Report: Archdiocese says repairs are underway at Most Holy Redeemer

Photo from August by Stacie Joy 

The New York Times recently reported on efforts to reopen Most Holy Redeemer, the historic Catholic church on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, which has been closed to regular services since August 2025. 

The article revisits the frustrations of longtime parishioners, who have continued to gather outside the locked church to pray, and the broader campaign to preserve the 175-year-old building, as we've reported extensively over the past 14 months. 

Of particular interest is a statement from Joseph Zwilling, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New York, who told the Times that repairs to the church's ceiling began last month. Zwilling said the Mass schedule will be determined after the work is completed. 

In January, the Department of Buildings issued a "failure to maintain" violation after an inspector observed detached ceiling plaster inside the sanctuary, as we first reported. 

How often services resume will depend on several factors, including "the needs of the people, the availability of Mass elsewhere and the ability to provide priests to celebrate the Mass." 

He also disputed claims that the archdiocese had violated canon law by suspending services without formally closing the church, saying its status has not changed and that the closure was solely for safety reasons. 

Zwilling further stated that the closure was unrelated to the archdiocese's potential $800 million settlement with victims of clergy and lay sexual abuse. 

Meanwhile, parishioners and preservation advocates continue pressing for the church's reopening and landmark designation. 

Despite the reported start of repairs, no date has been announced for the resumption of regular Mass. 

Most Holy Redeemer has reopened only once since regular services ended — for a special Mass in January.

Find the petition about landmarking here. (And write a letter here.) 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Continuing the effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer

• Most Holy Redeemer hit with DOB 'failure to maintain' violation

• 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

LPC set to revisit new building proposed next to Merchant's House Museum

The fate of a proposed new building next to the Merchant's House Museum is back before the Landmarks Preservation Commission this week. 

Tomorrow, the LPC is expected to review plans for a 9-story, 105-foot-tall building at 27 E. Fourth St., adjacent to the landmarked 19th-century house museum between Lafayette Street and the Bowery, according to Village Preservation. 

The proposal previously came before the Commission in March, when it drew extensive public testimony in opposition. Commissioners did not discuss or vote on the application at that meeting. Tuesday's session is expected to include discussion of the proposal, though no additional public testimony will be taken. The LPC may receive written comments in advance. 

The Merchant's House, built in 1832 and designated a New York City landmark in 1965, has long raised concerns about construction on the neighboring property. The museum's exterior and interior are both landmarked, including its original ornamental plasterwork. 

Village Preservation, which opposes the proposal, said the museum's experts believe construction next door could cause "extensive and irreversible damage" to the building despite safeguards proposed for the project. 

For the past 15-plus years, Kalodop II Park Corp. has been trying to build a new development on the site of a one-level garage that stores food carts. The developers need approval of a zoning text amendment and special permits to proceed with the project. In February, Community Board 2's Landmarks Committee disapproved the plan. 

Preservationists and museum officials have argued that excavation, vibrations and other construction activity could threaten the historic structure.

Continuing the effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

A small group gathered outside Most Holy Redeemer Church on Monday evening to call for the preservation and reopening of the historic parish at 173 E. Third St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

The low-key vigil, held on the eve of the first anniversary of the suspension of regular services, included neighbors, former parishioners and preservation advocates. No candles were lit as in previous vigils, though two attendees wore custom shirts in support of the church.

Several people expressed concern about the church’s finances and future. One attendee, who was married at Most Holy Redeemer, said it broke his heart to see what had become of the parish. Another declined to be photographed because she still works for the Catholic Church and feared possible repercussions. 

Organizers have said that recent actions by the Archdiocese of New York suggest the property could remain permanently closed and eventually be sold.

Parishioners, neighbors and preservationists have urged the Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider the 1851 structure for landmark designation. 

Church leadership previously cited a shortage of priests and concerns about the building’s condition as reasons for moving services to St. Brigid on Avenue B. 

