Remember Logan Roy’s grand funeral in Succession? That scene was filmed right here at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola. This Upper East Side landmark holds more stories than just those on screen. The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola is a Catholic parish church. It is administered by the Society of Jesus or Jesuits. The parish falls under the Archdiocese of New York.
Let’s step back to 1851. Irish Catholics fleeing the potato famine founded St. Lawrence O’Toole’s Church. They settled in Yorkville and wanted to preserve their religion. In 1886, the Jesuits took over. This marked their first major work in Yorkville.
The grand limestone building you see now reflects the Catholic community’s growth. It also shows the determination of Fr. Neil McKinnon. He served as pastor from 1893 to 1907. He oversaw the change of the parish’s patron saint. Rome granted permission to change it to St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1898.
The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola became a New York City Landmark in 1969. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Look closely at the facade. Two vertical orders, an arched window, and a tri-part division create balance. The varying intervals between the pilasters add rhythm. The facade reminds some of Il Gesù, the Jesuits’ mother church in Rome. The motto of the Society of Jesus is displayed. It reads “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” meaning “To the Greater Glory of God”.
Inside the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, American, European, and African marbles create a stunning effect. Pink Tennessee, red-veined Numidian, and yellow Siena marbles are just a few. The marble mosaic Stations of the Cross panels were displayed in Turin before being installed here.
The twelve-panel bronze doors were designed by Rev. Patrick O’Gorman. He served as pastor from 1924 to 1929. The Long Island Bronze Company crafted them.
Don’t miss the organ. Dedicated in 1993, it was built by Noel Mander. It’s New York City’s largest mechanical action pipe organ. It’s also the largest ever built in the British Isles.
The baptistery features a wrought-iron screen with gilt flaming swords. John Williams created it based on William Schickel’s designs. The baptistery font is Carrara marble. Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company designed and executed the mosaics.
Over the years, many notable figures have been mourned here. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lena Horne were among them. Oscar de la Renta and Mario Cuomo also had their funerals here.
Today, the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola continues to grow. It remains true to its mission. It ministers to the poor and welcomes all. The church’s history is a testament to faith, community, and artistic vision.