St. Saviour’s Church (site of)
About This Listing
Place Details
- Borough: Queens
- Neighborhood: Maspeth
- Categories: Institution, Place of Worship, What New Yorkers Find Beautiful
Place Matters Profile
Nominations
Juniper Park Civic Association
is important church and its grounds are threatened with demolition. The church was founded by James Maurice, an important NYC historical figure. The church buildings were designed by Richard Upjohn at the peak of his career. As the only wooden country church and parsonage in NYC actually designed by Richard Upjohn, the St. Saviour’s complex is worthy of landmarking and restoration.
This is consecrated land. There is a cemetery and a 19th century forest here. The church invited the community to use it as a park for 159 years. The landscape may be the last original tract of western Queens untouched by development. The hill on the property was part of the site of an ancient Mespatches Indian settlement and the first European settlement on Long Island. The hill is unique, and you feel as though you have been transported back in time to the 19th century when you are on the grounds.
The buildings are scheduled for demolition and 30-40 ugly, cheap “Fedders” houses are planned for the property. The forest will be cut down and the hill will be levelled. (July 2006)
For more information about St. Saviour’s, see:forgotten-ny.com; licalliance.org; and
junipercivic.com.
