“Did you know that a piece of Florence, Italy, resides right here at Corpus Christi?”
Let’s step back in time and explore the captivating story of Corpus Christi. This Roman Catholic parish has been serving the Morningside Heights neighborhood since 1906. Its history is rich with architectural evolution and a deep commitment to liturgical music.
The first Masses were held in a temporary chapel. It was located on the corner of Broadway and West 121st Street. In November 1906, the cornerstone was laid for a permanent church. Architect F.A. de Meuron designed a building to include the church, school, and rectory. The new Corpus Christi Church was dedicated on June 30, 1907. The parish school opened the following September.
In 1934, Father George Barry Ford became pastor of Corpus Christi Church. He was the Catholic chaplain of Columbia University. Under his leadership, construction began on the present building. It was dedicated on October 25, 1936. Wilfred E. Anthony designed the neo-Georgian building. It houses the Cardinal Newman Chapel and the school and convent.
The interior is widely admired. Some say it looks like it was designed by a disciple of Sir Christopher Wren.
Corpus Christi Church has a long tradition of liturgical music. Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony and early Classical choral music are featured. The church also commissions contemporary sacred music. It hosts “Music Before 1800,” an early music concert series.
Thomas Merton, the American spiritual writer, was baptized at Corpus Christi Church. He wrote about its “seventeenth-century, Oratorian character.”
The church is also home to a Holtkamp organ. It was installed in 1956 and was the first Holtkamp organ in Manhattan. The organ was designed by Walter Holtkamp. Vernon de Tar of the Juilliard School may have influenced the choice of organbuilder.
An open chamber houses the free-standing pipes. The console is located in the choir room below. The organist and choir hear the organ through a Japanese teak grill.
The painted crucifix beside the pulpit dates from Florence, Italy, in the 1400s. The painting of the Madonna and Child with saints also reflects that time.
Corpus Christi School served the community for over 100 years. It welcomed children of all faiths. The school closed in 2020.
Today, Corpus Christi continues to be a place of community. It welcomes people from all walks of life. Its dedication to liturgical tradition and music remains strong.
So, as you stand here, remember the rich history and artistic treasures within Corpus Christi. It’s a place where faith, music, and community intertwine. The echoes of Gregorian chants and the craftsmanship from Florence resonate. They invite all to experience its unique charm.