"Our Lady of Vilna, New York, N.Y. - The first Lithuanian parish in New York City was founded in the basement of Our Lady of Sorrows in 1885. At this time there were about 2oo Lithuanian families residing in the city. In 1886 the pastor, Father Vanagiris, suddenly left for another city. Since there was no Lithuanian priest to minister to the people, the congregation dispersed and attended the various Churches within convenient reach. Such was the state of affairs in 1905 when Rev. Joseph Shestokas took charge. Father Shesktokas organized a congregation in the basement of St. Teresa's Church , where Mass was said until March 5, 1911, when the Church of Our Lady of Vilna at 568 Broome Street was erected. The church, a beautiful specimen of Roman architecture, is of yellow brick, seats 600 and cost, including furnishings, $70,000. A brick rectory was bought in November, 1912, for $10,500."
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