The parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel is located at 915 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11221, telephone 718-455-6864 The bishop has merged this parish with that of St. John the Baptist, a mile away on Lewis Avenue, and one pastor serves both churches.
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The website of the combined parishes is linked here. St. John the Baptist's phone number is 718-455-6864.
Along the north side of Putnam Avenue is the church, a garden (with a statue of Mary and an Ankh) and the parish office. Behind the garden can be seen a parish building that faces Madison Street.
The above photos show the north side of Putnam Avenue.
The photos below show the south side of Madison Street, that is, behind the church.
At 800 Madison Street, a new corridor connects what appears to be two former elementary schools of the parish. The building to the left (east) shows the date 1893. I could not find a construction date on the building to the right. Presumably a convent was someplace here. Present use of the building is for some 70 apartments of "single room occupancy" with permanent tenants, possibly under the management of a division of Catholic Charities.
Any photo may be enlarged by clicking on it.
The property of this parish lies mid-block between Ralph Avenue and Patchen Avenue, named after Ralph Patchen, a farmer who owned 150 acres closer to the waterfront in the early 1800's.
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I attended the boy's school on the left and my wife attended the girl's school on the right. The church on Putnam AV is between the rectory building and a yard that previously held a convent for the Sisters of St Joseph. The building to the right of the rectory was a friary for the Franciscan brothers that taught at the boy's school.
ReplyDeleteYour name is familiar and I attended '46, 47, and 48 and lived on Jefferson, ave. Joe Castronovo
DeleteI was in boys school class of 1966
DeleteHoward Madden is correct I went to the school in the late 60's early 70's along with three of sisters. The church, the school, this parrish was beautiful and a focal part of the community, my parents were very involved in the church, we had weddings there and the different sacrements. Just looking at these photos brings back memories I still remember the school yard that used to be between the two school buildings. Our family was very involved and I loved this church very much. So sad to know the schools are no longer open and that the church is not a single entity on it's own for the community.
ReplyDeleteThe youth of Our Lady of Good Counsel along with many other groups in the church are little but surely bringing back the spark that was once OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
DeleteI just found my mother's graduation certificate from June, 1941. Sister M. Rosalita was the principal and Rev. Msgr. J. McEnroe was the Rector. Mom's name was Elizabeth Catherine Skelly.
ReplyDeleteWhat order of nuns taught at Our Lady of Good Counsel in the 1920s?
ReplyDeleteSisters of St. Joseph
DeleteThe school yard mentioned by Howard and Lisa was a combination basketball court and handball court (do they still play handball in NY?) that separated the boys school (red brick building) from the girls school (white limestone building) which was probably built many years later. If I'm not wrong, the boys school original name was: Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys Academy. I graduated in 1967-68 and went to school with Howard and his brother Eddie, I also remember "los Arizmendi's" since my parents were also very involved with parish activities. As Lisa says, the church was beautiful with stained glass windows, marble altar and a balcony with an old fashion pipe organ. The only religious orders that I new in Good Counsel were the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Franciscan Brothers. The priests might have belong to a different order...Howard should know that. (Victor Rodriguez-hijo de Doña Meri y Don Victor).
ReplyDeleteMy Dad, James F. Dinsmore, graduated (at age 14) from the Boys' School of Our Lady of Good Counsel on January 31, 1923. The Principal at that time was the Rev. Brother Anthelm and the Superintendent was the Rt. Rev. Henry M. Hald. The school and the church were the centers of much activity at that time and several of our family members had their Requiem Masses held at the church prior to their internment at Holy Cross Cemetery and/or Calvary Cemetery.
ReplyDeleteMy uncle, the Rev.Oswald Vincent Devany, served at Our Lady of Good Counsel from 1944 until his death in 1958. Any memories?
ReplyDeleteHello. Your uncle, with the most unusual voice performed my wedding in 1954. He replaced the priest we selected at the last moment. It worked, Ginger and me are married 62 years. Wish I knew the name of the gut (priest) that backed out the last minute. Think it might have been McCabe...anyone remember hi My?
DeleteJoseph I remember we had three priest -- Fr. McCabe, Fr. Osterman and Fr. Brady. I often think about This place . I was a great school.
DeleteFather McCabe served in Our Lady of the Sky at JFK in the mid 60's.
DeleteSuch wonderful memories attended OLGC late 60s early 70s. So sad to hear it is no longer a school. Sister Mary David was the school Principle . So much discipline then. The school yard recess was the best. First bell rings, you freeze, second bell, go on your line. too many memories.
ReplyDeleteI attended OLGC 1962-1969
DeleteRecall all the memories Sister David, Sister St Mark, Sister Matthew so Many
I am the current pastor of the Churches of Saint John the Baptist and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Thank you for sharing this article and all the memories. We continue to try the community of Bed-Stuy with great zael. God bless!