In January, the Department of Buildings issued a "failure to maintain" violation after an inspector observed detached ceiling plaster inside the sanctuary. 

Most Holy Redeemer has reopened only once since regular services ended — for a special Mass in January.

Find the petition about landmarking here. (And write a letter here.) You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.

Rally this evening to preserve and reopen Most Holy Redeemer Church

Neighbors are coming together this (Monday) evening to rally and call for the preservation and reopening of Most Holy Redeemer Church, 173 E. Third St., between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

The rally begins at 6 p.m. on the eve of the first anniversary of the church's suspension of regular services. 

Organizers say recent moves by the Archdiocese of New York suggest the property may be permanently closed and eventually sold, raising concerns about the future of the 1851 structure. 

As previously reported, parishioners, neighbors and preservationists have urged the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider the church for landmark designation. 

Church leadership previously cited a shortage of priests and concerns about the building's condition as reasons for shifting services to St. Brigid on Avenue B. 

In January, the Department of Buildings issued a “failure to maintain” violation after an inspector observed a section of detached plaster ceiling inside the sanctuary. 

Most Holy Redeemer has reopened only once since services ended last year, for a special Mass in January.

Find the petition about landmarking here. (And write a letter 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

St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery looks to the air for its future

St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery received city approval for a plan to sell some of its unused development rights to a proposed residential project on Third Avenue.

As The Living Church magazine first reported, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approved the transfer on July 21, allowing the historic church at 131 E. 10th St. at Second Avenue to sell air rights (aka transferable development rights).

The rights would be transferred to a development site at 50-64 Third Ave. between 10th Street and 11th Street. Kinsmen Property Group, a joint venture between State Building Group and Madison Group, is planning a residential building of up to 160,000 square feet at the site, as we've been reporting. 

The deal is notable because the receiving property isn't directly adjacent to St. Mark's. Changes enacted under the city's City of Yes zoning overhaul expanded where landmarked properties can transfer their unused development rights. 

The process came before Community Board 3 in June, when members approved a continuing maintenance plan required for the transfer. Beyer Blinder Belle Architects conducted a conditions survey of the church and developed a plan that prioritizes critical repairs, with additional maintenance taking place over several years. 

The sale is expected to close by year’s end. Until then, details of the agreement, including the sale price, remain confidential.

According to The Living Church, the sale will provide greater financial stability for maintaining the landmark while allowing operating income. 

"We don't have to worry about these vital repairs anymore…instead, we can say, we 'have these things covered.' We can keep our building in sound repair, and we can continue to do the vital mission work and ministry work that we've been doing for so long," the Rev. Anne Marie Witchger, rector of the church, told the publication.

The current St. Mark's Church building was completed in 1799 on a site with a history of worship dating to the 17th century. It is one of the oldest church buildings in Manhattan. 

Proposal for development next to Merchant’s House goes before the LPC Tuesday

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Merchant's House Museum (@merchantshouse)

As reported last month, there are new plans for a 9-story mixed-use building at 27 E. Fourth St. between the Bowery and Lafayette. 

For the past 15-plus years, Kalodop II Park Corp. has been trying to put in a new development at the current site of a one-level garage that stores food carts.

The developers need approval of a zoning text amendment and special permits to facilitate the building. Last month, Community Board 2's Landmarks Committee disapproved the plan. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the plans go before the Landmark's Preservation Committee. The hearing is at 253 Broadway, 2nd Floor. (Attendees should arrive by 1:15 p.m. Testify info here.) You can also watch via Zoom at 2 p.m. You can also send an email to the LPC. 

Preservationists, not to mention the leadership of Merchant's House, the circa-1832 building, were concerned that the construction could permanently damage the structure, one of only six residences in NYC that is both an exterior and an interior landmark. 

As Museum officials have noted about the latest proposal: "New research has revealed that the 1832 Merchant's House is an intact site of the Underground Railroad. If the LPC approves the development, this piece of history will be gone forever. We can't let our history be destroyed!"

