While we were parishioners of a neighboring parish, I happened upon this beautifully restored chapel. while in the process of planning our only daughter's wedding. Not any church would do. Some were too cold and sterile, others were worn and dated. Sad to say, some priests did not have much time or personality to make me feel welcome. But, I managed to find the perfect place of worship which finally met my criteria.
In a sense, shopping for the perfect setting for a wedding is much like looking for the perfect piece of real estate!
Our Lady of Rosary Chapel is located in The Town of Poughkeepsie. Not too many local people even know of it because it's very secluded and off the beaten path. The church, was originally built by The Smith Brothers (famous maker of Smith Bros. cough drops) in memory of their sister who was a nun prior to her deah. It was almost 100 years old when it was aquired in 1999 by St. Peter's Parish in Hyde Park (the oldest parish in NY). Rev. James Garisto advocated for the NY Archdiocese to purchase the property located on the grounds of an old abandoned psychiatric hospital. The property was purchased from the State of New York so that the parish would have a church to hold weekly masses - instead of a school gymnasium. Up until that time, St. Peters functioned as a parish without a church. What is most amazing is how parish members came together to restore this property which had been deteriorating for many years.
We soon became parishioners, and I am now eager to get up each Sunday for mass. There's something about this church that soothes the soul! I found that this is not just a beautiful place to worship, it's a great down to earth congregation of people. And, more beautiful than the church itself, is the Pastor and assisting priests. They put everybody at ease! It took all these years for me to realize that I was looking for a church where I coud finally "connect".
Our Lady Of The Rosary Chapel - was just waiting for Christians to enter her doors. The Parishioners of St. Peter's Parish did enter those doors. They came with open hearts and the desire to make this "lonely" church their own. They came with their sleeves rolled up, to clean, paint, plant, and restore.
Tiffany stained glass windows surround the walls of the building and compliment the white marble altar.
Outside the grounds are quiet, serene, and inviting. Statues of Our Blessed Mother and Jesus are placed in a small garden encouraging visitors to take time to reflect and to give thanks.
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/grades/church1.html
St Peter Parish
6 Father Cody Plaza, Hyde Park
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 452-8580 Fax: (845) 471-4800
A Parish of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York NY
