Perhaps you’ve noticed the impressive facade before. But have you ever stopped to consider the story of St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church? This church is not just another building. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Polish community in New York City.
St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church stands as the oldest Polish Roman Catholic parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. You will find it nestled in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. Its address is 101 East 7th Street. The location is between First Avenue and Avenue A.
The story of St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church begins in 1872. Polish immigrants established a small wooden church at 318 Henry Street. This marked the humble beginning of their parish.
Later, the congregation moved to a Dutch Reformed Church at 43 Stanton Street. The Dutch Reformed Church dated back to 1845. It had previously been used by Congregation B’nai Israel.
In 1900 construction began on the present church building. Arthur Arctander designed it. Arctander also had an office in the Bronx. The construction was completed in 1901.
Archbishop M.A. Corrigan and Bishop J.M. Farley dedicated the new church. The dedication took place on May 19, 1901.
The New York Times mentioned St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church in 1901. It was simply described as “the Polish church.” The article noted its role among other Catholic structures on the Lower East Side.
In 1907 a three-story brick and stone parish school and dwelling house was built. It stood at 104-106 Saint Mark’s Place. Arthur Arctander also designed this building. The construction cost $30,000.
The parish is staffed by the Pauline Fathers. They are also known as the Order of St. Paul the First Hermit.
One notable rector was the Rev. Francis Mylanarski. He served as a chaplain in the armed forces. Later he transferred to St. Adelbert’s Church in the Bronx in 1919.
Today St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church continues to serve its community. It is a beacon of faith and Polish heritage in the heart of Manhattan. The church’s history reflects the struggles and triumphs of immigrants. These immigrants sought a new life while preserving their traditions. The church is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith. It is a symbol of community.