Maguire started the parish school. The school was run by the Sisters of Charity of New York. These Sisters had been teaching catechism (religious lessons) at St. Paul's since 1850. Today, the Carmel Hill Program helps students with their tuition fees. This program was started by Aiden Ruane and helps over 30 students attend the school.
See also
