IN THE BEGINNING

It might be more accurate to call this the “her-story” of Queen of Angels Church, a parish that came into being through the efforts of a group of visionary black women. On December 19, 1926, the Theresa Lane Council,  named for its pioneering leader, met for the first time. Their goal was to serve their community and establish a mission for black Catholics. A few years later, ten of the original members formed “The Little Flower Guild” in honor of  St. Therese of Lisieux, patron of missions. Together the groups worked toward their goals. Masses were held at St. Bridget’s Church in Newark, and in other rented locations.

THE PARISH IS ESTABLISHED

In 1928, the Guild asked Bishop Thomas Walsh, for a priest for their place of worship. On September 9, 1930 Queen of Angels Parish was established. Rev. Cornelius J. Ahern was the first pastor, assisted by the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity.  The first Mass was attended by 63 people, and the parish’s first building was dedicated November 1, 1931. Located on Academy Street, this building was a $14,000 Sears Roebuck mail order church donated by Msgr. Roger McGinley of  St. Aedan’s Church, in Jersey City. By 1933, there were 700 QA parishioners. Five years later, the 1000th convert, Charles Coles, was baptized by Bishop Walsh.

TRAGEDY & REBIRTH

Sadly, the flourishing parish’s site was destroyed by a fire on July 10, 1958.  For five years, Masses were held at the Church of St. Peter, a predominately German-Catholic parish that offered two Sunday Masses: One for “colored” and the other for “German” parishioners.  In time, the German population in the area dwindled, and in 1962, the structure that housed St. Peter’s was renamed Queen of Angels Church and became the first black parish in the Archdiocese of Newark. At first, QA was served by diocesan priests. Then, in 1969, the parish was turned over to the SMA Fathers of the American Province. In 1979, SMA became fully involved in QA parish. The SMA priests who served as pastor to the urban church  were: Frs. Benedict Burke, Gerard Scanlan, Leo Op’t Hoog, Thomas Conlon, James Callahan, and James McConnell, the current pastor. Others who have assisted over the years include Frs. Edward Galvin  (at St. Charles Borromeo) Al James and James Gessler.

NAMED A HISTORIC SITE

Queen of Angels parish is historic for many reasons. It is the first black parish in the Archdiocese of Newark, and it was among the Newark churches visited in the Sixties by Rev. Martin Luther King, the civil rights activist  who set up an office there. Also, the parish is located inside a  building that has been named to national, state and local registers for historic sites.

The cornerstone for the building was laid in 1861 for the former St. Peter’s Church. The church is an outstanding example of German Gothic architecture. The magnificent stained glass windows were imported from Austria in 1905. European paintings adorn the walls, and intricately carved Stations of the Cross bear German inscriptions, a reminder of the parish’s origins.  This Old World elegance co-exits with the church’s newer ethnic identity.  Candles flicker alongside draped African kente cloth. Within the church is a shrine to African ancestors, a prayer room  dedicated to Dr. King and memorials to others who have served the black community.

An old wooden wall has been transformed into a “Prayer Wall”  much like the Western Wall of Jerusalem. Petitioners insert  notes with prayer requests into the cracks between the wood slats. “Once a year, we remove the petitions and place them in the archives,” said Fr. James.  This blending of old and new underlies the enduring strength of QA parish, even in the face of obstacles.

CURRENT LIFE IN THE PARISH

Queen of Angels Church and its parish elementary school have been called an “oasis in the urban desert.” Many credit the growing stability in the surrounding neighborhoods to the parish life and to the “foot-ministry” of  the pastor. Fr. James is a familiar sight, walking the streets and visiting those in need. “They like to see me. They feel connected to something that gives them stability,” he said.

Though the parish has strong roots and devoted parishioners, it is located in Newark’s Central Ward, an area that has endured the long-term economic and social woes common in challenged urban areas. This neighborhood was among many in the Ward devastated during the racial turmoil of the 1960’s. When so many residents and businesses fled from Newark, the situation spiraled downward for those who could not or would not leave the area. Today, there is evident change. Construction is ongoing. Attractive, low-cost housing has improved the lives of many. Queen of Angels has been important in this transformation.

Though the neighborhood shows signs of revival, daily crisis is still a way of life for many residents, and the poverty is often crushing. “There is a lot of tragedy in this parish,” Fr. James explained. “I listen to the people. I hear their dreams and problems. Then I look for a response through the parish setting.”

Financial woes plague the parishioners and the parish itself. “A new furnace can be a serious dilemma,” said Fr. James who had to replace the heating system in both church and school. He confesses to having anxieties about how to meet the needs of his urban parish, but – like Martin Luther King – who once visited the parish,  Fr. James also has dreams. Some have come to pass. Others still need the funding that, when combined with the spirit of the people, can continue to work the  miracle that is Queen of Angels.

-read more about Queen of Angel School-