WHERE HISTORY LIVES PART 20: ST. CHRISTOPHER AND ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, VERPLANCK

                                                                                                                   Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 240-- 11th Street, Verplanck, Town of Cortlandt
 
The town is indebted to Dianne Picciano, who kindly provided much of the historical information.
 
History of the Parish: St. Patrick's Church in Verplanck dates to the 1840s. Initially, Mr. John Henry donated the property on the condition that a church be built within a year. (This is the same John Henry who donated the property for the original Verplanck Schoolhouse-- see prior article #17).  Reverend Felix Vilanis left his position at St. John's College in Fordham to become the first pastor. The original structure was built with bricks from the local Verplanck Brickyard's, by residents. The structure was completed in the fall of 1843. Although the building has undergone extensive renovations and rebuilding since construction, the present church stands on the same property.
Father Ville Anna's became ill and died before the building was completed. His successor was Rev. John Hackett who served as pastor from 1843 through 1853. As the first pastor of the completed church, his remains are buried on the south side of the entrance of St. Patrick's church.
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Learn More: Over the years multiple renovations and expansions have occurred. Under Father Madden, parishioners contributed $200 to a building fund to build the gallery. The chancel was added to the church and the bell tower erected in 1867-68. In June 1882, Rev. Patrick Mee became pastor, and purchased property from Philip O'Brien to establish St. Patrick's School which opened on November 15, 1890. Franciscan Sisters of Peekskill operated the school for all of its 100 years of service. Multiple pastors served the church over the years. Rev. Francis X Doyle led the church from 1934 to 1942, and during this time the rectory, school, and convent were all renovated. He also erected a statue of our Lady of Miraculous Medal top of the tower, visible from the river. He also had the grotto built inside the entrance to the church. This was built by many local parishioners. Later, when the present and larger church was built, stones from this original grotto were used to build its replacement.
Many residents will remember Father James Doris, who at the 100th anniversary of the church, on October 24, 1943, celebrated mass with Cardinal Francis J Spellman, Archbishop of New York within the church. Father Doris remained pastor until 1972. During his tenure, parish school enrollment increased greatly, as did the congregation. He remained pastor throughout World War II. Subsequent pastors included Father Murphy, Msgr. Edward Reynolds (until 1977) and Rev. Charles McHale (1977-1983).
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Contemporary History: On February 3, 1980, a fire consumed St. Patrick’s Church: it burned and was destroyed. The parish community quickly planned and rebuilt the church. During reconstruction, services were held at the Verplanck Firehouse. Father McHale rallied the parishioners by stating "remember, we did not lose a church, only a building”. Historical aspects of the former building and the area are captured with the incorporation of the original brick bell tower. 
Immediately following the dedication of the new St. Patrick's Church, leadership became the responsibility of Father Francis Newman. He was a native of the area and as an active craftsman, personally restored the rectory to its former appearance. During this process, he identified old bricks, imprinted with the names of brick makers from the 1843 era. These were made by the early parishioners and forebears of many current families.
In 1993, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary.  Then, on Sunday October 7th, 2018, Verplanck's St. Patrick's Church celebrated it's 175th Anniversary with his Eminences Timothy Cardinal Dolan: Click Here for Photo
 
St, Patrick’s Church continues to be a vibrant, active church, central to the community of Verplanck.
 
Richard H Becker, MD