Most Holy Redeemer briefly reopens for Mass honoring longtime parishioner

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Most Holy Redeemer — closed since Sept. 1 — briefly reopened yesterday afternoon for a Mass honoring Robert Keck, a longtime parishioner and sacristan. 

Keck died on Jan. 5, about a month after his 90th birthday. 

The reopening came as a surprise to some parishioners, given the limited access to the building since the closure. 

Still, parishioners were happy to be back inside the church and to pay their respects to Robert Keck.

"When the closure was announced, Msgr. Nelan [of Immaculate Conception on 14th Street] did say exceptions would be made for a wedding or funeral of a longtime parishioner — but then declined to hold a Mass on the anniversary of the consecration, citing safety concerns — so this was a complete surprise," said Laura Sewell, executive director at the East Village Community Coalition, one of the groups urging landmark status for Most Holy Redeemer.

A church custodian echoed the sentiment, simply noting: "Good to see the church open and with people in it."

Find the petition about landmarking here. You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.

 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• At what may be the final Mass at Most Holy Redeemer

• At the prayer vigil for Most Holy Redeemer 

• Push continues to landmark East Village's historic Most Holy Redeemer 

• Most Holy Redeemer to halt regular masses this fall amid uncertainty about its future

• Grassroots effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer grows with weekly vigils