“Ever wonder what stories lie within these walls?” I ask gesturing towards Saint Peter and Paul’s Greek Catholic Church. Saint Peter and Paul’s Greek Catholic Church has witnessed history unfold. It stands as a testament to faith and community.
Saint Peter’s Church is the oldest Catholic parish in New York State. The original church was built in 1785. The current structure dates back to 1836. Architects John R. Haggerty and Thomas Thomas designed it. They used the Greek Revival style. You can easily recognize this because of its six Ionic columns.
Imagine New York City in the late 18th century. Father Ferdinand Steinmeyer traveled from Philadelphia. He served the scattered Catholics of New York City. He celebrated Mass in homes and lofts. He used any space available. Dominick Lynch helped fund the new church. He collected donations from his native Galway. King Charles III of Spain even contributed. He gave 1000 silver pieces.
Initially, they wanted to build Saint Peter’s Church on Broad Street. Anti-Catholic sentiments forced a change. City officials urged them to move it. They chose a location at Barclay and Church Streets. This was outside city limits back then. The cornerstone was laid in 1785. The first Mass was celebrated in 1786. Saint Peter’s Church faced prejudice early on.
Mexican artist Jose Vallejo created an icon of the Crucifixion. The archbishop of Mexico City gifted it to Saint Peter parish in 1789. It was placed above the main altar. Father William O’Brien served the community tirelessly. He helped during the yellow fever epidemics of 1795 and 1798. Saint Peter’s established the first free Catholic school in New York State in 1800.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton converted to Catholicism at Saint Peter’s Church in 1805. She often prayed before the Crucifixion painting. The Catholic Church later canonized her. She became the first native-born United States citizen honored as a saint.
Christmas Eve in 1806 wasn’t peaceful. Protesters tried to disrupt the Mass. They viewed it as “popish superstition”. A melee ensued. Dozens were injured. One policeman died. Tensions were high between Catholics and Protestants.
In October 1836 a cornerstone was laid for a larger Saint Peter’s Church. The current structure was completed by February 1838. From 1899 to 1916, Saint Peter’s hosted services. These services were for Byzantine-rite Syrian and Lebanese Catholics. They didn’t have their own church then. Father Edward Frederick Sorin celebrated his first Mass in America here in 1842. He was the founder of the University of Notre Dame.
During the September 11, 2001 attacks, Saint Peter’s Church played a role. A piece of an airplane’s landing gear damaged the roof. Father Mychal Judge died in the attacks. He was brought to Saint Peter’s and laid before the altar. The parish became a staging ground for rescue efforts. Emergency equipment filled the pews. Volunteers slept in the church.
In August 2015, Saint Peter’s parish merged with Our Lady of the Rosary. Saint Peter’s is the designated parish church.
Saint Peter’s houses a pipe organ built in 1927. It was built by the George Kilgen & Sons company. The organ was enlarged in 1931. It was restored in 2011.
Several notable people have been parishioners. Pierre Toussaint was a black Haitian. He was known for his generosity to the poor. Elizabeth Ann Seton converted here. There is a theory. It suggests that Billy The Kid was christened here.
Saint Peter and Paul’s Greek Catholic Church stands as a symbol. It symbolizes resilience, faith, and community service. It is a landmark. It is a place of worship and historical significance. It connects us to the past. It inspires us today.