Before us stands the Church of St. Martin of Tours, a testament to faith and community. The Church of St. Martin of Tours is a Roman Catholic parish church. It falls under the authority of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. You will find it at 664 Grote Street in the South Belmont section of the Bronx.
Let’s step back to 1897. The parish was established then at Belmont Avenue and 183rd Street. Reverend Edward J. O’Gorman led the church. By 1914, Reverend David J. Leahy assisted him. Both attended the chapel at St. Martin’s Academy. In 1914, the parish had 800 members. The church property was valued at $150000. It carried a debt of $21000.
The original church looked quite different from what we see today at St. Martin of Tours. The earlier building resembled a Protestant church with a large stone tower. This suggests the congregation may have bought and repurposed an existing building. This was before erecting the current structure.
The present Church of St. Martin of Tours showcases Modernist architecture with brick and concrete. Its design reflects a different era in church building. It replaced the older, more traditional-looking structure.
St. Martin of Tours Parish School once stood as a vital part of the community. It was established sometime after 1914. Sadly, the Archdiocese of New York closed the parish school. This occurred on January 11, 2011 along with 26 other schools.
Consider the changes the parish has undergone. From its founding to the construction of its current building. From the establishment to the closure of its school. The Church of St. Martin of Tours has adapted to the times. It has served its community through many transitions.
The history of St. Martin of Tours reflects the broader story of the Catholic Church in the Bronx. It shows the changing demographics and architectural styles over more than a century. The church stands as a landmark. It represents faith, community, and resilience in the heart of New York City. The Church of St. Martin of Tours has touched countless lives. It continues to be a place of worship and gathering for its parishioners today.