Noho Food Market relocating as another Bowery corner awaits development

The future of the NW corner of the Bowery and Great Jones continues to take shape. 

The Noho Food Market has closed ahead of a move to the storefront to the north...

As previously reported, Lonicera Partners has assembled a development site here. Lonicera signed a contract to purchase 348 Bowery, the former Bowery Market and mechanic's garage, and took a minority stake in 350 and 352 Bowery, the two adjacent properties to the north. 

There are now new permits on file for a 25-story residential building, including inclusive housing, at the corner at 56 Great Jones St. 

Here's a view of the proposed development looking to the north ...

And how it would look from across the street... as you can see, the current buildings at 348, 350, and 352 Bowery would be demolished (there aren't any demolition permits on file with the Department of Buildings).

There are two versions of the new building — one with a cantilevered extension to the north and the other without it. 

As Village Preservation explained, 56 Great Jones St. is outside the bounds of any landmarked district. However, the cantilevering portion over part of an adjacent building within the NoHo Historic District Extension at 354 Bowery requires landmark approval. 

The non-cantilver version would feature 94 total residential units, including 27 MIH apartments. The cantiliver edition would have three more MIH units, for a total of 30.

Last month, Community Board 2 denied the application as an "unwelcome intrusion into a landmark district from a building in a 'carve out' portion of the district that has admittedly made no effort to be harmonious with the district."

In January, five of six commissioners of the Landmark Preservation Commission voted in favor of the cantilevering version. However, as Village Preservation explained, a minimum of six commissioners is required for a majority vote. This item will return to a future LPC docket.

The Bowery Market closed on the corner last October. The boutique CÔTE À COAST at No. 350 shut down in January ahead of a relocation. 

The all-new 56 Great Jones St. will join the 22-story office building on the SW corner of Bowery and Fourth Street on the block. No. 360 will house one tenant: the NYC-based Chobani, LLC, a food and beverage company initially known for its Greek yogurt.

25-story residential building in the works for the NW corner of the Bowery and Great Jones

Renderings via Fogerty Finger

A new development for the NW corner of the Bowery and Great Jones is moving forward. 

As previously reported (first by PincusCo), Lonicera Partners was assembling a potential development site at this northwest corner. Lonicera signed a contract to purchase 348 Bowery, the former Bowery Market and mechanic's garage, and took a minority stake in 350 and 352 Bowery, the two adjacent properties to the north. 

There are now new permits on file for a 25-story residential building, including inclusive housing, at the corner under the address 56 Great Jones St. 

Here's a view of the proposed development looking to the north ...

And how it would look from across the street... as you can see, the current buildings at 348, 350, and 352 Bowery would be demolished (there aren't any demolition permits on file with the Department of Buildings).

The Bowery Market closed on the corner last October. The boutique CÔTE À COAST at No. 350 shut down last month ahead of a relocation. Noho Food Market at 352 Bowery will move to the empty storefront at No. 354. 

There are two versions of the new building — one with a cantilevered extension to the north, the other without it. 

As Village Preservation explained, 56 Great Jones St. is outside the bounds of any landmarked district. However, the cantilevering portion over part of an adjacent building within the NoHo Historic District Extension at 354 Bowery requires landmark approval. 

The non-cantilver version would feature 94 total residential units, including 27 MIH apartments. The cantiliver edition would have three more MIH units, for a total of 30.

There will be a series of public meetings, starting tomorrow evening at 5:30, before the Community Board 2 Landmarks Committee. (Find meeting details here. You can attend via Zoom.) 

The all-new 56 Great Jones St. would join the 22-story office building on the SW corner of Bowery and Fourth Street on the block. No. 360 will house one tenant: the NYC-based Chobani, LLC, a food and beverage company initially known for its Greek yogurt.

New 9-story development proposal raises alarms next to Merchant’s House

There are new plans for a 9-story mixed-use building (PDF here) at 27 E. Fourth St. between the Bowery and Lafayette. 

