What if I told you that standing here once stood a Gothic Revival church called St. Leo’s? This Roman Catholic parish church stood at 11 East 28th Street. It resided between Fifth and Madison Avenues in Manhattan. St. Leo’s was a beacon of faith and humanitarian spirit. Its story is etched in the history of New York City.
Established in 1880, St. Leo’s emerged from the growing St. Stephen’s parish. The Rev. Thomas J. Ducey became its first rector. He remained until his death in 1909. St. Leo was the patron saint of Pope Leo XIII. John Cardinal McCloskey, Archbishop of New York, dedicated the church to him.
The Delmonico brothers played a vital role in constructing St. Leo’s. Lorenzo Delmonico was later buried from its sanctuary in September 1881. Thomas J. McCluskey, later president of Fordham University, served as vice-rector. He served from 1881 to 1887.
St. Leo’s was known for its broad humanitarian efforts. In 1899, Fr. Ducey built the “House of Repose for the Stranger Dead.” This mortuary chapel at 9 East 28th Street welcomed people of all faiths. These were individuals who died temporarily in the city. St. Leo’s clergy managed services without payment until claimed for a proper funereal arrangement.
The Gothic Revival design of St. Leo’s came from Lawrence J. O’Connor. Construction began in 1880. The church was to measure 50 by 120 feet. Its walls were 56 feet high. The New York Times described the tower’s intended height as 105 feet. A colossal cross would grace the main entrance. The cornerstone was laid on August 15, 1880. The project’s estimated cost was $95,000.
The cornerstone bore a Latin inscription. It honored Cardinal McCloskey, Pope Leo XIII, President Rutherford B. Hayes, and others. United States coins, photos, and newspapers were placed inside.
Cardinal McCloskey was absent due to illness. The Vicar General officiated the ceremony. The New York City Police Department kept the large crowd under control.
Rev. Thomas James Ducey, born in Ireland in 1843, had a remarkable journey. Orphaned at a young age, he was taken in by lawyer James T. Brady. Brady guided Ducey toward priesthood despite considering him fit for law.
Ducey’s connections led him to wealthy Catholics like the Delmonicos. Even after ordination, he lived at the Brady Mansion. He was known as a “flamboyant character.” Ducey had a flair for self-promotion and progressive views.
He later denounced the Boss Tweed ring, risking retaliation. In 1880, he was assigned to establish St. Leo’s. Ducey donated $100,000 towards its construction.
However, the changing neighborhood led to St. Leo’s suppression as a parish. It became a mission of St. Stephen’s Church. The building was given to the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix. The old rectory became a convent.
Eventually, St. Leo’s and its convent were sold. They were demolished in the 1980s. The site is now part of the plaza in front of the Madison Belvedere Apartments. Although St. Leo’s physical presence is gone, its legacy remains.