ReplyDeleteHello Father Astor: Do you know of a Father McCabe back on n the late 40s -'50s? I ask because I am doing my Genealogy and entire history and this priest gave my wife and me religious instructions pre our marriage, The week before he backed out and I never heard from him again. This priest once brought me to a seminary for a visit and perhaps knew my cousin Alan Mc Carthy she became a Jesuit Orof at Fordham. . Can you do some research? Joseph & Virginia Castronovo 9/4/54. Who performed the Instructions for us? PS: We. Are married 62 years. Thank you so much n advance.
DeleteFather McCabe served at Our Lady of the Sky at JFK in the late 60's.
DeleteSuch Memories, I attended OLGC from 1961-1969. I was sad when I researched OLGC and found that it no longer was a school. It's good to know that the property wasn't totally torn down.
DeleteHelena Hanson was Williams back then
I remember the Brothers fondly; Brother Bruce was my coach in baseball and basketball. Brother Alan had a terrible accident and Brother Joachim was a heck of a disciplinarian. Do you know what became of them. John Bell Howard Avenue
DeleteMy brothers and I Went to OLGC from 1963 to 1967/68. I have been trying for years ti connect with pass classmates. My brothers are Richard Mosley- brother Declan's class and Jesse Mosley Brother Gabriel's class. My nuns were sister Dokarita, Sister St Mark and sister Patricia Therese. Would love yo hear from past classmates also. I found out years ago that the sisters of St Joseph were no longer there and from Picture looks like the old convent has been torn down. My past classmates, Regina Frett, Rochelle Ready, the Liptons and both families of Dash's. Smile. On Facebook. Hoping to hear from someone. My Pastors were Father Mcquire and Father McCloud! Wow! Finding this site brought back nice memories.Smile
ReplyDeleteI attended Our Lady of Good Counsel from 1955-1962. Had Sisre Phillip in first grade, Mrs. Blue in second & remember with nightmares Sister Josephine Louise. Have many great memories. All the processions, etc
DeleteMy name is Frank Venis. I graduated in June 1952. I knew Bert Dash who was 6 months ahead of me. He had a great singing voice. I know he had a few brothers who I knew by sight. We were both Frankie Laine fans.
DeleteBro. Gabriel was just a young guy when I attended OLGCand others were Daniel, Norbert AND Domenic. Domenic would take a full page to discuss.
ReplyDeleteI attended OLGC and graduated in 1973. I would love to hear from classmates, especially Renee Thomas, Fran Graham, Roxanna Leardo, Sally Ann Wilson. If any of you see this email me at theresawhite04@gmail.com. I was theresa Jennings in school.
ReplyDeleteHello Theresa. I also graduated in 1973. I remember you, Renee and I lived across the street from Sally Ann. Claudius Taylor, Peter Alexander and I were together most of the time. Lost touch with Peter but Claudius and I still talk from time to time. Mostly, good memories of my fellow students. Mostly, bad of the faculty. I'm the 6th of 7 Reece's to attend OLGC. I used to wonder why they would always suspect me and single me out. Finally in my thirties, I was hanging out with my elder siblings and they were telling stories of all if the stuff they used to pull. I'm sitting there thinking, "No wonder"!!! They played and I payed. I immediately flashed back to the first day of Mrs. Broul's class. As she read, never looking up from the attendance sheet;
DeletePerez... Here!
Ramos... Here!
Suddenly her head snaps up as she says
"ANOTHER REECE"!!!
I froze but it didn't help because we all look alike. She pointed directly at me and had the boy that was seated right in front of her desk switch seats with me. I finally figured it out, some twenty years later.
My wife the former Kathleen Muldowney of 861 Putnam Ave. and I Frank Venis of 759 Halsey St. both graduated from OLGC on June 22 ,1952. We were married at OLGC by Father Francis McCabe on Aug. 1 ,1959. We go back to OLGC for 9 A.M. Mass the Sunday before or after August 1 every year every.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful to hear
DeleteI went to Good Council girls school...went back with my cousin about 15 years ago every thing changes...
Grad in 62...
My father, Eugene Patrick O'Brien, was at OLGC where he served as an alter boy. I have his "Certificate of Award" for the spring term of 1919! At that time he was 8 years old (born Oct. 1910).Brother Victor was his teacher and Brother Pacificus was the Principal.My father's 2 brothers (William C. and Lawrence F. O'Brien) were also students there. I'd LOVE to find his and their records. Are any available online - or in Brooklyn? How would I go about obtaining them? I am grateful for any advice and any records! Many thanks, Patricia O'Brien.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kevin Westley. My brother Ed graduated in '57 & I graduated in '61. We lived at 859 Halsey. Went back last year for a visit.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Frank Venis & my wife was Kathleen Muldowney then. We both graduated in June 1952. she lived at 861 Putnam Ave. I live at 759 Halsey St. We were married at OLGC on Aug.1 1959 and go back there every year for our anniversary.
