A wave of Croatian immigrants arrived in New York City. They needed a church. The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius was born in 1913. It wasn’t always here. Initially it was a small disused church on West 50th Street.
Saints Cyril and Methodius weren’t just names. They were 9th-century Greek siblings. They’re known as the Apostles to the Slavs. These two brothers brought Christianity to Slavic people. Their legacy lives on in this church.
The early congregation numbered about 4000 people. They worked hard. They raised money. They renovated the small church. Soon it became too small. The community grew. More space was needed.
In 1974 Saints Cyril and Methodius found a new home. It was the Church of St Raphael. This church on West 41st Street had a history of its own. It was built between 1901 and 1903. It originally served poor Irish immigrants in Hell’s Kitchen. The neighborhood changed. St Raphael’s became a mission of Holy Innocents Church. Then the Croatians took over.
The original St Raphael’s was a magnificent building. Its design was French Gothic. The facade was Manhattan schist trimmed with limestone. Red brick and granite completed the design. It was impressive. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was a parishioner. He even cast his first vote here. The building needed renovations after years of neglect. A celebratory parade marked its completion in 1977.
The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius and St Raphael continues to thrive today. It’s a testament to the enduring faith of the Croatian community. This magnificent building stands as a symbol. It’s a symbol of faith perseverance and community in the heart of New York City. It’s a place where history and faith intertwine. It’s more than just a church. It’s a living legacy.