Woodhaven church celebrates new home

JOHANN HAMILTON

A historic Woodhaven site has finally reopened its doors.

All Saints Episcopal Church of Woodhaven officially moved into the former Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 85-45 96th Street in a reconsecration ceremony on Friday.

“This is now All Saints Church,” said Reverend Canon John Betit, who attended the ceremony. “This is an exciting day for the Diocese of Long Island, for Woodhaven, for the parish and the parishioners here.”

THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre

Saint Matthew’s closed its doors in 2011 due to declining membership and financial issues. The church, which is more than 100 years old, was beloved by the community and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Residents of Woodhaven were devastated when it closed down, and for a while, parishioners had to find somewhere else to congregate.

“It’s great to be back in this building again,” said Beverly Johnson. “I don’t go to church as often anymore, but I grew up around here and this building has been here since before I was born. I will admit there were times I thought I might never see another Mass here again.”

Although the church itself has reopened, there are still renovations going on inside and on the historic Wyckoff-Snediker Cemetery, which is located behind the main building. In addition to the entrance of the church being made handicap accessible, the floors, chandeliers and furniture are also being redone on the inside.

More information can be found on the All Saints’ website, www.allsaintsnyc.org.

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