by Barbara Brandes, Parishioner and Trustee of the Parish of Holy Cross—St. John the Baptist
One of the oldest churches in Manhattan, Saint John the Baptist is the second Catholic Church built by German immigrants. The first, St. Nicholas Church, had been erected in 1836 to serve the Lower East Side. Those living farther north on the West Side were eager to have their own church, where Mass would be said in their native language. In 1840, a small wooden church was constructed on 30th street near Seventh Avenue and was known as the German Roman Catholic Church of St. John.