Westchester Square

Westchester Square- A distinct neighborhood unto itself, Westchester Square often gets wrapped into Morris Park, Van Nest and Pelham. In 1926, Patrick Cardinal Hayes entrusted Fr. Edward Marcuzzi the mission of establishing a parish for the Italian-speaking immigrants of Westchester Square area. Fr. Marcuzzi, with pioneering faith proceeded with a handful of parishioners to open a small chapel in an empty store located at 1605 Parker Street, where the first Mass was celebrated on July 8, 1926. A few months later, in November, the present church of Santa Maria (Saint Mary) was erected. The main artery of this neighborhood was Zarega Avenue. This neighborhood is no longer an Italian enclave.