The Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel
Roman Catholic (historically), Presbyterian (currently)·Usa·Active (as a Presbyterian church), Historic Site·19th century
The Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, also known locally as Saint Michael's Monastery Church, was a significant Roman Catholic institution in Union City, New Jersey. Opened in 1869 and completed in 1875, it was once the largest Catholic church in Hudson County. Despite facing fires and financial difficulties that led to its closure as a Catholic monastery in 1981, parts of the complex have been repurposed for religious, educational, and residential use, and it is recognized as a state and national historic place.
Key Facts
- ›Formally opened in 1869 and completed in 1875.
- ›Once the largest Roman Catholic church in Hudson County.
- ›Designed by Irish-American architect Patrick Keely.
- ›Suffered significant damage from multiple fires.
- ›Currently houses a Korean Presbyterian congregation and is known as Hudson Presbyterian Church.
- ›Listed on state and national registers of historic places since 1986.
Gothic Revival
- Artwork By Hildreth MeièRe
- Relics of Saint Benedict Enshrined Near the Main Altar
- Once the Largest Roman Catholic Church In Hudson County
Saint Michael's Monastery Church, Hudson Presbyterian Church
Patrick Keely, Hildreth MeièRe, J. Kerrigan, Saint Benedict
- Cornerstone Laid In 1869
- Completed and Opened In 1875
- Fire In 1934 Destroyed Domed Section and Murals
- Rebuilt and Reopened In 1935
- Monastery Closed In 1980
- Complex Closed In 1981
- Fire In 1984
- Placed On State and National Registers of Historic Places In 1986
- Sold To Korean Presbyterian Congregation In 1986
- Fire In 1994 Destroyed Portion of Monastery Building
- Added To Preservation New Jersey's 'Ten Most Endangered Historic Places' List In 2014
About The Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel
The Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, commonly known locally as Saint Michael's Monastery Church, stands as a significant historical landmark in Union City, New Jersey. Established by the Passionists, its construction began with the monastery operating from 1864, followed by the domed church, designed by Irish-American architect Patrick Keely, which commenced construction in 1869 and was completed by 1875. At its zenith, it held the distinction of being the largest Roman Catholic church in Hudson County.
History and Transformation
The complex, situated on a 12.3-acre site donated by J. Kerrigan, experienced several expansions after its initial construction. However, the monastery and church were not without their trials. A substantial fire in 1934 devastated the domed section and interior artwork, necessitating a rebuild. Further fires, including one in 1984 and another in 1994 that damaged portions of the monastery, marked periods of significant challenge.
Declining parish enrollments, a decrease in seminarians, and escalating maintenance costs led to the closure of the monastery in 1980 and the entire complex in 1981. Following attempts to sell the property, which was rezoned for residential development, the site eventually found new life. In 1986, the monastery and church were sold to a Korean Presbyterian congregation and became known as Hudson Presbyterian Church. The surrounding grounds have since seen the development of housing and educational facilities, including José Martí Middle School and the Union City Public Library's southern branch.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel established?
The monastery began operating in 1864, with the domed church designed in 1869. Its cornerstone was laid in 1869, and the church was completed and opened its doors in 1875.
What happened to the monastery after it closed as a Catholic institution?
The monastery closed in 1980, followed by the entire complex in 1981 due to declining enrollments and financial issues. In 1986, it was sold to a Korean Presbyterian congregation and renamed Hudson Presbyterian Church.
Has the church been damaged by fire?
Yes, the church has experienced several fires. A major fire in 1934 destroyed its domed section and murals, and a third fire in 1994 destroyed a large portion of the monastery building, though the church itself remained undamaged.
What artwork was once featured at the monastery?
Artist Hildreth Meière was commissioned to create murals for the chapel. Initially, three murals were created in 1934, but they were destroyed by fire. Meière was later commissioned to create 14 more murals.
Is the Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel still an active monastery?
No, the monastery ceased to operate as a Catholic institution in 1980 and the entire complex closed in 1981. It is now home to a Presbyterian congregation.
What is the current status of the church building?
The church building is still in use by the Hudson Presbyterian Church. However, in 2014, Preservation New Jersey listed it as one of its 'Ten Most Endangered Historic Places' due to deterioration and the congregation's inability to fund necessary repairs.
Related Monasteries
Holy Cross Monastery and Church
Holy Cross Monastery and Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a Roman Catholic monastery and parish operated by the Passionists from 1873 to 1977. Founded to serve Irish immigrants, it was a significant religious and community center on Mt. Adams. Although closed as a monastery, the former church has been renovated into an event space, and the complex is now the corporate headquarters for a property management company.
St. Joseph Abbey
St. Joseph Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Saint Benedict, Louisiana, founded in 1889 by monks from St. Meinrad Archabbey to establish a seminary college for training local vocations. Despite early hardships and two devastating fires, the abbey has persevered, maintaining its primary focus on priestly formation while also engaging in various ministries. The abbey church is renowned for its Romanesque architecture and the murals by Dom Gregory De Wit, as well as its Dobson pipe organ.
Holy Name Monastery
Holy Name Monastery, a Roman Catholic Benedictine women's monastery in Saint Leo, Florida, traces its origins to 1889 when five sisters arrived to establish Holy Name Convent and Academy. Initially serving German immigrant children as teachers, the community evolved through various names and locations, eventually settling on its current site and name in the 1990s. The monastery continues to follow the Rule of St. Benedict, balancing prayer and work, and engages in active ministry.