In 1829 Bishop John Dubois had a vision. He saw a burgeoning Greenwich Village needing a Catholic church. He founded St Joseph’s Church. This wasn’t easy. New York City had outlawed Catholicism during its time as a British colony. St Peter’s on Barclay Street was the first Catholic Church. Four others followed before St Joseph’s. Greenwich Village was growing rapidly transforming from a rural village into a bustling city suburb.
St Joseph’s Church needed a permanent home. Construction began June 10 1833. John Doran designed the church in the popular Greek Revival style. It’s a rare example of that architectural style remaining in New York today. The church opened March 16 1834. The dedication ceremony was magnificent. The New York Catholic Diary and Weekly Register described it as impressive solemn and august. The Italian Opera Company provided the music. Father John Pise preached a sermon that lasted an hour.
The church wasn’t without its challenges. Two fires in 1855 and 1885 damaged the interior. The stained glass windows from 1879 survived. In 1972 Father Robert Wilde controversially removed the high altar and marble artwork. Parishioners weren’t happy. They found a hidden treasure though a fresco of the Transfiguration. It’s believed to be the oldest true fresco in the United States.
St Joseph’s Church has seen many changes. The Dominicans took over in 2003. They connected the church with New York University. Extensive renovations occurred from 2018 to 2020. The church building’s exterior was completely restored. The original statues were also returned. In 2023 St Joseph’s opened the first perpetual adoration chapel in Manhattan. St Joseph’s Church stands as a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of Greenwich Village. Its history is woven into the fabric of New York City.