“Chelsea staple since 1845” rings true for Saint Columba Roman Catholic Church. I’ll share its story. Saint Columba Church stands at 343 West 25th Street. This Roman Catholic parish has deep roots in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
The story of Saint Columba begins in 1845. Catholic residents in Chelsea needed a closer church. Saint Joseph in Greenwich Village was too far. Bishop Hughes appointed Rev. Patrick Joseph Bourke to lead the effort. Father Bourke first held services in a small frame building. It was located on 27th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. He then acquired a boathouse at 24th and 8th.
Bishop Hughes laid the cornerstone on May 22 1845. Parishioners built Saint Columba. Many were laborers on the west side docks. They worked on the church after long days of loading ships. Saint Columba was dedicated on October 2 1845. Coadjutor Bishop John McCloskey led the dedication.
Father Bourke sometimes preached in Irish. He resigned due to poor health and returned to Europe. Rev. Michael McAleer succeeded him. The cholera season of 1849 severely affected the parish. McAleer slept on a couch ready to assist those in need. He kept a horse and wagon prepared for emergencies.
Rev. Thomas A. Thornton became pastor after Father Prat died in 1908. Thornton also served as Superintendent of New York Catholic Schools. Three parish priests served in the Chaplain Corps during World War II. In 2015 Saint Columba merged with Guardian Angel parish.
Saint Columba has a rich history. Father McAleer started the parish school in 1848. The original frame building was replaced with brick in 1856. The Brothers of the Christian Schools oversaw the boys’ department. The Sisters of Charity taught the girls. In 1866 the sisters opened the Academy of St. Angela for young ladies. A third school building was dedicated in 1909. Its cornerstone read “For God and Country”. Sadly Saint Columba elementary school closed in June 2006.
Inside Saint Columba three oil paintings depict the life of Saint Columba. Stained glass windows portray Columba Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid.
The church has seen several organs over the years. Thomas Robjohn built the original organ in 1845. It had two manuals and 12 stops. Reuben Midmer & Sons installed a new organ in 1921. This organ has electro-pneumatic action.
Saint Columba is one of the oldest extant Catholic churches in New York City. Saint Columba has been a vital part of the Chelsea community since 1845. Though challenges like the 2022 sanctuary canopy collapse have tested the church. Saint Columba stands as a testament to faith. The church remains a cherished landmark.