St. James Roman Catholic Church

St. James Roman Catholic Church is a stone building in Two Bridges, Lower Manhattan, located between St. James Place and Madison Street. It features a Greek Revival design with two Doric columns framing the entrance on James Street.

Built between 1835 and 1837, the church ranks as the second oldest Catholic structure in New York City. Following a major fire in 2011, it underwent extensive repairs to restore its historic form.

The church merged with St. Joseph Parish in 2007 and later with the Church of the Transfiguration in 2015 to serve the changing Lower Manhattan community.

Access to the interior may be limited based on active worship services and visiting hours. Keep in mind the church sits in an active urban neighborhood, so expect noise and foot traffic during peak times.

Former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith served as an altar boy here while attending the adjacent St. James Elementary School. This connection links the building to an important political figure in the city's history.

GPS coordinates: 37.74639,-89.72778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40