Saint Francis De Sales Church

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Hidden amidst the vibrant energy of Manhattan’s Upper East Side stands Saint Francis De Sales Church. A beacon of faith and community, Saint Francis De Sales Church has witnessed the changing tides of the city since its inception in 1894. Archbishop Corrigan commissioned Father J. L. Hoey to establish this new parish, catering to the growing Catholic population of the Upper East Side. Initially, a modest rented house served as a temporary chapel. But the burgeoning congregation soon outgrew this space. In December 1895, Bishop Farley, in his first episcopal act, laid the cornerstone for the basement church. This lower church was dedicated by Archbishop Corrigan in 1896. The rectory, adjacent to the church, was completed in 1899. The magnificent structure we see today, a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture, was completed in 1903. Its dedication, a grand event presided over by Archbishop Farley, took place on November 29th of that year. Bishop Colton of Buffalo, a lifelong friend of Father Hoey, celebrated the Pontifical Mass. Saint Francis De Sales Church wasn’t just a place of worship. It became a vital part of the community. The parish school, staffed by the Sisters of Mercy who had earlier established a Sunday School, was organized in 1924. The church’s architectural beauty is also noteworthy. Designed by O’Connor & Metcalf and later expanded by George H. Streeton, it boasts a distinctive Italian Renaissance style. The first organ, installed in 1896, was crafted by the renowned E. and G. G. Hook & Hastings of Boston. Over the years, Saint Francis De Sales Church has welcomed numerous notable parishioners, including the legendary actor James Cagney, who was confirmed there in 1910.

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