Full demolition permits have been filed for the three-story building at 45 East 126th Street, in Harlem, along with adjacent lots 1975 and 1981 Madison Avenue. Owned by Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, the three buildings were built at separate times, but some of the construction dates back to 1905 according to NYC Planning records. The Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church was founded in 1942 yet the edifice it currently occupies was built from 1869-71, for St. James Methodist Episcopal Church of Harlem. The Neo-Gothic building features a noble bell tower and vaulted interior.
It is unclear what plans are in store for the 16,486 square foot lot as no permits have been filed. Santiago Helman of H & O Engineering DPC is listed as the applicant of record, and the Church is behind the demolition.
Nearby transit access includes the MetroNorth train station at 125th Street and Park Avenue as well as the 125 Street subway station on Lexington Avenue, serviced by the 4, 5, and 6 trains.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Please pardon me for using your space: I chase your details and I never disappointed from speaking on words. (Thank you)
Truer words were never spoken.
how does any developer have the audacity to demolish a historic church. Where is landmarks to protect this site?
What developer? The church is the one that is filing for the demo permit.
This is shame because all the small church should come together and protect this
historical site .
The church would’ve been perfect for a conversion.. what a shame.
Supposedly the church is working with a developer, but unfortunately this will be yet another lost opportunity to take advantage of salvaging a unique facade or an element from the existing gothic structure and incorporating it into a new building. The interior photos show an impressive pipe organ, wonder if it too will be destroyed or re-utilized in a new church facility.
THEY DID WHAT? NO THEY MUST BE ASHAMED OF DEMOLISHING because the church doesn’t deserve to be demolished thats church hell and church heaven is to stand still and serve members of the church such as a pastor or priest. I AM TIRED IF HISTORICAL BUILDING DEMOLITIONS! I say that the church is inocent.
I mean’t i am tired of historical building DEMOLITIONS.
A sin and a shame. This is Rev. James legacy. This church should have had no problem getting landmark status. Too little too late.
When you have a greedy denomination(Bishop, superintendent and Pastor) this is what happens. New Church if built will have no impact within the Harlem community under current leadership. Members were promised monies from demolition of another Church on Madison avenue for repairs, monies never came.
This is such an outrage. Harlem is known for its historic churches. There is no excuse for destroying such a landmark. If MCUMC cannot be entrusted with this treasure, it needs to go to someone who can.
Money and greed within the church. They did not have to demolish such a beautiful church. Its happening throughout the city. Many of the old structures are been torn down. They are lost forever and will never be duplicated. Real material and hands built these magnificent buildings. Very sad. Money,the church sold out.
Hello I am doing a familly history and Rev. Avides Demerjian according to my record, was pastor there sometime in the 1940’s. Wondering if you have any pictures or information on him. I would greatly appreciate any help you could give.
Thank you. I am his niece.
Sandy Asdourian