Didn’t Reverend P. J. Mahoney have a vision in 1908? He saw the need for a new parish. It was for the growing city along the Hudson River. This vision led to the founding of the Church of the Incarnation.
Initially, mass was held in a simple store. But Mahoney’s dream grew. By 1910, a two-story building was erected. It served as both a school and a church. The Church of the Incarnation was taking shape.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 1928, a grander structure emerged. It was the Gothic Revival stone church we see today. W. H. Jones designed this architectural beauty. It became known as the St. Patrick’s Cathedral of Washington Heights.
As you stand before the Church of the Incarnation note its features. Buttresses support the walls. Two small towers adorn the facade. These details reflect the Gothic Revival style.
Step inside the Church of the Incarnation. The white marble baldacchino catches your eye. It is bathed in light from the stained-glass windows. The ribbed vaulting adds to the soaring height of the apse. Look to the West End. A large rose window sits above the gallery. Twin organ facades with gold pipes face into the gallery. Additional organ facades are in the North transept and the apse.
Imagine the sounds that once filled this space. The M.P. Møller organ was installed in 1929. Robert A. Turner rebuilt and enlarged it later. This impressive instrument had four manuals and 79 registers. Its pipes filled the church with music.
The Church of the Incarnation has a rich history. Fr. Ivan Illich served here as an assistant priest. He was known as John Illich to avoid sounding communist. Illich became an ally to the Puerto Rican community. He organized cultural events like the San Juan Fiesta. This celebration evolved into the Puerto Rican Day Parade.
The Incarnation School has educated many notable figures. Baseball broadcaster Vin Scully is an alumnus. Theodore E. McCarrick also attended the school.
Today, Reverend Edward Russell serves as pastor. He continues the legacy of faith and community. The Church of the Incarnation remains a vital part of Washington Heights. It is a testament to Mahoney’s original vision. It is a beacon for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The Church of the Incarnation stands as a symbol of faith and community in Washington Heights.