Picture this a red brick Victorian Gothic church nestled on a quiet street. This is the Church of Our Lady of Peace a hidden gem on East 62nd Street.
The Church of Our Lady of Peace stands as a testament to the city’s ever-changing landscape. Built between 1886 and 1887 at a cost of 200000 dollars it initially served as a sanctuary for a German-speaking congregation.
It later became Bethlehem Lutheran Church before its transformation in 1918. That’s when it became the home of the Italian Madonna della Pace parish. This beautiful church was designed by Samuel A Warner.
The Church of Our Lady of Peace has been called a gem. It’s located in the Treadwell Farm Historic District designated a landmark in 1967. The Church of Our Lady of Peace reflects a rich history. It embodies the evolving religious and cultural fabric of New York City.
However the Church of Our Lady of Peace’s story took an unexpected turn. In 2014 the Archdiocese announced a merger. Our Lady of Peace was to be merged into another parish.
But in a surprising twist of fate in 2017 the Archdiocese reached an agreement. With the blessing of Pope Francis the church was sold to the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church community. It is now known as St Mary & St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church.
The first Coptic worship service was held on March 5 2017. The Church of Our Lady of Peace continues to be a place of worship. Its history is a reflection of New York’s vibrant religious diversity. Its architectural beauty endures. It remains a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Manhattan.