on 03.31.09 Vincent commented:

this church is now called St.Ann’s Armenian Church. I was interested in learning about its history as St.Vincent De Paul Church.

on 08.27.09 Joe commented:

The parish was coupled with an elementary school, now called Northside Academy (next door). The church building was (probably still is) connected to the school building via a hallway. The original school taught pre-K to 8th grade and had considerable enrollment (30 students per grade). A nun, Sr. Barbara, served as principal. Another nun, Sr. Anne, was a seventh grade teacher. Rest of faculty consisted of lay people. School population was made-up of kids of 1st, 2nd, 3rd generation immigrant population (German, Irish, Polish, Italian). The parish make up was probably less diverse (English speakers), as many of the immigrant groups had their own churches nearby. Msgr. John seemed to be the priest giving mass most of the time. Church (or its site) is probably at least 100 years old, as there are NYT articles from 1902 referencing it. Not sure how it became an Armenian church. Perhaps an asset sale to pay for the Catholic Church’s lawsuits? I don’t think there are many Armenian Catholics in this neighborhood, so it’s a bit odd. There are fewer Catholics in general now that Williamsburg has been gentrified, leaving a glut of Catholic school buildings. There are also fewer children in the neighborhood and/or fewer parents willing to pay for private school

on 10.25.09 Vincent commented:

I attended St Vincent de paul 19six8. I have some fond memories of the GIPP-ben digiorgio’s uncle who coached and many, many memories. Vince

on 10.26.09 vincent vespole commented:

unfortunately the church and school are scheduled for demolition within the next couple months. it is sad to see a place of worship as well as a school be demolished to make way for what is most likely to be luxury condos

on 02.26.10 Pat Sidas commented:

Hello, Betty!

Please get in touch with us at Annunciation via the webiste at
www.annunciation-ny.com. You will find an e-mail address there to reach us via the parish English language e-newsletter ZINIOS. Annunciation is alive and well and living at North th and Havemeyer.

The situation with St. Vincent’s is tragic…The small Armenian parish was taken in by the Diocese of Brooklyn and placed in the St. Vincent facility when Cardinal Egan closed their parish in Manhattan. Now they are “homeless” again. There are few of the St. Ann’s parishioners who live in WIlliamsburg.

St. Vincent’s facility is closed. All Northside Catholic Academy students are now located in the former Mt. Carmel parish school building. Because of current zoning, it is indeed possible that the St. Vincent’s site may become housing.

Pat S.
Annunciation Parish

on 05.29.10 Mary Montenes Magni commented:

I was married at St. Vincent’s on Dec. 8, 1956 and have sinced learned that many of my ancesters were baptized, married and buried from St. Vincent’s. Where would I be able to find the archives for this church. I am sure they don’t destroy records. They must be kept somewhere. If you can help me, I would love to hear from you.

on 05.31.10 Pat Sidas commented:

HELLO, Mary!

I checked with Monsignor Calise at Mt. Carmel parish. The records for St. Vincent’s Catholic Parish are at the Chancery Office in Brooklyn. Call them at 718-399-5900 to find St. Vincent’s Archives! Good Luck!

If you want to visit he church before it is closed entirely, I would recommend coming SOON….as far as I know, the Armenians still have Mass at about 1 pm Sundays. The liturgy is beautiful.

on 08.30.10 Marilyn Kellett commented:

My grandmother received first Communion and was Confirmed in St. Vincent’s in 1902. The certificate commemorates both events (4th May and 6th May, same year) and is quite ornate. The names Rt. Rev. C.E. McDonnell and Thomas E. Carroll, Rector are noted.
I’m currently living in Australia and was very interested in seeing the info you supplied Mary re. past records. I shall definitely look up an address for the Chancery Office in Brooklyn. My grandmother’s parents (Lithuanian) didn’t register any of the births of their children but would surely have had them baptized. Many thanks.

on 09.03.10 Pat Sidas commented:

Dear Marilyn!

You should be able to get the information ou seek from the Chancery office at the Diocese of Brooklyn. If you have a problem reaching the office, let me know. (SID100@AOL.COM)

St. Vioncent’s was allowed to fall into terrible disrepair by its last pastors, and is probably going to be torn down eventually, which is very sad as it is a beautiful building with white marble altars and huge stained glass windows. Although closed as a diocesan church, St. Vincent’s is currently being used by a TINY congregation of Armenian Catholics, who, with their bishop, were displaced from the Archdiocese of New York by Cardinal Egan. These loyal Catholics come from all over the metropolitan area to hear Mass according to their rite, in their language, just the way we do at Annunciation.

Good luck!

Pat Sidas