Gazing upon Saint Georges Syrian Catholic Church, one might hear whispers of a vibrant past. This unassuming structure at 103 Washington Street stands as a poignant reminder of Manhattan’s Little Syria. Saint Georges Syrian Catholic Church isn’t just a church. It’s a time capsule, preserving the memory of a once-thriving Syrian American and Lebanese American community. Originally built around 1812, the building first served as a boarding house, witnessing waves of immigrants seeking new lives in New York City. By 1869, it had grown taller, mirroring the expanding city around it. The building took on a new identity in 1925 when George E. Bardwil, a successful textile importer, purchased it. He envisioned a spiritual home for the Syrian Greek Catholic church, a congregation established in 1889. Saint Georges Syrian Catholic Church offered a sanctuary, a place where familiar traditions and language could flourish amidst the bustling metropolis. In 1929, the church’s exterior was transformed by Lebanese-American draftsman Harvey F. Cassab. His neo-Gothic design, featuring a striking polychrome relief of St. George and the Dragon, remains a testament to his artistry. The vibrant community that Saint Georges Syrian Catholic Church served dwindled after World War II. The construction of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel ramps tragically displaced many families. The church transitioned briefly into a Latin Church parish before falling into disuse. In 1982, it was reborn as an Irish pub, another chapter in its long and varied history. While no longer a church, Saint Georges Syrian Catholic Church continues to tell a story. It whispers of community, resilience, and the ever-changing landscape of New York City. This landmark, designated as such in 2009, reminds us that even amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, echoes of the past still resonate.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to