Established in 1866 the Church of the Holy Innocents stands proudly at 128 West 37th Street. It’s a testament to the unwavering faith of generations. Originally formed from parts of other parishes the church quickly became a vital center. It served a community teeming with European immigrants. The Tenderloin district thrived around it. Newspapers like The New York Herald were published nearby. Theatres such as the Metropolitan Opera House attracted crowds. Holy Innocents was even dubbed “the actors’ church”. Famous playwright Eugene O’Neill was baptized within its walls in 1888.
The original structure dedicated in 1870 was designed by Patrick C Keely. The Gothic Revival style is evident in its architecture. The interior is breathtaking. A high altar of white marble is topped by a stunning fresco of the Crucifixion. The artist Constantino Brumidi also worked on the US Capitol Building. Twenty stained glass windows from Munich add to the beauty. Sadly nearby buildings have dimmed the light. Two side altars of Carrara marble were added later.
A poignant story surrounds the “Return Crucifix”. Artist Charles Bosseron Chambers sketched a young Frenchman praying before the crucifix. The man was returning to fight in World War I. He prayed for a return to faith. Chambers’ painting of the scene was reproduced widely. After the war the soldier contacted Chambers. He had survived the war and entered a monastery. The painting is now a shrine in the church.
Financial difficulties arose in the early 1900s. The area underwent major changes. Tenements were replaced by commercial buildings. The church sold some buildings to fund its operations. The property was bought by a cotton fabric dealer Morris Rosenstein. He built a twenty-story building on the site.
Today the Church of the Holy Innocents continues its mission. It serves as a regional parish. It also offers daily Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. This is a unique practice in the Archdiocese of New York. The church boasts three Sunday masses and five daily masses. It remains the oldest church in the Garment District a remarkable and enduring presence in the heart of New York City. It’s more than a building. It is a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of a community.