Until 1898, New City and Bardonia Catholics traveled to various parishes in the surrounding areas to fulfill their spiritual obligations.  Members of the Koop, Overmeyer and Hobesil families contacted the New York Archdiocese to determine if a more centrally located church could be established.

In 1901, a vacant public school building was purchased and moved to Congers Road, about where the County Animal Hospital is today.  The church land was donated by the McLoughlin family and St. Augustine's Mission Church was established.
In 1916, Father Nicholas Hans, Pastor of St. Anthony's Church in Nanuet, purchased a $4,000 parcel of land, which is the present site of our Parish School.  In 1934, a building housing the Foresters Hall Association became available for $14,000.  Father Hans bought and repaired the building and converted it into a Church.  Except for a few minor renovations made in 1958, this was the first Church in New City.  Fr. Haus retired in 1940 and was replaced by Father Francis Osterman.

Catholic Big Sisters was founded in 1921 by Mrs. Arthur Collishaw and Mrs. Anthony Helfrich.  The group showed great concern for the sick and poor of the Parish, and provided financial assistance by sponsoring social activities.  The men of the Parish formed the Holy Name Society in 1955 and elected Edmund Klingman as its first president.

The unparalleled growth of New City in the 1950's caused the Archdiocese to raise St. Augustine's to a full-fledged parish in 1957.  Monsignor James Leddy was appointed the Founding Pastor.  A few years later, the apartment building on Maple Avenue was purchased for use by the church clergy and made into a rectory.

In 1961, an elementary school, staffed by Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, was opened with approximately 300 students, serving grades 1 through 4.

Monsignor George F. Brennan was appointed Pastor in 1964.  Under his direction, St. Francis of Assisi Parish was established, the Iron House on Muller Court was purchased to be used as a convent for the Sisters teaching in the school, and the Parish Council was established.

In June, 1969, Pastor Vincent McShane expanded the Religious Education Program, and four years later, the first Eucharistic Ministers were instituted.

In 1974, Father Hugh Devers was appointed Pastor.  School overcrowding became a problem, and a modular building was purchased and placed on the property.

In June, 1980, Monsignor John J. Gillen came to St. Augustine's.  He introduced many programs to revitalize Parish life, including RENEW, the ANAWIM Charismatic Prayer Group and DDA.  He served until his retirement in 1994.

Since June 1994, our Pastor, Monsignor William Foley, led us in meeting today's challenges and opportunities into the 21st century.  During his tenure, we began a successful tithing program, GOD's TYM , the appointment of a Youth Minister, as well as new activities, including Operation Love, Re-Membering and a study group to look toward the feasibility of a new church structure. Through the generosity and hard work of our parishioners, we now have the use of a beautiful new worship space, a 600-person church in 2001 which will serve future generations of Clarkstown residents. It replaced the old, much smaller, converted Forester Hall, which served us well for many years, but required holding mass in both the church and auditorium multiple times.

The new Church built on the site of the previous Church includes meeting hall and classrooms and a Eucharistic Chapel. The nave and sanctuary have beautiful stained glass windows including those of the American Saints with ties to New York.

The Baptismal Font, with its fountain, is a special highlight.  Statues and special sanctuary features are unique.  The gathering space or atrium is remarkable for its huge stained glass windows depicting creation and St. Michael and St. Gabriel, two of the Archangels.

The Plaza at the entrance includes a slightly larger than life-size statue of a young St. Augustine statue welcoming all as he contemplates “God is love”.

At Christmas time on Main Street you can see the almost life-size Nativity scene by the front lawn on Third and Main Streets.

Msgr. Foley had built the new Church and previously the Parish Center, which became a daily Mass Chapel during the construction of the new Church which now is used by the many organizations and Parish Council of the parish. Msgr. Foley’s term of office of 12 years ended and he was assigned to the Riverdale section of the Bronx.

In 2006 a new pastor was appointed, Father Carl D. Johnson.  Under his care – there is full day Pre-K and some revitalized parish organizations.

The Archdiocese has begun a Bicentennial Campaign which hopes to raise funds to rejuvenate the Educational Building that is 45 years old and is in great need of repair.

Our CYO Basketball Teams regularly rank high in the elementary school league.

Today’s St. Augustine Parish finds a healthy parish School recognized as outstanding by the Middle States accreditation organization.  A vibrant Religious Education Program with almost 800 students, a comprehensive list of services and social organization, and over 2700 loyal and faith-filled Parish families to enhance the faith commitment of all parishioners.

Stop in for a visit, pray and perhaps come home.

Don’t wait for Christmas or Easter; you are always welcome to stay and pray.  Come find a spiritual home in the heart of Rockland County at the Church of St. Augustine – in the heart of New City, NY.