Ready to step back in time? St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church has a story etched in its very foundation.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church began as a mission on January 15 1899. The first meeting was held in the White Mansion. This mansion stood at Beck and East 156th Streets.
Rev. Charles Hamilton became pastor the following year. A church building was then constructed. It was on a triangular piece of land. This plot was bordered by Dawson Street, East 156th Street, Kelly Street, and Leggett Avenue. The area was sparsely populated. But they built their church. People came.
The IRT extension brought more people to the Bronx. St. Margaret’s saw a huge increase in parishioners. The church building was renovated. It accommodated the influx of church goers.
Imagine the scene on May 18 1922. Police Officer Douglas W. Hay was gunned down. His house and St. Margaret’s Church were besieged. About 40000 well-wishers came to pay respect. Hay had served a summons on Michael Trabiano. The fish monger turned and shot him in the back. Two hundred police officers escorted the body. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Frederick B. Hodgins. Rev. John A. Wade also participated. It was the largest crowd at St. Margaret’s ever. The parish talked about it for years.
The number of parishioners waned in the 1950s. But the church needed work. A building fund was started. Renovation began on the current brick structure in 1961. The resultant edifice is a beautiful monument to God.
The congregation is smaller now. But it is still vibrant. The church building hosts many outreach groups. There is a Food Pantry. The Girls Friendly Society meets there. Cub Scouts use the space. The Sunday Morning Community Breakfast Program operates here. The Friday Evening Young Men’s Basketball Program takes place here too. The local American Legion Post also meets at St. Margaret’s. There is an after school program. A summer day camp is also hosted. It truly serves the community well.
Theodora Nmade Brooks has been rector since 1993. Sunday services are at 10:30 AM. Wednesdays at noon there is also a service. Evening Prayers are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the Longwood historic district. Its walls echo with stories of community and resilience. A place of worship, a center for outreach, and a landmark of history. St. Margaret’s continues to serve. It welcomes all who seek solace and connection.