Our Lady of Lourdes parish, located along Broadway between Bushwick and East New York, has been combined with the parish of St. Martin of Tours. The building on DeSales Place in the above photo seems to be the former rectory, whose office is now located at St. Martin of Tours, 1288 Hancock St, Brooklyn, NY 11221, telephone 718-443-8484. The photo is taken from the window of a westbound J train between the Broadway Junction and Chauncey Street stations.
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The bulletin of the combined parishes a few years ago said that Mass is offered Monday to Friday at the convent of the Missionaries of Charity, 34 Aberdeen Street, telephone 718-443-2868. (I cannot confirm this in 2017.) Sunday at 11 a.m. a bi-lingual Mass is offered at 89 Furman Avenue.
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For an excellent capsule history of the parish, please see McNamara's Blog, linked here. The parish of St. Francis de Sales was established in 1872 and renamed Our Lady of Lourdes in 1897. For many decades, it was staffed by the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary and preaching congregation. That may be one reason for the the large size of the rectory.
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As of 1.5.2017, I'm uncertain about the accuracy of the above description of the property. Please note this Brownstoner article dated 1.4.2017 on the construction of 63 affordable apartments in the convent.
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Another article in the Brownstoner dated 1.21.2019, brings us up to date. The link is HERE. Much of the property was sold for apartments. The school, however, is now rented to a charter school. The Missionaries of Charity are not mentioned.
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The bulletin of the combined parishes a few years ago said that Mass is offered Monday to Friday at the convent of the Missionaries of Charity, 34 Aberdeen Street, telephone 718-443-2868. (I cannot confirm this in 2017.) Sunday at 11 a.m. a bi-lingual Mass is offered at 89 Furman Avenue.
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For an excellent capsule history of the parish, please see McNamara's Blog, linked here. The parish of St. Francis de Sales was established in 1872 and renamed Our Lady of Lourdes in 1897. For many decades, it was staffed by the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary and preaching congregation. That may be one reason for the the large size of the rectory.
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As of 1.5.2017, I'm uncertain about the accuracy of the above description of the property. Please note this Brownstoner article dated 1.4.2017 on the construction of 63 affordable apartments in the convent.
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Another article in the Brownstoner dated 1.21.2019, brings us up to date. The link is HERE. Much of the property was sold for apartments. The school, however, is now rented to a charter school. The Missionaries of Charity are not mentioned.
Our Lady of Lourdes was one of the most beautiful churches in Brooklyn. There was a Grotto, behind the main altar, containing crutches of those who were healed by Our Lady's Intersession. I recall participating in "Mission Sunday" Procession, in 1967, students wore habits representing their respective religious teachers of their schools. My dearly beloved mom, would take me to this church, as a young child... she loved it so much! The memories, shall live on in my heart eternally...
ReplyDeleteI agree , it was one of the most beautiful churches in Brooklyn at one time. I graduated in 1970. Wish I could turn the clock back in time. Friendships I will never forget, great teachers, great school.....terrific childhood memories...
DeleteMYSISTER AND COUSIN AS WELL AS MYSELF< WERE catchiest I loved that CHURCH AND many people I knew, but in my heart it still stands
DeleteI entered the elementary school in 1957 and graduated in 1967. I recal receiving communion in this holy place. I was touched forever by he love of Jesus Christ. This church was beautiful and almost a lifelike replica of Lourdes in France. My sister married their and remains married to his day. I sincerely believe I am alive today because of the intercession of our blessed mother. Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School imparted to me a vast understanding of FAITH in our Lord Jesus. I still remember all my good sisters of St Joseph that taught me patience and diligence. I cried when the church mysteriously exploded. To this day I CRY but as the scripture says "destroy this chuch and I will build it it 3 days" no human being can tare down the work of God the Father SON And Holy Spirit. I am proud to have attended such a wonderful school. Continue to bless this place immaculate Conception forever in Jesus name Amen
ReplyDeleteI graduated in 1968. Sister Valeria was the Principal of the girls and Brother Cyprian of the Boys. I was devastated when I heard the church was burnt down. I had moved out f Brooklyn by then also burnt out of our apartment. I too have fond memories of the celebrations:May crowning, Christ the King. Going to Mass as a class. we knew where to sit and handed in our little offering enveloped-I would put a dime in it... I am who I am because of that catholic formation I was given. Thank you.
DeleteI went this church in the mid '50's to the 60s...I loved the church so much I have so many good memories. It broke my heart when I read online that it was burned. So sad. The most beautiful church ever.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful church. I was christened and made my first communion at Our Lady of Lourdes. I remember one of the nuns there, sister Mary Linus. I was so sad to hear about the fire, it broke my heart. It was the most beautiful church ever.
ReplyDeleteI graduated from there in Jan 1957 I was in the service when the church burnt down and YES it was one of the most beautiful churches around I believe at one time it was going to be considered as a Cathedral the boys had Franciscan Brothers as teachers from 5th grade up and the girls had Sisters of St. Joseph and the priests were Fathers of Mercy. I also was baptized there and sang in the choir for 4 yrs.
