“They say the cornerstone was laid in 1895” a voice whispers from the past. Welcome to St Cassian’s Church. Right here on this very spot stands a testament to faith resilience and community. This isn’t just a church. It’s a living story etched in stone and stained glass.
St Cassian’s Church began as a small mission church. It served the religious needs of mostly Irish families. Many were domestic workers from New York City. They built a simple church a humble space for worship. It was approximately 90 feet by 55 feet. Imagine the scene a small congregation gathered within those walls. The original seating capacity was only about 150. The church even had a stable in the backyard.
Over time St Cassian’s Church grew. The parish expanded. The church building needed to be bigger. An addition was built in 1912. It increased the seating capacity to 320. This addition initially served as a hall. It later became part of the church itself. This transformed the church into a cruciform shape a significant architectural change. The original church was also replaced in 1995. The new church seats approximately 400 people. It stands where the old rectory once stood. It has a parish center too which is named after Monsignor John E Doran. He designed the new church. He raised the funds to build it.
St Cassian’s Church also has a school. St Cassian School opened in 1953. It has been a source of pride for the community. It’s a testament to the dedication of the parishioners. The school even received a National Blue Ribbon Award in 2016. This signifies the school’s commitment to excellence in education.
The old St Cassian’s Church was eventually deemed unsafe. In 1992 it was condemned and closed. The demolition of the old church marked a significant turning point. It paved the way for the beautiful structure you see today. The construction of the new church was a massive undertaking. The project involved the demolition of the old church and rectory. It cost over $3000000. This was made possible by the incredible generosity of the parishioners. The new church’s construction was completed in 1995. Its dedication involved several bishops including Archbishop McCarrick.
Today St Cassian’s Church continues to thrive. It serves over 1650 families. It offers various programs and attracts new members. The church has undergone several additions. These include the Stations of the Cross stained glass windows and the beautiful statue of Our Lady. In 2017 a relic of St Cassian of Imola was installed in the altar. This is a significant addition to the church’s sacred artifacts. St Cassian’s Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living embodiment of faith community and enduring spirit. It is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the people who call it their spiritual home. This is a place where history faith and community intersect. Leaving you with a sense of wonder and inspiration.