St. John the Baptist
Most Holy Trinity
St. Ann Parish

SJB: A Brief History

- St. John the Baptist
  - About Us
    
    Our Patron Saint
    History of SJB
    
    Parishioner Registration
    School
  - Get Involved
    
    Ministries
    Sacraments
  - Faith Formation
    
    Religion Education (CCD)
    Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

A Century of Faith: The Story of St. John the Baptist Church

It is hard to realize, looking at the busy metropolitan area of east Yonkers today, that not so many years ago—even within the memories of some still living—this area was relatively undeveloped, with open land and a sparse population.

That, however, was the case as the parish of St. John the Baptist began life in 1903 in a small shop (formerly a blacksmith’s) at the foot of Valentine hill. The history of St. John’s in the years that followed has been rich and exciting—filled with change and challenge.
Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Faith
Throughout the twentieth century, the Catholic population in Yonkers increased significantly—and a new church was built to serve the needs of the growing community. In 1926, Patrick Cardinal Hayes dedicated the beautiful gothic church that now stands on the corner of Yonkers and St. John’s Avenues, only a few blocks from St. Joseph’s Seminary, the major seminary of the Archdiocese of New York.

In September, 1954, a new phase of our parish life at St. John’s was begun, as Francis Cardinal Spellman dedicated our elementary school. In the next half century, hundreds of graduates from St. John’s School went on to make their mark in the world. Many pursued distinguished careers in business, education, and other professions. Many married and started their own families; others heard God’s call and became priests or religious. St. John’s is very proud of all our alumni.

Throughout the years, in good times or difficult times, the center of our parish life has always been the Blessed Sacrament—reserved in our main church and our Eucharistic chapel. This Eucharistic center of our Catholic life has nurtured our daily commitment to the Lamb of God to whom St. John the Baptist pointed during his ministry of preparation.

In 2015, the challenge for St. John's was welcoming parishioners from the parish of Most Holy Trinity in Yonkers. The merger of MHT with St. John's was part of a multi-year Archdiocesan project entitled "Making All Things New."

In the 21st century, we, the parish family of St. John’s, prepare for the future with confidence, ready to face new challenges and to welcome new opportunities as we grow together through faith.