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Church of Saint Joseph

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How did a church become a sanctuary during the AIDS crisis? This is the Church of St. Joseph in Greenwich Village. This church has seen its share of history. Founded in 1829, the Church of St. Joseph was built to serve the growing Catholic population in what was then the outskirts of the city. The Church of St. Joseph is actually the oldest church in New York City built specifically to be a Catholic sanctuary. It was designed in the popular Greek Revival style by architect John Doran. The church we see today isn’t exactly the one that opened its doors in 1834. Two fires, one in 1855 and another in 1885, caused significant damage to the interior, leading to extensive restorations. In the 1970s, the church underwent a significant renovation. During that renovation, a remarkable discovery was made: a fresco of the Transfiguration, modeled after Raphael’s masterpiece in the Vatican. It is believed to be the oldest true fresco in the United States! What makes the Church of St. Joseph stand out is its role during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. This church became a beacon of hope and support for a community ravaged by fear and uncertainty. The first public education program on AIDS in Greenwich Village was held here at St. Joseph’s. Imagine, this very church, a place of worship and solace, becoming a platform for vital information and compassionate outreach during those dark times. St. Joseph’s also hosted the very first meeting of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). Originally planned for the school building next door, the meeting had to be moved to the church to accommodate the overwhelming number of attendees. This event, organized by parishioner David Pais, marked a turning point in the fight against AIDS, and it all started right here. Today, the Church of St. Joseph, now under the stewardship of the Dominican Order, continues to serve as a spiritual home. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community, resilience, and compassion, reminding us that even amidst adversity, hope and humanity can prevail.

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