Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church

Gazing upon Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church, one can’t help but feel a sense of history. This church has been a cornerstone of the Bay Ridge community since 1891. It has witnessed the changing tides of time and served as a beacon of faith for generations. Our Lady of the Angels wasn’t always the grand structure you see before you. The first Mass was held humbly in a firehouse on 67th Street. The first church building, dedicated in 1893, stood where the current rectory now stands. The current Our Lady of the Angels Church, completed in 1929, is a testament to the growth and dedication of the parish. Its construction was overseen by Msgr. Francis J. O’Hara, the third pastor. He described it as “another mighty link to the chain of stately churches that ties Brooklyn so safely to its God.” Our Lady of the Angels has been more than just a place of worship. It has been a hub of community activity, hosting everything from ordinations and funerals of bishops to a rallying point for the community after the 9/11 attacks. Then-pastor Father James Devlin held an unscheduled Mass attended by over 1,000 people seeking solace and community in the wake of tragedy. He later created a 9/11 Memorial Shrine in the courtyard using steel from the World Trade Center. This church has a rich history intertwined with the lives of its parishioners and the wider Brooklyn community. From its humble beginnings in a firehouse to the magnificent structure it is today, Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church continues to serve Bay Ridge with a “strong family and community spirit.” It stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring power of community.