Did you know that SS. Joseph & Michael Church in Union City faced a devastating fire? It is a tale of resilience. This historic church stands as a testament to faith and community.
Let’s step back in time. The story of SS. Joseph & Michael Church begins in the mid-19th century. Passionists started their ministry in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark in 1861. By 1864 they had built a monastery in West Hoboken. This area is now the southern half of Union City.
J. Kerrigan donated the land. He owned Kerrigan Farm. Kerrigan Avenue is named after him. The monastery began operating in 1864. The church was designed in 1869 by Irish-American architect Patrick Keely. Its cornerstone was laid in 1869. It was completed in 1875. The church opened its doors later that year. Additions were made to the complex in 1914, 1929, and 1944.
Imagine the grandeur of the original SS. Joseph & Michael Church. In 1934, artist Hildreth Meiè re created three murals for the chapel. These depicted the patron saints of the church. In 1876 the relics of Saint Benedict were enshrined near the main altar. At one time it was the largest Roman Catholic church in Hudson County.
Tragedy struck in 1934. A fire destroyed the domed section. It also destroyed all three Hildreth Meiè re murals. It was one of the largest fires ever in North Hudson. The church was rebuilt. It reopened the following year. Meiè re was commissioned again. She created 14 more murals to hang in the monastery.
The monastery served the Irish, German, Italian, and Hispanic community. It was a local seminary and residence for clergy. This changed in 1980. The monastery closed. The entire complex closed in 1981. Declining parish enrollments caused this. Fewer seminarians and a lack of funds also contributed.
Another fire occurred in 1984. Owners tried to sell the property. A developer wanted to build a shopping center. The city blocked this by rezoning the area for single-family homes. In 1983, Saint Michael’s Parish merged with Saint Joseph’s Parish. Saint Joseph’s school and church were on Central Avenue at 14th Street. This became Saints Joseph and Michael Parish. The complex was placed on state and national registers of historic places in 1986.
In 1986, the monastery and church were sold. A Korean Presbyterian congregation from Palisades Park bought it. They renamed it Hudson Presbyterian Church. A third fire in 1994 destroyed part of the monastery. The church was undamaged.
The surrounding park grounds were sold. Condominiums and low-income housing were built. In 2002, Jos Mart Middle School and a library were built.
Preservation New Jersey added the church to its “Ten Most Endangered Historic Places” list in 2014. This was due to deterioration and the congregation’s inability to fund repairs. Rain had damaged the artwork by Hildreth Meiè re. It is no longer viewable.
In 2017, another fire caused significant damage. This time it led to a major restoration project. HPCS USA stabilized the plaster ceilings and ribs. They used specialized treatments.
SS. Joseph & Michael Church has undergone many changes. It has survived fires and financial hardships. It remains a symbol of community. It represents faith and perseverance. It has served various congregations over the years. It continues to stand tall.