For the past 15-plus years, Kalodop II Park Corp. has been trying to put in a new development at the current site of a one-level garage that stores food carts. 

We hadn't heard anything new about the project since December 2023, when the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved plans for an 8-story hotel next door to the landmarked Merchant's House Museum.

Here's how the Merchant's House reacted to the new-building update, per an Instagram post over the weekend: 

We just learned that the developer has applied to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a NEW building next door. The proposed building is not only taller than the previous design, but also adds more bulk. All of which heightens the risk of irreparable damage and the real possibility of collapse! 

As you may remember, in December 2023, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved plans for another building (8 stories) next door. They also instructed the developers to conduct a study of our landmark interior plaster. The developers never did; instead, they have filed these new plans.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Merchant's House Museum (@merchantshouse)

The developers will need approval of a zoning text amendment and special permits to facilitate the building. There will be a series of public meetings, starting tomorrow evening at 5:30, before the Community Board 2 Landmarks Committee. (Find meeting details here. You can attend via Zoom.)

 Preservationists, not to mention the leadership of Merchant's House, the circa-1832 building, were concerned that the construction could permanently damage the structure, one of only six residences in NYC that is both an exterior and an interior landmark. 

Local elected officials and Community Board 2 have all opposed the previous application for the 8-story hotel. 

Learn more about the Merchant's House, currently undergoing an exterior restoration project, here... and at Village Preservation here. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Landmarks Preservation Commission approves hotel project that could potentially damage the city's oldest residential landmark

Most Holy Redeemer hit with DOB 'failure to maintain' violation

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Back on Tuesday, a rep from the Department of Buildings arrived at Most Holy Redeemer and posted a notice on one of the currently-closed church's front doors... sparking curiosity from neighbors who can see the posted sign but can't access the locked gate...

The DOB category is 73 — FAILURE TO MAINTAIN. 

Per the complaint: 

OBSERVED A SECTION OF DETACHED PLASTER CEILING WITHIN THE SANCTUARY. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VIOLATION WARRANTED.

As we've been reporting, neighbors and local preservation groups have been campaigning to have the 1851 structure landmarked here on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

Services here stopped on Sept. 1 (with one exception), and the property appears to be moving toward closure and possible sale, prompting growing concern from parishioners and preservationists alike. Organizers have called on the Archdiocese to keep the church from being shuttered or sold, and urged the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to move ahead with landmark designation. 

Church leadership cited the shortage of priests as a key reason for the shift away from Most Holy Redeemer to St. Brigid on Avenue B. Officials also raised concerns about the building's structural condition. As noted last summer, there is a small patch of plaster falling from the ceiling to the left of the altar (and not over any of the pews). Church leaders said that engineers would evaluate whether it remains safe. 

Parishioners — and even a church employee — expressed skepticism that a small section of falling plaster was reason enough to shut the building, as well as questions about the timing of the engineering review. (Photo below from Aug. 31.)

In the summer of 2024, the Archdiocese of New York sold the historic Holy Rosary Church in East Harlem to a developer, citing the building's "severe disrepair." 

This same analysis could lead to the end of the church that opened in 1851. 

The Archdiocese has yet to respond to any of the ongoing concerns or even share any potential future plans.

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

Residents push to save historic Most Holy Redeemer church

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

An estimated 100-plus parishioners, preservation advocates and East Village residents gathered on Sunday afternoon to oppose the halt of services — and the potential sale — of the Most Holy Redeemer Church on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B.

As we've been reporting, neighbors and local preservation groups have been campaigning to have the 1851 structure landmarked. Regular services here have stopped, and the property appears to be moving toward closure and possible sale, prompting growing concern from parishioners and preservationists alike.

On Sunday, organizers called on the Archdiocese to keep the church from being shuttered or sold, and urged the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to move ahead with landmark designation.

The Archdiocese has yet to respond to any of the ongoing concerns or even share any potential future plans.

