EVG file photo from 2023
As we first reported on July 16, Most Holy Redeemer-Church of the Nativity is halting its mass schedule starting in September, leaving the future of the historic church in question.
A group called "Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church" is hosting a vigil this evening at 7 outside the church on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B to raise awareness of its fate.
Meanwhile, efforts continue by preservation groups and parishioners to landmark the historic East Village property. To date, outgoing District 2 City Council Member Carlina Rivera and the Tenement Museum have lobbied the Landmarks Preservation Committee.
The landmarking effort, spearheaded by Village Preservation, the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative and the East Village Community Coalition, seeks to protect the 19th-century church built in 1851 — along with its rectory and former school — from potential redevelopment.
Supporters argue that the church is a vital part of the neighborhood's cultural and architectural heritage, and it deserves formal landmark status.
Find the petition here.
During a meeting on July 14, church officials said that Most Holy Redeemer's weekly masses will end on Aug. 31. In their place, the church will offer only occasional services, such as weddings, funerals, or what was described as "once in a blue moon masses" for long-time parishioners. This fall, masses that were previously held on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (including Spanish services) will take place at nearby St. Brigid's.
Leadership cited the shortage of priests as a key reason for the shift.
Concerns were also raised about the structural condition of the building itself. There is plaster falling from the ceiling in the church, officials noted, adding that engineers would evaluate whether it remains safe.
An employee of Most Holy Redeemer and St. Brigid attended the July 14 meeting and expressed skepticism about the timing of the engineering review, calling it "suspicious."
Previously on EV Grieve:
No comments:
Post a Comment