Whispers of history linger here at the Church of the Holy Innocents. This unassuming building on West 37th Street holds a treasure trove of stories.
The Church of the Holy Innocents a Catholic parish church in Manhattan has deep roots. Founded in 1866 it was carved from parts of other established parishes. Its first pastor Father John Larkin an Irishman purchased a small Episcopal church. This became the church’s temporary home until a new building could be constructed. The present Gothic Revival structure designed by Patrick C Keely opened its doors in 1870.
The area was once the bustling Tenderloin district. Immigrants from Europe flooded this neighborhood. A parochial school opened in 1872 educating the children of these newcomers. By the early 1900s the area had transformed into a center for newspaper publishing and theaters. The Church of the Holy Innocents became known as the “actor’s church”. Famous playwright Eugene O’Neill was even baptized here.
The church played a significant role in the lives of its parishioners. One poignant story involves Joyce Kilmer. The famous poet would visit the Church of the Holy Innocents daily praying for his daughter’s recovery from infantile paralysis.
The early 1900s brought significant change. Tenements were replaced by commercial buildings. The church faced financial hardship. In 1924 it sold some of its property. This land became the site of a 20-story office building designed by the renowned architect Emery Roth.
Today the Church of the Holy Innocents continues to serve its community. Since 2009 it has offered daily Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. It’s unique in the Archdiocese of New York for this practice. The church also boasts a magnificent high altar of white marble. A stunning fresco of the Crucifixion by Constantino Brumidi adorns it. The church is filled with twenty stained glass windows imported all the way from Munich.
The Church of the Holy Innocents stands as a testament to faith resilience and the ever-changing landscape of New York City. Its history is woven into the fabric of this vibrant neighborhood. It is a quiet place of worship a living record of a city’s past. A visit to the Church of the Holy Innocents is a journey through time. It’s a chance to connect with the rich heritage of this remarkable place.