Nativity of Our Blessed Lady Church
1510 East 233rd Street | also 1510 Harper Avenue | Eastchester | built 1969
Open on the map4 entries
The city photographed every building for its tax records around 1940 and again in the 1980s. NYC Municipal Archives.
Written with AI from the source each entry cites, then fact-checked.
- 1923
Parishioners hear Mass under a tent on the corner where the church now stands
In the summer of 1923 a large tent went up at East 233rd Street and Secor Avenue, the corner now occupied by the Nativity church, and Masses were said there. The parish, mostly Italian, German and Irish, had been worshipping at Brienlinger's Hall, a party and dance hall at Boston Post Road and Dyre Avenue, while its first church was built across the street.
“In the summer of 1923, a huge tent was erected on the corner of East 233rd and Secor Avenue, where the present Nativity church now stands…”
Source: Wikipedia
- 1969
The new Nativity church opens, ending a decade of Masses in the school auditorium
The parish's first church, across the street, burned in 1958, and for a decade Masses were said on a makeshift altar on the small stage of the school auditorium, with folding chairs for pews. The present church, whose cornerstone is dated 1969, opened that year. Inside are stucco-textured walls, red wood pews, a large carved risen Christ beside the organ and wooden Stations of the Cross lit by skylights.
“Masses continued there until the construction and opening of the new and present Nativity church in 1969…”
Source: Wikipedia
- 1969
A designer, not an architect, gives the church its rusted steel crucifix
The church at East 233rd Street and Secor Avenue was designed by Don Shepherd, who was a designer rather than a licensed architect. The AIA Guide to New York City called it a minor work that still draws notice because of its corner site and the rusted steel crucifix that dominates that corner.
“The church was designed by Don Shepherd, a designer and not an architect.”
Source: Wikipedia
- 2015
The Parish of the Nativity merges with Holy Rosary
In 2015 the Nativity parish was merged with the parish of Holy Rosary. The congregation, mostly Italian, German and Irish in the parish's early years, now reflects the many ethnic groups living in Eastchester.
Source: Wikipedia
Further reading
Nearby
- Public School 154010 Dyre Avenue | 5 entries
- Baychester Avenue station3423 Baychester Avenue | 4 entries
- Harry S. Truman High School750 Baychester Avenue | 4 entries