Transfiguration Church Faces Uncertain Future Amid Financial Struggles
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The future of Transfiguration Church, a historic and beloved institution in the Maspeth
community, is uncertain. Built in 1962 on Perry Avenue near 64th Street, the church has
served generations of residents, with roots tracing back to the early 1900s when it was
founded to support Lithuanian immigrants. The building has stood as a cornerstone of the
community for more than six decades, but now, financial pressures and the deterioration
of the church property have placed it in danger of closing.
The church’s financial struggles, detailed by Msgr. Monsignor Calise, the pastor of St.
Stanislaus Kostka Parish, highlighted the dire situation. The church has faced increasing
costs associated with repairs and maintenance of the property, but with a dwindling
congregation and fewer donations, it has become financially unsustainable. Repairs to the
church’s physical structure have been deferred, but the need for significant investment
has reached a point where Msgr. Calise believes the best option may be to sell the
property. The Diocese’s real estate division conducted an assessment, estimating that over
$1 million in repairs would be needed to keep the church functional. Without a growing
congregation to support these expenses, the idea of going into debt to fund repairs seems
untenable.
At present, around 160 to 200 people attend Sunday services, and the church has
struggled to attract new members. Neighboring parishes, such as St. Stanislaus Kostka,
benefit from a much larger congregation and stronger financial backing. St. Stanislaus, in
particular, has a thriving school with over 330 students and a strong community
foundation, leaving Transfiguration increasingly isolated in terms of both attendance and
financial support.
An assessment of the Transfiguration Church building has revealed several critical issues
that need urgent attention. The main roof, originally installed with three-tab asphalt
shingles, is at the end of its useful life and needs replacement. Additionally, the side aisle
roofs have experienced significant water damage, requiring complete replacement, with
potential asbestos testing. Concrete and paving around the church, especially near the
rectory and parking lot, are in poor condition and need extensive repairs, including
excavation and replacement of a potentially blocked or collapsed drain line. The rectory
has suffered from brick displacement, poorly installed windows contributing to water
damage, and requires upgrades to its heating system and possible asbestos removal. The
total cost for these repairs is estimated between $1.3 million and $1.5 million, which far
exceeds the church’s current budget, prompting the consideration of selling the property.
At a town hall meeting held on March 20, at Transfiguration Church, community
members voiced their concerns and frustrations. Many expressed outrage at the potential
closure of the church, viewing it as a blow to the heart of Maspeth. Longtime
churchgoers spoke about the deep emotional and spiritual connection they have to the
church, and the significance of Transfiguration in the history and culture of the
neighborhood.
The meeting revealed a shared sense of disbelief that the church might close, especially
given that it was financially solvent before its merger with St. Stanislaus Kostka in 2019.
Parishioners questioned what changes led to the decline in donations and attendance. Was
it the merger that created confusion? Were there actions taken that alienated long-time
supporters? The loss of the church would be devastating, not only as a place of worship
but as a historic landmark for the Lithuanian community, which has been a cornerstone of
the parish for over a century.
One key point raised at the meeting was the need to involve the younger generation.
Churchgoers emphasized the importance of engaging children and their parents in the life
of the church, encouraging families to return and support the church’s mission. The
community’s strength lies in its ability to rally together, and the hope is that renewed
involvement from families could help secure the future of Transfiguration.
Dr. Paul-Michael Kazas, President of the Knights of Lithuania Council 110, expressed
strong dissatisfaction with the town hall at Transfiguration Church. He felt the
information presented was misleading and intended to justify the potential sale and
demolition of the church. Kazas criticized the lack of discussion regarding the liabilities
and structural issues at Saint Stanislaus and questioned why the church had not pursued
grant opportunities, such as applying for National Register of Historical Sites status,
which could have helped fund repairs. He also pointed out contradictions in the church’s
statements, particularly regarding the church’s closure and the claim that no final decision
had been made. Kazas expressed frustration with the church’s response to efforts from the
Knights to engage the community and support the church, including organizing events
that raised funds. He argued that Transfiguration Church should not be closed or sold,
emphasizing that with proper repairs, parishioners would return, and the church could
continue to serve the community.
In an interview, Msgr. Monsignor Calise explained the difficult financial situation facing
the Transfiguration Church. He emphasized that while the church has been a beautiful
and integral part of the community for many years, attendance has dramatically decreased
to around 140 to 150 people per weekend. This has made it difficult to cover the monthly
expenses. Calise said that “the more people that come, obviously, the more donations
there’ll be. So it’s easier than to pay the bills.” Additionally, the church has lost some
rental income, and the aging buildings require costly repairs that the parish can’t afford.
Calise also called for more community involvement, saying, “What’s crucial is getting
people into the seats. If we can get people into the seats, then the parish stays open and
lively,” and stressed the importance of volunteer work and donations, although he
acknowledged that even those efforts may not be enough to cover the extensive repairs
needed.
The “Parish Health” report shows fluctuating trends in sacraments and mass attendance at
Transfiguration and St. Stanislaus Kostka from 2021 to 2024. Baptisms at
Transfiguration declined in 2023 but rebounded in 2024, while marriages dropped
significantly. Mass attendance varied, with some declines at Transfiguration, while St.
Stanislaus Kostka saw growth, especially in its 12:30 PM Spanish service, which nearly
doubled from 102 in 2021 to 186 in 2024.
Despite the grim outlook, no final decision has yet been made regarding the church’s
future. As the meeting concluded, the pastor assured the congregation that all options
were still on the table, including the possibility of selling some of the other properties
attached to the church in order to fund the repairs. The church’s fate, according to Msgr.
Calise, is not a decision to be made hastily.
Parishioners remain determined to explore every avenue, from securing additional
funding to organizing community efforts, in hopes of preserving the church that has
served as a spiritual home for many.
