San Andres
22 Post Street
Yonkers, New York 10705
Church: 914 963-9523
Fax: 914 963-4876

 

 

The History of San Andres

San Andres evolved out of the congregation of St. Andrew's Memorial Church, which was founded in the City of Yonkers, in 1894. At its height, St. Andrew's served as many as 1,000 communicants arising from the surrounding middle class neighborhood. However, after World War II, membership declined and the church closed in the 1970's. The community underwent change as new immigrants entered the city, many of whom were Hispanic. In time, the neighborhood was revitalized. Unfortunately, the Church of St. Andrew's was destroyed by fire in 1981. Yet, the Rectory survived, and a congregation of community residents met regularly in the Rectory's parlor for worship. Children in the neighborhood also gathered in the Rectory for help with their homework. In the mid 1980's this congregation of “San Andres” moved a few blocks to a newly renovated automotive garage located on the corner of Post Street and Elliott Avenue.

At its new location, San Andres serves the Hispanic Latino community residing in Southwest Yonkers, which presently comprises approximately 50% of the current population. The remaining population distribution is composed of other ethnic groups, many of which are new to this country. The parish Rectory, until recently, served the community by housing various community based family services through the Sharing Community. Currently, all outreach ministries operate out of the Church.

Saint Andrews Woodcut

 

History