Nestled in the heart of the Bronx, New York, St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church is not just a place of worship but a historical, cultural, and community-driven landmark. Located on Tiffany Street, between Fox Street and Southern Boulevard in the Longwood neighborhood, the church is dedicated to St. Athanasius of Alexandria, a revered Doctor of the Church. Beyond its spiritual significance, the church has long been a beacon of hope and activism for the Bronx community, championing social justice and community development for more than a century.
This article provides a comprehensive look into the church's history, its profound contributions to the community, its architectural charm, and why it continues to be a cherished destination for visitors.
St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church, Bronx
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| St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in the South Bronx Source: Flickr |
History of St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church
Foundation and Early Years
St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church was established in 1907, during a time when the Bronx was rapidly growing. Archbishop John Murphy Farley founded the parish and purchased an entire city block for $58,000 to serve as its site. The church’s cornerstone was laid on May 31, 1908, by Cardinal Michael Logue, Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland, who was visiting New York to celebrate the centenary of the Archdiocese of New York.
The church was completed and solemnly dedicated on February 21, 1909. In its early years, the church quickly became a center for spiritual life in the Bronx, serving an ethnically diverse congregation. One of its notable early clergy members was Terence James Cooke, who served as a curate during the 1950s and later rose to prominence as the Archbishop of New York.
A Beacon of Community Service
St. Athanasius Church (Wikipedia) is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for its pivotal role in addressing the challenges of its community. Located in a low-income neighborhood, the parish has been instrumental in creating transformative programs for social welfare and housing.
Father Louis R. Gigante: A Visionary Leader
One of the most prominent figures in the church's history was Father Louis R. Gigante, who served as its longtime pastor. Father Gigante, the brother of the infamous gangster Vincent "The Chin" Gigante, devoted his life to community development. In 1967, he founded the Simpson Street Development Association, which worked tirelessly to address the housing crisis in the Bronx. Father Gigante’s leadership was crucial in revitalizing the South Bronx during its most challenging years.
Sister Miriam Thomas and SEBCO
Another transformative leader at St. Athanasius was Sister Miriam Thomas, who joined the parish in 1962 as a teacher. Together with Father Gigante, she co-founded the South East Bronx Community Organization (SEBCO) in 1968. SEBCO became a driving force in the Bronx, leveraging federal Section 8 funds to renovate abandoned buildings and create affordable housing for thousands of residents. Sister Thomas also became a symbol of hope and resilience in the community, earning widespread recognition for her efforts.
Mid-Bronx Desperadoes
St. Athanasius was also the birthplace of another influential community group, the Mid-Bronx Desperadoes, co-founded in 1974 by Father William Smith, another parish priest. This organization focused on neighborhood activism and helped improve living conditions in the Bronx during its most difficult years of urban decline.
Legacy of Education: St. Athanasius School
The commitment of St. Athanasius Church to education is evident through its school, which was founded on September 8, 1913, by the Sisters of Charity of New York. Originally located adjacent to the church on Fox Street, the school quickly outgrew its facilities.
In 1965, a new school building was constructed at 830 Southern Boulevard, providing modern amenities and space for its growing student body. For over a century, the school has offered quality education to generations of Bronx residents, emphasizing academic excellence, moral values, and community engagement. Learn more about St. Athanasius School - Bronx, NY.
Architectural Highlights
St. Athanasius Church may not be one of New York City’s largest cathedrals, but it holds its own with its understated beauty and historical charm. The church’s design reflects the classic Roman Catholic architecture of the early 20th century. Its timeless appeal is complemented by its serene interior, which provides a sacred space for reflection and prayer. Over the years, the church has remained a spiritual haven for its congregation, even as the surrounding neighborhood underwent dramatic changes.
Modern-Day Challenges and Controversy
Despite its storied history of service and activism, St. Athanasius has faced its share of challenges. In 2010, controversy arose when Sister Miriam Thomas and the flea market she had organized for decades were unceremoniously expelled from the parish after a new pastor arrived. This decision created division within the community, with many parishioners protesting the move, while others supported the new leadership.
Community Initiatives and Recognition
Even with these challenges, St. Athanasius Church remains deeply involved in community development. A notable milestone was the dedication of the Sister Thomas Apartments in 2008, a 105-unit affordable housing complex built on the last city-owned parcel of land in the South Bronx. At the dedication, the New York State Housing Finance Agency praised the parish for its leadership during the difficult decades of the 1960s and 1970s, calling it “a beacon of hope” in a desolate landscape.
Why Visit St. Athanasius Church?
For visitors to the Bronx, St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church offers a unique combination of spiritual solace, historical significance, and cultural insight. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a person of faith, or someone interested in urban revitalization, this church has much to offer.
Key Reasons to Visit:
1. Historical Importance: Learn about the church’s pivotal role in the Bronx’s history.
2. Community Impact: Discover inspiring stories of social activism and affordable housing initiatives.
3. Spiritual Experience: Attend a Mass or spend time in prayer in this peaceful sanctuary.
4. Architectural Charm: Appreciate the understated beauty of the church’s classic design.
5. Educational Heritage: Explore the legacy of St. Athanasius School and its contributions to the community.
Visitor Information
- Location: Tiffany Street between Fox Street and Southern Boulevard, Longwood, Bronx, New York City.
- Affiliation: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
- Mass Times: Contact the parish office for current schedules.
- Accessibility: The church is open to visitors and welcomes people of all backgrounds.
Conclusion
For more than a century, St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church has been a symbol of faith, resilience, and transformation in the Bronx. From its early years as a parish church to its pivotal role in community activism, the church has continually adapted to the changing needs of its congregation and neighborhood. Whether you’re drawn by its history, architecture, or enduring legacy of service, St. Athanasius offers an inspiring experience for all who visit.
