Church bells chime. A gentle melody drifts through the air. This is the Resurrection Roman Catholic Church. A place of quiet contemplation. A place of vibrant history.
The Resurrection Roman Catholic Church stands not on 74th street in Manhattan. It stands in Brooklyn. A different Resurrection. A different story. This church however shares a common thread with its Manhattan namesake. A dedication to faith and community.
Founded in 1907 this church served the Catholic residents of Central Harlem. At that time Harlem was predominantly white. A modest building housed the church school and rectory. It opened in 1908. The demographics of Harlem shifted over time. Many Hispanic and Black residents settled in the area. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Reverend Lawrence E Lucas became the first African-American pastor. A significant milestone. He was one of the first in Harlem.
In 2007 this parish consolidated with the Church of St Charles Borromeo. A merging of communities. A continuation of faith. The original church building became a chapel within the larger St Charles Borromeo/Resurrection Chapel.
The story of the Resurrection Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about the people. The changing face of Harlem. The enduring spirit of faith. It is about the legacy that lives on. The dedication of its pastors and parishioners. The unwavering belief in resurrection. A rebirth and renewal. The church stands as a testament to hope. A beacon of faith in the heart of Brooklyn. A place of worship and community. A place where stories are still being written.