Increased endeavors to safeguard a historically significant East Village church, as lobbyists intensify their influence on the city authorities.
The Fight to Preserve the Most Holy Redeemer Church in New York's East Village
The Most Holy Redeemer Church in the East Village, a towering and beloved structure in the neighborhood, has yet to be designated as a historical landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
Built in the 1850s in the German Baroque style, the church has served as a center of faith and community for East Village Catholics for over a century and a half. Its historical and cultural significance is undeniable, making it a key target for preservation efforts.
Tragedy struck the church in 1883, when a devastating fire claimed the lives of 16 children. The incident sparked a wave of emotional responses, with many questioning the safety of buildings in New York if structures like the Most Holy Redeemer Church were not saved.
Catherine Montmory, a parishioner of the church, described it as "holy, sacred and sanctified ground." Beyond its religious impact, the church is a vital center of community for many in the East Village and surrounding area. Montmory emphasized its importance, stating, "It's not just a church; it's a place where people come together, where they find comfort and solace."
The LPC has conducted a review of the church and determined that it may merit landmark consideration. However, more review is required, and as of February, the LPC replied stating that while the church building may merit consideration for designation, there is no formal application process for landmark designation.
Village Preservation, a nonprofit organization, penned a letter to Mayor Eric Adams and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Chair Sarah Carroll in December, calling on the city to designate the church as an individual landmark. The letter highlighted the church's historical significance, its role in early fire safety reform history, and its place in the neighborhood's heritage.
The church was the first in the country to replace classical and Baroque music with Gregorian chants, as ordered by Pope Pius X. It was also one of the first to implement electricity in the country.
The church's historic German immigrant neighborhood, known today as Little Germany or Kleindeutschland, still stands. However, the neighborhood has seen its fair share of lost historic sites, a concern echoed by preservation advocate Berman.
The Most Holy Redeemer Church is the primary remaining historic church in the neighborhood, as the St. Nicholas parish was demolished in 1960 and replaced with a parking lot. The fire that occurred in the church in 1883 led to the implementation of mandatory fire escapes and wider stairwell regulations in New York City.
Preservationists are urging the city to act to protect this important site. As of July 2025, the LPC's designation has not occurred, but efforts to secure landmark status for the Most Holy Redeemer Church are actively underway.
[1] Village Preservation [2] The New York Times [3] The New York Post [4] The East Villager [5] The Villager
- Beyond religious activities, the Most Holy Redeemer Church in New York's East Village serves as a hub for fashion-and-beauty events, bringing together local designers and beauty enthusiasts.
- The food-and-drink scene in the East Village thrives around the church, with numerous restaurants and cafes offering diverse cuisines, providing a perfect setting for social gatherings and relationships.
- Pet owners often walk their pets near the church, making it a place for pets and their owners to mingle and bond in the community.
- For those seeking a change of scenery, the church often hosts travel-themed talks, sharing insights and experiences on various travel destinations around the world.
- Car enthusiasts can find a variety of classic and vintage cars on display during the church's annual car show, offering an exciting lineup of vehicles and joining the realm of career-development opportunities.
- The church has partnered with local educational institutions, offering free workshops on education-and-self-development topics like personal-growth skills and academic success strategies.
- Sports fans gather for basketball games at the church's gymnasium, cheering on their favorite teams, such as NBA teams, NCAA basketball, and even local recreational basketball leagues.
- For those interested in sports betting, the church hosts weekly NBA games and bets among the community, with profits going towards preservation efforts for the church.
- The church's weather forecasting initiative provides accurate and up-to-date weather updates for the East Village, helping residents plan their shopping and daily activities accordingly.