Most Holy Redeemer — founded in 1844 by the Redemptorist Fathers and completed in 1852 — has been closed to the public since Sept. 1. Parishioners have been directed to St. Brigid on Avenue B. 

Village Preservation, the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative and the East Village Community Coalition have also urged the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission to protect the historic church, an architectural anchor of the neighborhood's 19th-century Kleindeutschland community. 

The church is one of the East Village's oldest and most prominent religious buildings — and was once among the city's tallest and largest.

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

Neighbors to rally Sunday to protect Most Holy Redeemer Church

Neighbors, parishioners and local preservation groups are planning another rally this Sunday at 2 p.m. to protect the historic Most Holy Redeemer Church at 173 E. Third St. between Avenues A and B. 

As we've been reporting (see links below), advocates have been campaigning to have it designated a landmark. Services here have been halted, and the property appears to be moving toward closure and possible sale, prompting growing concern from parishioners and preservationists alike. 

Tomorrow, organizers will call on the Archdiocese to keep the church from being shuttered or sold, and on the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to move forward with landmark designation. 

The rally will take place outside the church.

Most Holy Redeemer — founded in 1844 by the Redemptorist Fathers and completed in 1852 — has been closed to the public since Sept. 1. Parishioners have been directed to St. Brigid on Avenue B. 

Village Preservation, the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative and the East Village Community Coalition have also urged the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission to protect the historic church, an architectural anchor of the neighborhood's 19th-century Kleindeutschland community.

The church is one of the East Village's oldest and most prominent religious buildings — and was once among the city's tallest and largest.

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

Jazz landmark alert: The Charlie Parker Residence is for sale on Avenue B

The Charlie Parker Residence, a Gothic Revival-style townhouse at 151 Avenue B between Ninth Street and 10th Street, is now on the sales market. (Thanks to the EVG reader for the tip and photo!)

The landmarked building, built in 1849, was home to the jazz great and Chan Richardson and their three children from 1951 to 1954 — the height of his career. He died in March 1955 at age 34.

Here's more from the listing at Stile Real Estate: 

This five-apartment, 23-foot-wide building offers an impressive combination of historic charm and generous proportions. Featuring high ceilings, original wood floors, and beautifully preserved decorative fireplaces with both marble and wood mantels, each residence exudes classic character. Natural light pours in from the second floor all the way up to the penthouse, enhancing the sense of space throughout. And those apartments also enjoy stunning, unobstructed views overlooking Tompkins Square Park. 

There are 4 full-floor apartments: The garden floor, former home of Jazz great Charlie Parker, with a private landscaped garden, a grand parlor floor with original pocket doors and 3 decorative fireplaces, and the third and fourth floors, each with 2 bedrooms. The fourth floor has an open country kitchen and an exposed brick wall in the living room. The Penthouse apartment is set-back, with a huge private deck, skylights, and a loft space over the bedroom. Previously configured, the Garden and Parlor floor apartments can easily be combined to create an owner's duplex! And live in your dream owner's duplex while enjoying income! 

It also has the honor of 3 designations: The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, The State Register of Historic Places, and The National Register of Historic Places. 

Asking price: $7.2 million. 

The building was last on the market in 2015 for $9.25 million. 

Jazz booker Judy Rhodes bought the property in 1979, reportedly for $90,000. You can read an interview with her from 2016 here. Discover more building history here. 

This portion of Avenue B along Tompkins Square Park was co-named Charlie Parker Place in 1992.

Most Holy Redeemer parishioners bring their petition to St. Patrick’s Cathedral

This past Saturday morning, members of Save Most Holy Redeemer Historic Church gathered outside St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown, holding a petition prayer and asking Cardinal Dolan to reopen their shuttered East Village church.

Most Holy Redeemer — founded in 1844 by the Redemptorist Fathers and completed in 1852 — has been closed to the public on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B since Sept. 1. Parishioners have been directed to St. Brigid on Avenue B. However, the church may still be used for the occasional special ceremony. 

