Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church

Gazing up at the Celtic cross atop Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, one might sense a whisper of the past. Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, nestled at 4967 Broadway in Inwood, holds a captivating story. The church, built in 1935-36, stands as a testament to the evolving community it serves. Designed by Paul Monaghan in the Romanesque Revival style, its granite façade and terra cotta roof exude a timeless grandeur. The Celtic cross, a nod to the church’s Irish-American roots, offers a glimpse into its origins. Good Shepherd’s story began in 1911. The Paulist Fathers, recognizing the growing Catholic community in Inwood, established the parish. Their first Mass, held in 1912 in a small chapel at Baker Field, marked the humble beginnings of a spiritual journey. The first church, a wooden structure on Broadway and Isham Street, served the growing congregation for nearly two decades. As Inwood flourished, so did the need for a larger church. Good Shepherd’s current edifice, completed in 1936, replaced the earlier wooden structure. The church’s interior, capable of seating 1,000 people, offers a serene space for worship. The walls of Fordham gneiss, likely quarried in the Bronx, add a unique touch to the Romanesque design. While the church initially served a predominantly Irish-American population, its demographics shifted over time. Today, Good Shepherd embraces a largely Dominican-American congregation. Yet, the ties to the Irish community remain strong. A poignant reminder of this connection is the twisted steel cruciform from the World Trade Center, standing as a memorial to the Irish-Americans lost on September 11th. Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living testament to Inwood’s vibrant history. It reflects the resilience, the faith, and the evolving spirit of a community that has found solace and strength within its walls.