“Brooklyn’s Finest Church.” That’s what The New York Times called St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church on its opening day. This wasn’t just a local opinion. The American Institute of Architects Guide to New York City echoed the sentiment.
St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church stands as an acclaimed building. It is located in the heart of Park Slope. Its tall corner tower and steeple are visible from afar. The Parfitt Brothers designed the church and rectory in 1888. They were a leading architectural firm in Brooklyn.
The church embodies a Gothic Revival style. It features an eclectic mix of European elements. A unique feature is its double apse. This design element is borrowed from German architecture. Other notable features include corner towers. There are also elongated pointed-arched windows. Steep sloping roofs and slate tiles add to its charm. A trumpeting angel sits atop the Sixth Avenue apse.
Let’s step back to the mid-19th century. Brooklyn’s Catholic population was growing rapidly. German and Irish immigrants were arriving in droves. In 1853, Pope Pius IX created a new diocese in Brooklyn. This was separated from the Archdiocese of New York.
The Catholic residents grew tired of long journeys to worship. They went to churches on Pacific Street, 21st Street, and Court Street. A small group of Catholics canvassed the area in 1867. They hoped to found a new church. Only 16 families supported the effort. The effort was abandoned.
In 1870, another group gathered. They met in the home of Michael and Eleanor Bennett. Vicar General John Turner attended. Subsequent meetings led to pledges. Bishop Loughlin appointed Reverend Louis J. Rhatigan. He was to be pastor of a new parish. It was named after St. Augustine of Hippo.
The boundaries stretched from Nevins Street to 9th Avenue. They also covered Atlantic Avenue to 9th Street. Father Rhatigan leased a house as a temporary chapel.
Eighteen people attended the initial Mass. Attendance increased rapidly. The parish purchased lots along Fifth Avenue. Colonel Michael Bennett oversaw the groundbreaking. Thomas Houghton measured out the site.
The cornerstone of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church was laid on November 4, 1870. Patrick Carlin was the builder. On March 17, 1871, the first Mass was celebrated. The church was designed to convert into a school.
This property was sold in 1888. The parish had free use until the new church was completed. Reverend Edward W. McCarty purchased new lots in 1886. He wanted to build the finest church in the city. He announced an architectural contest in 1887.
The award was given to Parfitt Brothers. Their design was described as fourteenth-century English Gothic. The cornerstone was laid on November 11, 1888. The church was dedicated on May 15, 1892.
St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to faith. It is a community landmark. Its history is woven into the fabric of Brooklyn. The magnificent Gothic Revival building stands tall. It invites all to admire its beauty. It inspires all to reflect on its rich past.