A century of prayers echoes within these walls. Welcome to the Hudson Korean Presbyterian Church. This magnificent structure stands as a testament to time faith and resilience. Originally built as the Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel a Roman Catholic church in 1875 it was the largest in Hudson County. Its history is interwoven with the rich tapestry of Union City.
The church was designed by the Irish-American architect Patrick Keely. Its cornerstone was laid in 1869. The Passionists a Catholic order established their ministry here in 1861. They ministered to a diverse community of Irish German Italian and Hispanic people. For decades Saint Michael’s served as a local seminary. The Passionists hosted many novices there. They also had classes for the aspirants.
Tragedy struck in 1934. A devastating fire ravaged the church. The copper dome collapsed. The entire interior was destroyed. Remarkably the adjacent chapel survived. It housed beautiful murals created by Hildreth Meière. These murals were later damaged by rain. They are now hidden from public view.
The fire was a major setback but the church was rebuilt in 1936. Meière was commissioned again. She created more murals for the rebuilt sanctuary. She even had to re-do Our Lady’s expression because the priests didn’t like it. This time she painted fourteen canvases featuring seventy over-life-size figures. This is quite a feat for an artist.
In 1986 after years of dwindling parish enrollments and financial struggles Saint Michael’s was sold. A Korean Presbyterian congregation from Palisades Park bought it. The church became the Hudson Korean Presbyterian Church. It continued its role as a place of worship and community gathering. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and adaptation.
In 1994 another fire damaged the monastery building. The church itself though remained intact. Today the church’s grounds are partly used for housing and schools. The Jose Marti STEM Academy now stands on what was once part of the monastery complex. The church continues to serve the community. It stands as a unique blend of past and present. It is a symbol of faith enduring through challenges and change. It’s a vibrant and active place of worship. The legacy of Saint Michael’s is evident in its resilience and transformation. The history of the Hudson Korean Presbyterian Church showcases the changing face of Union City and its rich multicultural heritage.