Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

History

Cows

The Church of the Holy Innocents was established in 1866 when the area around 37th Street and Broadway was semi-rural. The present edifice was completed in 1870 using the Gothic Revival style of architecture. The first pastor had the foresight to engage the prominent artist Constantino Brumidi, to create a monumental fresco over the main altar. Soon after Brumidi was commissioned to decorate the Great Rotunda of the U. S. Capitol Building with magnificent frescoes.

In the early years cows roamed the streets and open pastures around Holy Innocents. As the city rapidly expanded northward the community, known as the "Tenderloin", teemed with immigrants from Europe. By the early 1900's the area was known for newspaper publishing (The Herald) and theaters (The Metropolitan Opera House). Holy Innocents was called the "actor's church". Eugene O'Neill, the playwright, was baptized in the church in 1888.

Change

By 1910, the area went through a profound change as the tenements were rapidly replaced by imposing commercial buildings. By the 1920's hundreds of thousands of workers earned their living in what became known as the Garment Center. Longacre Square changed its name to Times Square and Herald Square became synonymous with shopping. Meanwhile, Holy Innocents became spiritual oasis for vast number of people who went to work in the offices, factories and showrooms in the buildings that towered above. Not only did the church continue to offer spiritual direction but it also assisted people to rise to better economic and social circumstances.

Challenge

Today the church is the oldest building in the Fashion Center. Yet, it is youthful in its enthusiasm for meeting the challenges of ever changing environment - new people, new technologies, new ideas. The church enjoys a vibrant spiritual life and is considered a "second home" to thousands of workers and visitors who find comfort and support here. Through the presentation of fine music and art, the church uplifts the human spirit, helping people to reset goals and standards to ever-higher levels. Spiritual growth, social services programs, and self-improvement opportunities are part of fabric from which Holy Innocents is made.


OFFICIAL WEB SITE

1 posted on 08/15/2014 2:45:15 PM PDT by NYer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies ]


To: Tax-chick; GregB; Berlin_Freeper; SumProVita; narses; bboop; SevenofNine; Ronaldus Magnus; tiki; ...

Ping!


2 posted on 08/15/2014 2:45:40 PM PDT by NYer ("You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears." James 4:14)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: NYer

“I love Latin, I teach Latin, Latin is a dead language, therefore I am going to marry an undertaker.” Story I remember from my high school Latin teacher whose husband ran one of the two funeral homes in town.

Not to be related to this story, but it came to mind when I read your post.


5 posted on 08/15/2014 2:57:56 PM PDT by GreyFriar (Spearhead - 3rd Armored Division 75-78 & 83-87)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: NYer

Looks pretty dead in the worship service pictured.


8 posted on 08/15/2014 3:58:34 PM PDT by PAR35
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: NYer

Just received this from Juventutem Long Island and thought you and the others would be interested.

We here in NY are just heartbroken that Holy Innocents is on the chopping block.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I6YWal0Fdk

Regards,


19 posted on 08/16/2014 8:39:01 PM PDT by VermiciousKnid (Sic narro nos totus!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson