Church of the Holy Agony

The Church of the Holy Agony is located at 1834 Third Avenue near 101st Street, featuring a streamlined design created by architect Robert J. Reiley in 1952. The building displays the clean lines and practical style common in post-war religious architecture.

The parish started as a mission in 1930 under the Vincentian Fathers, serving a growing Catholic community in the neighborhood. The church building itself was constructed in the 1950s as part of post-war expansion of religious institutions.

The congregation celebrated Mass in both English and Spanish, welcoming residents from different backgrounds in East Harlem. The church served as a gathering place where neighbors of diverse origins could worship together.

The building is easy to locate on Third Avenue and visible from the street, though it no longer functions as an active parish church. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and explore the surrounding East Harlem neighborhood at their own pace.

The building was completed in 1952 as a significant investment in post-war religious infrastructure for the growing neighborhood. In 2017, the parish merged with a neighboring church, marking the end of its independent operation after nearly 90 years.

Location: Manhattan

Architects: Robert J. Reiley

GPS coordinates: 40.78860,-73.94710

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24