THEN

Before Yorkville was a prominent Czech community, the Lower East Side was once the prime spot. However, it started to get cramped and living conditions were very poor, this forced many people uptown. And as people move, so does its congregation, Jan Hus Presbyterian Church. Built in 1888 by R.H. Robertson, the church was to emulate a street in Prague making it welcoming to its huge immigrant congregation, as well as having worship services in their native tongue. As the congregation grew, so did the need for space. In 1915, the neighborhood house was added to serve more needs of the Czech community such as classrooms, meeting rooms, living quarters and even a dental clinic. The neighborhood house also held a theater, where actors and actress performed, many who made it to the big world of Hollywood. As time went on the Czech community dwindled, slowly moving from Czech to English service. But the church still was active in the community. Becoming an outreach center for the unhoused, giving resources such as food and clothes. Today, Jan Hus moved its location and name, but the church is still standing with another church, the Church of the Epiphany moves in and restores the façade as well as the interior of the old church.