The Lithuanian Church of Transfiguration, Maspeth, Queens, May Close

According to a February 20th piece in the Queens Chronicle,  Transfiguration Church in Maspeth may close.  The original church on Hull Avenue was dedicated on August 8, 1908.  The Chronicle article states that the church is more than 100 years old, but the current building, above, was dedicated on May 27, 1962.  It was designed by Lithuanian emigre architect Jonas Mulokas, known for incorporating Lithuanian themes with modern architecture.

Queens Modern describes the church as follows:

"The Church of the Transfiguration is one of the most unique and striking structures honored by the Chamber of Commerce during this era. Nestled within a compact residential part of Maspeth, the A-frame church incorporates traditional Lithuanian symbols into a definitively modern structure. The front facade is a wall of colored glass which sits recessed under the projecting eaves of the A-frame. The red entrance doors are surrounded by white brick, have a red undulating canopy over them, and above that a modern sculpture of the Transfiguration. The base of the building and the short projecting wings are clad in orange brick. Symbols of Lithuanian culture abound on the exterior as well as the interior, which was designed by V. K. Jonynas. A prominent bell tower rises up with a stylized shrine at the top. The architect Jonas Mulokas specialized in Lithuanian Catholic churches and several of his works still exist in Illinois among other places. An older rectory sits to the right of the church and was reclad in orange brick to match the newly constructed church."

As with almost every church that is deconsecrated and sold to developers, low attendance and poor condition of the physical plant are cited: 

"The church’s pastor, Monsignor Joseph Calise, wrote that the property needs extensive, costly repairs that demand for the space cannot justify, leading him and members of the board to see selling the property as the only option."

In this instance the figure is $800,000.

While Maspeth has been called "the place public transportation forgot" and parking in this residential neighborhood is difficult, this is the only Lithuanian church in New York City where culture is reflected in architecture.  It has also been the headquarters for Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid and the seat of the delegate of the Lithuanians' Bishops Conference charged with the pastoral care Lithuanians outside Lithuania. 

Read all about it in Queens Chronicle: Longtime Maspeth church could close;Transfiguration RC needs costly repairs; sale of property possible