The former Grace Episcopal Church in Riverhead, once slated for demolition by the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, was rededicated by the diocese Sunday as the home of Iglesia San Francisco.
“The celebration follows an extensive renovation project that has transformed the church campus into a safe, beautiful, and welcoming home for worship, fellowship, and community ministry,” the diocese said in an announcement of the rededication ceremony and celebration.
The church campus has evolved over generations to meet the changing needs of the Riverhead community, the diocese said. “Today, as the home of Iglesia San Francisco, it continues that legacy of worship, welcome, and service.
Congregants and community members packed the renovated church sanctuary Sunday for the 5 p.m. service and the time of fellowship that followed.
Diocesan Bishop Lawrence Provenzano led a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the formal opening of the renovated church and welcome the community into the sanctuary.
At the bishop’s side was Father Luis Fernando López, whom the bishop has named the priest-in-charge at Iglesia San Francisco. Since March 2025, Lopez has served the Latino East End Mission of Long Island.
“This day is a testament to the faithfulness and perseverance of this congregation,” Provenzano said. “Even when they could not gather in their church building, the people of Iglesia San Francisco continued to be the Church—serving their neighbors, worshipping together, and sharing Christ’s love. Today we celebrate not only the renewal of this sacred space, but the flourishing ministry that has never ceased.”
The church, built in 1871, was closed in February 2023 after safety concerns made it unsuitable for continued use. The diocese pursued plans to demolish the structure before it decided to renovate it instead.
See: Episcopal Diocese eyes demolition of historic church and home in downtown Riverhead (Sept. 5, 2023)
It began a comprehensive renovation of the church campus in 2024, restoring the building for worship while adapting its spaces to support the congregation’s growing ministries. The project included extensive renovations to the church, chapel, and parish hall.
Exterior improvements included a new roof, ADA-compliant accessibility ramps, and other campus upgrades that improve safety, accessibility, and the overall appearance of the property.
Throughout the renovation, the congregation faithfully continued worshipping, first in space provided by the Riverhead Central School District and later in the parish rectory, the diocese said.
Officially admitted as a diocesan mission in 2023, Iglesia San Francisco has long ministered to predominantly Spanish-speaking families and farmworkers on Long Island’s East End.
Throughout the renovation, the congregation continued its worship and outreach, while Rural and Migrant Ministry maintained its presence on the campus, continuing its longstanding partnership with the Diocese of Long Island in serving farmworkers and rural communities.
“This is a day of thanksgiving for our congregation,” Lopez said. “Our people never lost faith. We continued to worship, to pray, and to serve our neighbors wherever we gathered. Returning to this church gives us a renewed home for our ministry and a place where we can continue welcoming all who seek God’s love.”
Lopez, who is from Colombia, now lives in the church rectory with his family.
Provenzano, who is retiring as diocesan bishop next month, said yesterday he is grateful he had the opportunity to rededicate the Riverhead church before he retires.
RiverheadLOCAL photos and reporting by Carlos Gonzalez
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