ReplyDeleteJust came across this blog. Brought back memories. Frank Venis mentions being married to Kathleen Muldowney on Aug 1, 1959. Well, the previous month, as a newly ordained priest, I began what became nine years at OLGC. I knew the Muldowneys, one of the most active families in the parish. Fr. Matthew Kelly was the administrator of the parish. Msgr. Brady lived there but was senile and never left his room. Fathers Frank McCabe was the senior curate. I was sent to Puerto Rico to study Spanish and became the "Spanish priest." The "Spanish Mass" became the best attended and most lively of all. This was the period of the Vatican Council with all the changes it generated. In 1968, I was transferred to Sacred Heart parish in Bayside, Queens. A year later, I left the ministry. A year after that, I married Ann. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary. Two children; five grandchildren. Read my memoir, "Shaping a Life" for more details of my days at Good Counsel. William F. Powers
ReplyDeleteCongratulations...I graduated from OLGC..1963...I live on
ReplyDeleteMadison Street....happy to hear
You had a very fulfilling life..I remember you well as
Fr.Powell as young handsome tall priest who wore glasses..
Also remember Fr. McCabe
Fr.Hale....
Hi, I also had Regina Frett & Rochelle as classmates, also Claudia Robbins.
ReplyDelete(Marie Rademaker)
I attended OLGC from 1956 to 1964 and remember the school with great fondness. Served as altar boy and sang in the small choir that Mr. Williams directed. The discipline started to kick in around fourth grade with Ms. Ethel Brohel, a fine teacher. Been living in Puerto Rico for over fifty years. Angel Ruiz, Class of `64
ReplyDeleteI want to add that both Bro. Declan (7th grade) and Bro. Neri Fulton (8th Grade) were both outstanding, dedicated people. For Fr/Mr Powers I will read your memoir. AR `64
ReplyDeleteAngel Ruiz, related to Maria Ruiz? I attended OLGC School from 1958 - 1965. My family was active in Parish. Fr Rod Haddad, Mrs Brohel, and so many others increased my Faith in Christ. I married one of Mrs Sweat's sons. My Brother graduated from the boys school in 1964. Such a GREAT PARISH! We were Steven and Barbara Franklin, mother was Elise. The Caban, Carabollo, Russell, Dash, Boykins, Ready Families are remembered well. God Bless the Sosters of St Joseph and the Franciscan Brothers.
DeleteNice to see some recent postings. I am Frank Venis. My wife Kathleen Muldowney and I graduated O.L.G.C on June 22,1952 And got married in O.L.G.C. on Aug. 1, 1959. We go back every year for our anniversary. We saw Betty Brohel until she passed away. We got to be friends with Mrs. Sweat. What a great lady. Was friends with Bert Dash. He had a great singing voice. I know he died at a young age. We always talked about our favorite singer Frankie Laine. Do any of you remember Mrs. Florent. She lived on Putnam Ave. a few houses from the church. Kathleen's sister Eileen was her son's God Mother. We always saw her at Mass and would walk her home.
DeleteFor Barbara Franklin: Thank you for your post. Yes, Maria was my younger sister. Sadly she passed at age 39. She was living in Newark at the time. I remember your brother from OLGC and if I remember correctly he was among a small group of us that attended Christ the King HS starting school year 64-65. I recall those family names you mentioned. Great memories indeed. AR'64.
DeleteFor Barbara Franklin: Thank you for your post. Yes, Maria was my younger sister. Sadly she passed at age 39. She was living in Newark at the time. I remember your brother from OLGC and If I remember correctly he was among a small group of us that attended Christ the King HS starting school year 64-65. I recall those family names you mentioned. Great memories indeed.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt donated a large statute of Saint Martin de Porres to Our Lady of Good Counsel back in the late 1950’s. The statue stood at the back of the church. I was wondering if the statue was still there or if anyone new it’s whereabouts.
ReplyDeleteThe statue is still there. Kathleen & I were there for our 62 anniversary on August 1 for 9 o'clock mass. My mother Helen Venis, worked with your aunt at American Meri Lei on Halsey St. near Broadway. Frank Venis.
ReplyDeleteMy brother Robert Smith and I (Kevin) lived on Putnam and attended Good Counsel during the late 60s and early 70s. The boys school had a 4th grade teacher Miss Brohel(?) who had the best penmanship. We would say the rosary as a class every day after lunch. Served as an altar boy and looked forward to Christmas midnite mass every year. Great memories..
