[7] Since both older parishes were some distance from the newer settlement along the river, it was inevitable that the rapidly developing area would see the founding of two ethnic churches: Our Lady of Mt.

In March 1884, he purchased four lots on East 119th Street, between First and Pleasant Avenues, where the present parish buildings stand.

[7] Michael Corrigan, Coadjutor Archbishop of New York, presided over the dedication of the new church on Rosary Sunday, October 5, 1884.

[9] Byron and his two assistants, Charles A. Meridith and James T. McGovern, lived in a rented house at 365 Pleasant Avenue until the completion of the present rectory.

The increasing Italian population in East Harlem had made it necessary to provide a priest at Holy Rosary who spoke their language.

Arcese, a native of Alpino, Italy, came to the United States at 17 years of age and studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie.

The first to serve their specific needs was Robert Banome who, prior to his priestly ordination, had worked in Puerto Rico.

Two years later, the Parish was entrusted by Terence Cooke, Archbishop of New York, to Nicanor L. Lana, former rector of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, Philippines, administered at the time by Augustinian friars affiliated to the Augustinian Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines.

When Lana was recalled by his religious superiors to head the Augustinian house in Neguri, Bilbao, Spain, Angel S. Dulanto succeeded him.

Gilbert Luis R. Centina III was nominated pastor by Carlos F. Moran, Augustinian Father Provincial on Sept. 20, 2006.

On Rosary Sunday, October 5, 1884, Michael Corrigan, Coadjutor Archbishop, presided over the dedication of the church.

On Rosary Sunday, auxiliary bishop John Murphy Farley laid the cornerstone for the new church which was designed by architect Thomas Houghton in Byzantine-Romanesque style.

The program provides comprehensive case management services to residents, formerly homeless adults with severe mental illness and substance abuse addiction.