St. Joachim Church

While St. Joachim Church was originally built in the late 1880’s, all the original detailing was covered up or removed in an extensive renovation done in the 1980’s. Father Tom Moriarty told Lawrence Hoy Studios that he felt his church had been destroyed by that 1980’s renovation, as there were no traditional Catholic elements left. Lawrence Hoy Studios suggested an historic restoration effort. We brought back the original hardwood floors and sanctuary layout, restored the plaster walls, and uncovered and cleaned the original wood ceiling in the sanctuary that had been hidden for years by thin plywood sheathing. Coincidentally, at this time, we heard of an historic church of similar style and time period that just closed in Manayunk, PA. All that church’s stunning original carved Italian sanctuary pieces became available. Father Tom saw the pieces and decided on the spot that they were perfect for St. Joachim Church.

Lawrence Hoy Studios carefully dismantled the altar, pulpit, reredos, tabernacle and side altars and transported them to St. Joachim where they were reassembled in the restored sanctuary. The carved Pascal lamb in the altar frontal is a magnificent example of the finest Italian craftsmanship from the late 1880’s. All the other pieces created by the same Italian artisan that are now in St. Joachim Church are of equal quality.

The addition of these historic marble treasures make St. Joachim Church the most successful restoration project in the Diocese of Rockville Center, NY.