Saint Johns Baptist Church

Did a church in Manhattan ever have so much drama that the Archbishop had to call in reinforcements? Here at Saint Johns Baptist Church, that’s exactly what happened. Saint Johns Baptist Church began in 1840 as a haven for German Catholics, the second such parish in the city. But peace didn’t last long. The lay trustees were, shall we say, opinionated. They clashed with pastors. Reverend Zachary Kunze, the first pastor, left in 1844 with part of the congregation to found St. Francis of Assisi Church nearby. The church was placed under interdict, reopened, closed again, then its first building, a small timber structure, burned down in 1847. A new brick church arose, but the drama continued. Pastors came and went, interdicts were imposed, and the parishioners remained, let’s say, resistant to authority. Finally, in 1870, Archbishop John McCloskey had enough. He suppressed Saint Johns Baptist Church entirely. Then, he brought in the Capuchin Friars to take charge. With the Capuchins, especially Father Bonaventure Frey, the parish found stability. The current French Gothic-style church, designed by Napoleon Le Brun, was built in 1871-1872. It cost a hefty $175,000 and originally held 1,200 people. Frey added a bell tower with a five-bell carillon cast by J.G. Stuckstede & Brothers Foundry in St. Louis. Those bells still ring out over the city today. The church has seen more than its share of challenges. A fire in 1997 destroyed the organ, choir gallery, statues, and stained-glass windows. They’ve been restored, though the organ is now electronic. Imagine the echoes of history within these walls, from the tumultuous early years to the peaceful present. Saint Johns Baptist Church stands as a testament to resilience and the power of community, a place where faith has weathered many storms.