“Granite whispers” a local says about Holy Name Square. It is not just a square but a testament to faith and history. The square takes its name from the nearby Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church. This church is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side.
Holy Name of Jesus Church has a rich history. The parish was established in 1868 in what was then Bloomingdale. A modest wood-frame church was quickly erected. Archbishop John McCloskey dedicated it on September 20 1868.
The current Gothic Revival church that gives Holy Name Square its solemn feeling was built later. Thomas Henry Poole designed it and construction occurred from 1891 to 1900. Archbishop Michael A Corrigan blessed and dedicated the completed structure on April 1 1900. The steeple was added in 1918.
The church’s architecture is stunning. It features a hammer-and-beam ceiling. Stained glass windows add to its beauty. Terrazzo floors and marble altars complete the interior. The exterior is made of pink Milford granite. The interior woodwork is fashioned from American quartered oak.
Inside Holy Name of Jesus Church, you will find five marble altars. The high altar displays detailed carvings. Onyx columns support it. A relief image of the Last Supper is a featured carving. Side altars dedicated to Mary and Joseph flank the high altar. Two more altars honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Anne.
The stained glass windows tell stories. The large window over the main entrance shows the Adoration of the Holy Name of Jesus. Other windows depict the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and the apparition of the Sacred Heart. Windows on the north and south sides illustrate events in the life of Jesus Christ.
Music plays a vital role in the church. The M P Moller Pipe Organ was installed in 1937. It has four manuals, 68 stops and 76 ranks. The organ suffered damage in a 1997 fire but it remains a significant instrument.
Holy Name also has a school. It opened in 1905. The Sisters of Charity served as the faculty. The school continues to educate students today.
The church actively engages in social justice issues. It played a role in closing a zoning loophole and organizes an annual interfaith March for Peace. It stands as a pillar of faith and action in the community.
Holy Name Square provides a space for reflection and community. It connects the church to the surrounding neighborhood. Take a moment to appreciate the history and artistry around you. The square and the Holy Name of Jesus Church represent faith community and architectural beauty. They all intertwine in this Upper West Side location.