STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — One of Staten Island’s oldest churches has been sold, prompting questions about the future of the historic house of worship.
St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Rosebank, which closed its doors in 2015 and was de-sanctified by the Archdiocese of New York in 2020, was sold in October 2025 to Lera Holdings, LLC for more than $2.8 million, according to online documents from the Richmond County Clerk.
Recent photos submitted to the Advance/SILive.com show that some work has begun at the nearly 170-year-old church building, with workers donning hazmat suits seen entering and exiting the premises.
Signs at the location read “Warning Keep Out: Poison Baited Area,” “Danger Asbestos” and “Authorized Personnel Only.”…