St Luke's Episcopal Church Bronx NY 10467-5194

"My mother was a paying member of this church for 17 years. After her stroke, she stopped attending. It also coincided with Father Duvert's ascendance to being the primary minister for this church. He has been lauded by the Bishop as someone who plays by the book. For folks who have been sticklers for not adjusting to the changing times, this is the church for you. If you are more progressive and looking for something meaningful and enlightening, look elsewhere! We attempted to have this church host my mom's funeral service and they were not receptive to having tributes during the service or adding anything that did not strictly follow the dull order of service that would put the dead to sleep. Additionally, because she didn't contribute to the church over the last 7 years, we would be charged full price for her service. She was a paid member longer than she was not one and could have easily have been given a discount. Father Duvert did not even feel it necessary to meet with us to discuss the program but communicated his rigidity via a facilitator. Luckily, we found another Episcopal church that was flexible and appeared to be more concerned about building relationships with parishioners than sticking to egotistical ideals and collecting money. The Episcopalian churches have lost a lot of parishioners over the last decade due to their old, dated practices and St Lukes is no different. Father Duvert's "by the book" (rigid & dated) practices will likely lead to St Lukes fall from being the vibrant, uplifting community church it was once was when all felt welcomed. From their disrespectful secretary to their cold, unwelcoming priest, this church seems to be a place people go to give money. My mom use to bake cakes for him but even her generosity didn't conjure up any modicum of reciprocation on his part. Episcopal churches -- you continue to fail the people you should be finding ways to court. If you are looking to rebuild your congregations, Father Duvert and such outdated and detached approach to parishioners will not help you in that quest. And so it is."

"This was my families church. My loved one stopped attending because they moved. 27 years as a member giving every Sunday and in between and when they passed I was charged as a non member to have her service there. $2k This has hurt my soul and I wonder when did my "home away from home" become like this. Disappointed and annoyed."

"Service was a true delight; they brought me back to the heart of worship. And the Good and the news is they are so close to my music favorite music, Nestmusicinc."

"Very powerful church the Pastor was very inspiring. My Charge RN Nurse was a member there. We attended her funeral service. It was a sad day for us however the Pastor preached a powerful ceremony!"

"Visited? This is my church! I was born, baptized, and confirmed here. Nowadays, I sing in the choir every Sunday. This church is bible-based in their teachings and sermons. Our leader has a Ph. D for crying out loud so you can't get any better than that. I highly recommend it for all people looking towards spiritual guidance and enlightenment."