The Church of the Transfiguration by Lithuanian architect Jonas Mulokas, at 64-25 Perry Avenue, in Maspeth, Queens, is unlike any other building in the New York City area. It combines modern design and construction with Lithuanian folk elements along the lines of a country church.
The church was so unusual and bold when it opened in 1962, that it was featured on the front page of The New York Times, alongside the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, as one of the five best new buildings in New York City. The Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Awards program also recognized it with honorable mention.
The church is also among the most significant buildings of Lithuanian heritage outside of Lithuania. After the demolition of Our Lady of Vilnius Church in Manhattan in 2015, Transfiguration remains among the last churches in the New York City area that still reflect Lithuanian culture, history, and heritage.
The parish, established in 1908 and the oldest Lithuanian parish in New York City, served thousands of Lithuanians who have immigrated to America.
Its modern-yet-ethnic Lithuanian style, funded by Lithuanian immigrants, was something impossible in Soviet-occupied Lithuania at the time. It has been identified in Lithuania as part of the country’s significant cultural heritage in the United States. Until recently, mass was held in the Lithuanian language once a month, 10 months out of the year.
It also stands out as the architect Jonas Mulokas only extant work in New York City and features works by Vytautas Kazimieras Jonynas, one of the most prominent Lithuanian artists of the 20th century. His artworks are also part of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the National Shrine in Washington, DC.
The Archdiocese of Brooklyn plans to close and sell the Church, which will likely lead to its demolition.
A wide coalition – including the Newtown Historical Society, Historic Districts Council of New York City, the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York, the Lithuanian Alliance of America, the Knights of Lithuania Council 110, the National Commission for Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Lithuania, New York City Council Member Robert Holden, DOCOMOMO US and DOCOMOMO US New York/Tri-State are advocating for Individual Landmark status for this site.
They are circulating a petition located here.
Photos, from above: Lithuanian Church of the Transfiguration in Queens (Historic Districts Council); and the church folkart inspired interior (Lithuania Consulate in New York).
Source link
