A church closed in 2015. That’s the story of St Lucy’s Church. But its story is far from over.
Right here before you stands St Lucy’s Church a former parish church in East Harlem. Its history stretches back to November 12 1899. That’s when Archbishop Michael Corrigan established the Parish of St Lucy. He appointed Reverend Edmund W Cronin to serve the Italian and English-speaking Catholics of the area.
Initially Mass was held in a rented loft. Then a larger space at 338 East 103rd Street. The first permanent church a simple one-story stone structure was built in 1901. It cost $25000. A four-story rectory was built next door for $12000. The basement church was dedicated in 1901. By 1914 the congregation had grown to over 15000. Most were Italian-speaking. This led to the construction of the present church.
The current St Lucy’s Church is Neo-Gothic. It was built between 1914 and 1915. The architect was Thomas J Duff. This larger church also included a school. The school was considered a model of fire safety. Every classroom had three exits. The church was dedicated in 1915. Archbishop Giovanni Bonzano presided. The Pallotine Sisters ran the school until 1979.
Over time East Harlem’s demographics shifted. The Italian community was replaced by a Puerto Rican one. By 1999 membership at St Lucy’s had dropped to 300. In 2014 the Archdiocese of New York restructured its parishes. St Lucy’s merged with St Ann’s Church. Masses stopped. The church was deconsecrated in 2017.
But look closely. See the details. The symmetrical facade the rose window. The church may be closed but its story its spirit remains. It’s a testament to faith community and the ever-changing landscape of New York City. A place where history lives on even in silence. St Lucy’s Church a story etched in stone and memory.