Introduction
As St. Charles Borromeo Parish celebrates its 175th anniversary, we reflect with gratitude on our abundant blessings and look forward with hope. Each milestone allows us to revisit and enrich our history, a narrative shaped by our shared journey. This anniversary marks a chapter that future generations will cherish through stories, photographs, and memories.

1849–1959
Founded in 1849, St. Charles Borromeo Parish became Brooklyn’s sixth Catholic parish, predating the Diocese of Brooklyn by four years. The original church, purchased by New York Archbishop John Hughes, was a former Protestant Episcopal church on Sidney Place, serving the congregation until a fire in 1868.

The first pastor, Rev. Charles Constantine Pise, D.D., a poet, professor, and America’s first Catholic novelist, was also the only Catholic chaplain in U.S. Senate history, nominated by his friend Henry Clay. Father Pise’s legacy included founding a parish school, remodeling the rectory, and creating the St. Vincent de Paul Society to serve the needy.

The second pastor, Rev. Francis J. Freel, acquired land for a new church after the 1868 fire. In 1869, the current English Gothic building, designed by noted architect Patrick C. Keely, was completed at a cost of $75,000. Its organ, crafted by J.H. and C.S. Odell, was praised as Brooklyn’s finest.

Subsequent pastors expanded and enhanced the parish. Rev. Thomas F. Ward installed Bavarian stained glass windows and wall frescos, while Rev. James E. Bobier oversaw construction of a new $125,000 school in 1917.

In 1919, Rev. Thomas J. O’Brien led the parish’s Golden Jubilee, undertaking significant church renovations funded by parishioners. He also presided over the Diamond Jubilee in 1924, commemorating the parish’s founding with the addition of a marble altar.

Rev. Ambrose P. Dunnigan introduced a kindergarten and expanded the convent, while Rev. Ambrose S. Aitken prepared for the 1949 Centennial with significant improvements to the church and school, ensuring the parish’s continued vitality.

1959–2007
During Rev. Charles E. Diviney’s tenure (1959–1978), St. Charles embraced Vatican II reforms, introducing Mass in English, a redesigned altar, and updated music. The church underwent extensive renovations, including new pews, air conditioning, lighting, and steeple repairs.

Later pastors, Rev. Francis J. Murphy (1978–1989) and Rev. Charles A. Kraus (1989–2007), guided the parish through milestones and challenges. Under Father Kraus, the 150th anniversary was celebrated. Despite the 2007 school closure due to a fire and declining enrollment, the parish’s mission endured.

2007–Present
Rev. Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, served as administrator in 2007–2008 and 2016–2017, initiating long-term renovation plans completed in 2024.

Rev. Edward P. Doran, Ph.D. (later Msgr.) (2008–2016) restructured parish programs to meet changing demographics, leasing the former school and rectory to the Mary McDowell School and relocating the rectory. His leadership fostered growth in religious education for young families.

Rev. William G. Smith (2017–2023) guided the parish through the COVID-19 pandemic with remote ministries, livestreamed Masses, and initiatives like “Charlie’s Angels,” who brought Holy Communion to the homebound. Hosting Catholic Charities’ downtown Brooklyn food bank further strengthened the parish’s outreach.

In 2023, Very Rev. Joseph Gibino, S.T.M., Ph.D., became the 14th pastor, bringing his expertise as Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis.

A Celebration of 175 Years
As we celebrate 175 years, we honor the sacrifices and contributions of those who came before us and look to the future with hope. Together, we continue to write the story of St. Charles Borromeo Parish—a legacy of unwavering faith and enduring community. May future generations always find God’s love here.