Church of St. Paul the Apostle
historic place
The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, located in New York County, is a recognized historic place. This church serves as the mother church for the Paulist Fathers, the first community of Roman Catholic priests founded in the United States. The Paulist Fathers were established in 1858 by Isaac Hecker. Construction of the current church building began in 1875, with the cornerstone laid in 1876. It was completed and dedicated in 1885. The design, a Medieval Revival style, draws from both Gothic and Romanesque architectural influences. Salvaged Tarrytown gray granite stones from the Croton Aqueduct were used in its construction. The interior features works by notable American artists, including John LaFarge and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. In June 2013, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle was designated a New York City Landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized its special historical and aesthetic value, noting it as one of Manhattan's largest and most monumental religious buildings. This designation highlights its enduring significance in the city's history and cultural landscape.