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 Catholic church in New York City. It is located in the East Harlem area of Manhattan. This church was the sixth Catholic parish, or community, to be started in New York City. On June 28, 2016, it was named a special New York City Landmark. This means it is an important historical building.
Contents
The Church's History
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 church services in homes or barns. They did this when enough people gathered in areas far from the main church.
Bishop John Dubois decided to start a new church on 117th Street. He asked Rev. Michael Curran to lead this new community. Father Curran had worked as a missionary in Pennsylvania. He was known for speaking Gaelic, which helped him connect with many people. The first stone for St. Paul's church was laid on June 29, 1835. Father Curran left in 1843 to go back to Ireland.
Over the years, the church grew. During Father Maguire's time, the church building was made much bigger. Archbishop John McCloskey officially reopened it on July 9, 1871. Later, in 1905, Dr. McQuirk had the old school building taken down. A new school was built in its place. Church services were held in the school's auditorium while the new church was being built. A new house for the priests was also built.
The people living in the area changed over time. At first, most church members were from Ireland. Later, more Spanish-speaking Catholics moved into the neighborhood. Msgr. Drew started a special program for Spanish speakers. Since 1998, priests from the Institute of the Incarnate Word have served the church. In 2015, another church, Holy Rosary, joined with St. Paul's.
Past Leaders of St. Paul's
Many priests have led the Church of St. Paul over the years. Here are some of them:
- Fr. Michael Curran, 1834-1843
- Fr. John Walsh, 1843-1853
- Fr. George R. Brophy, 1853-1866
- Fr. Eugene Maguire, 1866-1883
- Fr. John McQuirk D.D., 1883-1924
- Fr. Thomas F. Kane, 1924-1940
- Msgr. Cornelius J. Drew, 1940-1943
- Msgr. John c. Mulcahy, 1943-1946
- Rev. James V. Hart, 1946-
- Fr. Ray Burn 1964-
The Church Building
The Church of St. Paul is made of brick with a steel frame inside. The front of the church is covered with 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, simple shapes. During Father Kane's time, a beautiful marble altar rail was added. A large wooden screen behind the altar, called a reredos, was also installed.
St. Paul's School
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, which is religious instruction, at St. Paul's since 1850. Today, the Carmel Hill Program helps students attend the school. This program, started by Aiden Ruane, gives money to more than 30 students to help pay for their tuition.
See also
External links
- Parish of St. Paul and of Holy Rosary website
