A majestic pipe organ. That’s what first drew me to Our Lady of Refuge Roman Catholic Church. This isn’t just any church. Our Lady of Refuge boasts a remarkable history woven into the very fabric of its being. It’s a story of faith community and resilience. A testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
Our Lady of Refuge stands proudly in Brooklyn New York. Established in 1911 by Bishop Charles Edward McDonnell it began humbly. A small one-story chapel was the first iteration. Father Robert O’Donovan the first priest worked tirelessly. He secured land for the church despite difficulties. The first mass was held in 1912. It was in an unfinished space. Only five months later the original church was complete.
But soon the congregation outgrew their modest building. By 1928 Our Lady of Refuge needed more space. Father O’Donovan launched a fundraising campaign. The eminent architect Henry V Murphy was commissioned. He designed the magnificent French Gothic structure we see today. It has Art Deco influences. Sadly Father O’Donovan died before its completion. His successor Monsignor Francis P Connelly oversaw its groundbreaking in 1933. It was completed in 1934. Amazingly it opened debt-free. This was a miracle in the midst of the Great Depression.
The interior is breathtaking. The church’s most striking feature is its Geo Kilgen & Son pipe organ. Opus 5163 this masterpiece was completed in 1933. Charles Courboin organist at St Patrick’s Cathedral designed it. Instead of the typical rear gallery location. Its chambers reside in the adjacent tower. The sound flows through stone grills. A small gallery houses the organ console.
Time marched on. Changes occurred. The original Irish German and Italian community evolved. Haitian Creole and Spanish are spoken here now. Sadly the magnificent organ fell into disrepair. In 2007 it was unplayable. Joseph A Vitacco a former parishioner stepped in. His childhood love for the organ propelled him to action. He meticulously restored the instrument. The organ was eventually rededicated. It was played by Olivier Latry the organist of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The restored organ is a symbol of Our Lady of Refuge’s enduring spirit. It’s a legacy of faith perseverance and the power of community. It is a story that continues to be written within its hallowed walls.