'Cathedral Of The Bronx' To Hold Final Mass
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One of the oldest Catholic churches in the Bronx, which has seen a steady decline in parishioners as well as structural maintenance over the years, will close its doors Sunday following a final mass service. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.Many say the heavens have blessed St. Augustine's Church in Morrisania over the years, but now it appears the heavens and the rain are coming right through the roof.
For years, there have been problems with the structure. Recently, one of the gigantic organ pipes fell to the ground. With the nearly biblical amount of rain the city had in June, the roof damage is now dangerous. The New York Archdiocese says the church is unsafe and the last mass will be held Sunday.
"I love this church. We will go on from here, but words can not express how I feel," said Adrienne Hennessy, a parishioner.
The more than 100-year-old church has been called the 'Cathedral of the Bronx' and was built for at least 1,200 worshippers. Nowadays, they get about 300 each Sunday which has led to a shortfall in funding to make repairs or maintain the property.
"The ceiling itself is estimated to cost $300,00. But what it needs is a whole new roof. But the other problems like the floor, the walls and everything would come up to $5 million," said Reverend Thomas Fenlon of St. Augustine's Parish.
Although the church is closing, the parish will remain active and prayer services will be held in the school's auditorium for the time being.
"This is really hurting all of us that the church is closing. But we have faith, something will happen," said Gertrude Crichmow, a parishioner.
St. Augustine's church has a lot of history and holds a special place within the black community as it was one of the first Catholic churches in the city to have a gospel choir.
"Which really brought the african american experience to this church, and which made us feel more warm and welcomed as roman catholics," said Marva Croker, a parishioner.
It's still not clear what will happen with the church building. Parishioners say they hope to someday build a smaller church elsewhere on the property.