DeleteI can vividly recall this beautiful church. My memory is of a procession of faith dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. At the time the church was filled all proceeded down the center aisle. Some children were dressed in religious garments of priests and nuns. The service was beautiful I recall the grotto and crutches placed near the grotto.
ReplyDeleteI wanted recently to revisit the church and was saddened to learn that the church was destroyed in a fire. I moved out of Brooklyn so I never knew of the fire.
I had it in my bucket list to one day return to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church. My memories are of a religious procession I attended as a Girl Scout many decades ago as a student of Catherine Mc Auley H.S.
ReplyDeleteI recall children dressed as religious and of the music and choir, so beautiful. The alter with the grotto and crutches in the background was unforgettable. I recall the candles, colors, smell of incense, all so exciting then and now just a memory. Was so saddened to learn of the fire.
To All, who have the fondest of memories of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and School... Although our hearts are saddened to learn the fate of this SACRED ICON, let us rejoice in having been BLESSED to know it, to have experienced it and to have been eternally "spiritually enriched" by the beautiful "Our Lady of Lourdes" Parish... Forever in Our Hearts...
ReplyDeleteI loved that Church. We were there from kindergarten till 6th grade. We left in 1967. I received Communion and Confirmation there. I am heartbroken that the church was never restored.
DeleteI use to live right next door to the church at 31 De Sales Place. I remember Fr. lacy calling my mom on Sundays asking if I could her serve mass because he had no alter boys ( I had not made my Communion yet). The girls and boys classes were separated by the gym between the 2 towers. My first grade teacher taught my dad and uncles. i graduated in 1957 and went to St Francis Prep for 2 yrs then transferred to St Anthony's HS on Long Island in Smithtown where i graduated in 1962.
ReplyDeleteHi Joe. I pray all is well with you and your loved ones. Great read about Lourdes. I wanted to let you know that I run a private page on Facebook with over 600 members that attended Lourdes in Bushwick. Would love for you to look for us there. So many stories & so many memories to share.
DeleteHit me up @joem1943@optimum.net I would
Deleteluv to chat I graduated 1/57 have pics of entire grad. Class and brothers who taught us will email ph# after email contact Please follow up with me Thanks Jo Michel
Jim Guise
ReplyDeleteI posted remarks earlier, but I don’t see it, so I’m going to try it again.
I lived at 29 Aberdeen St., across from convent, just next to the church. I was an altar boy and was called often when another didn’t show up. I graduated from Lourdes grammar school in 1959. From there I went to St. Francis Prep, another Franciscan school. I went back there as a cop and was working there when the church was destroyed by fire, as a result of arson. It was a beautiful church. I went back 6 years ago and the neighborhood has changed, as it’s much more expensise. Many, Many more! I will never forget the time I spent at Lourdes school and church.
Deletejim Hi I must know you my name is Rosemary Hucke I attended Lourdes from 1951 to graduate in 1959.My brother Jon Hucke was an altar boy and brother Richard and I sang in the choir. I have fond memories of the sisters in the school and had many friends there. I took piano lessons in the convent there and moved to Babylon LI. I lost contact with friends who also moved. It was a beautiful I was in my cousins weddings in the 1950s. I remember St Patricks Day celebrations and christmas parties. I'm schocked it was burned down. Friends told me the church had been vandalized before that. Im sorry the convent was made apartmens, it was so beautiful and peaceful.
I was A student At Our Lady Of Lourdes From 1969-1977. It was Devestating When The Church Burnt Down! I remember Seeing it all happening on Channel 7 News and a day or two after we went to class and just seeing the Ash & Decay we felt such a loss . . But Great Memories There.
ReplyDeleteI went to Our Lady Of Lourdes from 1969-77. It was an amazing parish & the Church was one of the Best in NYC nevermind the tri-state. I remember just how special it was to do services as an alter boy especially being a part of the school. Funny I just passed through the area a week ago, and it seems as if there are apts etc. Gentrification is Alive and well for Brooklyn. But Remembering That place brings back fond childhood memories.
ReplyDeleteRosemary huke and Jimmy guise? Are u kidding me? Eileen mary johnston here n I'm pretty flabbergasted at seeing ur names. Was just showing my son pictures of some brooklyn stuff n I began reading these posts. Please both of u get in touch with me. I'd love to reminesce. Can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteWent there ...graduated in 64...went to Christ the King...had Brother Masseo...Brother Gregory...Brother Arnold...Great time
ReplyDeleteCan someone tell me the date the church burned ? My family attended the church and school.
ReplyDeleteHi, my class in 1975 was tha last to graduate at Our Lady of Lourdes church. It burned down some time that summer. We could see it from our window, what a shock! I attended from K through 8th grade. I was married at the small chapel in 1980, Father Edward Smith presiding.
DeleteI graduated from oll 1973.. I was broken hearted when the church burned down. I could see it from my house I lived nearby macdougal st...so sad
ReplyDelete