In a letter delivered last week to Archbishop Dolan, parishioners requested that the church be reopened and that Mass be celebrated there at least twice a month, citing their rights under canon law. 

Advocates worry the closure could signal another parish merger and, eventually, redevelopment of the site. 

Village Preservation, the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative and the East Village Community Coalition have also urged the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission to protect the historic church, an architectural anchor of the neighborhood's 19th-century Kleindeutschland community.

Find the petition about landmarking here. 

A group of residents and parishioners is hosting a prayer vigil outside the church on Friday evenings at 7 — a gathering they plan to continue weekly at this time. You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.

Photos: Jennifer Kellow Fiorini (top); Gladys Cortez-Feliciano (second)

 

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

Grassroots effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer grows with weekly vigils

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

The grassroots effort continues to help save Most Holy Redeemer-Church of the Nativity on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

A group of residents and parishioners once again held a prayer vigil outside the church on Friday evening at 7 — a gathering they plan to continue weekly at this time. (You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.)

Participants brought headsets and a small portable speaker that was fastened to the church gates. Prayer sheets were handed out, and the group recited a series of novenas.

The mood outside was a mix of reverence and frustration. Parishioners have expressed concerns that the Archdiocese has not been transparent about its future plans for this parcel, which includes the adjoining rectory. (That building belongs to the Redemptorists, not the Archdiocese, which had only been renting the space.) 

Several people also spoke about plans to attend the last Mass, held on Sunday, Aug. 31. Moving forward, Masses will be held at St. Brigid-St. Emeric on Avenue B. 

Fox 5 was also on hand with a camera crew to cover the scene. 

Village Preservation, along with the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative and the East Village Community Coalition, has launched a campaign to save Most Holy Redeemer, which has stood at 173 E. Third St. for more than 150 years. 

Outgoing District 2 City Council Member Carlina Rivera and leadership at the Tenement Museum have voiced their support for preserving the church.

Founded in 1844 by German-speaking Redemptorist missionaries and completed in 1851, the church was once among the tallest structures in New York. Nicknamed the "German Cathedral of the Lower East Side," it became a cornerstone of Kleindeutschland. It played a significant role in the city's religious, immigrant, and fire safety history — from introducing Gregorian chant in Catholic churches to pioneering the use of electricity for religious structures. 

Despite that legacy, Most Holy Redeemer, and preservationists warn that the building could be at risk. Village Preservation notes the Landmarks Preservation Commission has often failed to protect historic churches, synagogues, and other neighborhood sites of worship in recent years. 

For neighbors, the prospect of the steeple disappearing from the skyline after decades as a familiar presence is almost unimaginable. 

As the Facebook group states: 

Holy Redeemer is more than just bricks and stained glass — it's a cornerstone of our community's identity. Its architecture, history, and spiritual presence deserve to be cherished, not forgotten.

Find the petition about landmarking 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

• Up in the under-restoration belltower at Most Holy Redeemer

A prayer vigil this evening outside Most Holy Redeemer

Community members will gather this evening at 7 outside Most Holy Redeemer-Church of the Nativity on Third Street for a prayer vigil. 

The event, the first of which started last Friday evening, is organized by the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church. 

The vigils follow July's announcement that weekly masses at Most Holy Redeemer will end after Sunday. Going forward, the church will host only occasional ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

Parishioners are being directed to St. Brigid's on Avenue B for regular services. Church leaders cited a shortage of priests and the deteriorating condition of the building, including falling plaster, as reasons for the shift. 

Meanwhile, Village Preservation, the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative, and the East Village Community Coalition are pushing for landmark status for the 1851 church, its rectory, and former school to protect them from redevelopment.

Supporters argue the complex is a vital part of the neighborhood's cultural and architectural heritage. 

The prayer vigils will continue here Friday evenings this fall.

Find the petition here. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• 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