ReplyDeletewent onto Brooklyn Tech.
I remember a "Robby Smith" class of 1973. He had an older brother, which I assume is you. He was a smart and talented guy. Captain of the basket ball team and an "A" student. All of the boys wanted to be like him and all of the girls wanted to be with him.
DeleteHi. My name is Victor Rodriguez and I was in the same class with either you or your brother, Robert. Almost sure it was Robert who was a good guy and a true gentleman. If I recall, I think we shared alter boy duties. My class included,Tom Sweat, Charles Morais, Eddie Madden, Russell, Haughton, Garcia, Tilley, and the list goes on. Ha! Anyway, take care...wish you the best of health. Apologies if I mixed up your names, it's been a long time.
ReplyDeleteHi Victor, My name is Harry Moran. I graduated with you from OLGC in 1967 and Tommy Sweat, Charles Morais (Who passes away a couple of years ago) Carlos Tilley, Smithson Smith and others. Great memories and a great foundation for my education. Keep in touch. Looking forward hearing from you.
DeleteThis is an oldie posting but I'm hoping it will grab someone's attention who might have heard something about those days long gone by!
ReplyDeleteMy father, Eugene Patrick O'Brien, was at OLGC where he served as an alter boy. I have his "Certificate of Award" for the spring term of 1919! At that time he was 8 years old (born Oct. 1910).Brother Victor was his teacher and Brother Pacificus was the Principal.My father's 2 brothers (William C. and Lawrence F. O'Brien) were also students there. I'd LOVE to find his and their records. Are any available online - or in Brooklyn? How would I go about obtaining them? I am grateful for any advice and any records! Many thanks, Patricia O'Brien. Actually, ANY related memories would be appreciated!
An excerpt from my memoir SHAPING A LIFE. may bring back memories:
ReplyDeleteWhereas Confraternity was for the masses, the Junior Holy Name Society was for the elite. Modeled on the Holy Name Society, the universal men's parish organization, the junior version was designed to attract and form those young men who showed promise of becoming model Catholic men.
What I had to work with is suggested by my journal entry of Oct 27, 1959.
.....a meeting this evening. 18 boys showed up, 8 old timers and 10 new recruits, all freshmen. It is enough for a start. Officers were elected, good men...Hope to help at least some of the lads to a deeper Christian manhood. It was interesting to note that two of the boys had spent the summer in jail
I don't know what became of the two boys who had spent time in jail, but by the following March the group had gelled. "The faithfulness is wonderful...They are a fine group...Several members of the group considered becoming priests, one of them, Victor Herbert, actually did.
....By the way, may name shows up here as "Ann Powers." That's my wife's name. I've tried w3ithout success to change it. Sorry!
Bill Powers
I've posted here twice before but am hoping maybe this one will click with someone! Does anyone have family members who might have attended OLGC around 1920 or so - a century ago!! My Dad, Eugene P. O'Brien and his two brothers were students, even a bit after that year. Perhaps you have an ancestor who was of a similar age. I'd love to hear anything about the school in those days. Here's hoping! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother, Estelle Oliver, and her sister and brothers attended OLGC from about 1906 to about 1920. She told lots of stories about the school and the sisters. Someplace I have a class picture of the third grade girls, every one of whom has a bow bigger than her head in her hair.
DeleteThe archives of the Brooklyn Diocese preserves the records of closed parish schools. Contact the diocese and I think they would give to access to the records from the period in which you are interested. I'm afraid all students from the 1920s have gone to their reward. Bill Powers. (I was a priest at OLGC 1959-68.)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post! I will definitely follow your advice with the hopes of finding information regarding my Dad's days at the school. With luck I might even learn about his brothers: William C. O'Brien (born 1907) and Lawrence F. O'Brien (born 1908).
DeleteAndrea, thanks for posting your comment above (on August 6, 2022). It seems your grandmother and her sister and brothers attended OLGC probably at the same time as my father and his two brothers. You're so fortunate to have that picture - and also all the stories! If you come across anything at all relating to those school days, I'd love to hear from you once again!
ReplyDeleteHello once again, Andrea. I'm wondering if you ever came across the picture that you mentioned of your grandmother, Estelle Oliver, in her third grade class at OLGC. I'm still trying to piece together the days of my Dad's (Eugene Patrick O'Brien) life in school at OLGC. Your picture was encouraging! Thanks for possibly adding to my research.
ReplyDeleteHi Richard Mosley, I seem to remember you, but I graduated in 1967 and not 1966. We had Brother Fanian for the 6th and 7th grade teacher and Brother Declan (Sp?) for the 8th grade. I seem to remember of having Ms. Brohel as a teacher in the 4th grade. Let me know of your thoughts.
ReplyDelete