Eugene V. Clark - Church of The Annunciation, Crestwood New York

Church of The Annunciation, Crestwood New York

Monsignor Eugene V. Clark was appointed Pastor of the Church of the Annunciation in 1980. He was a superb homilist and a great connoisseur of art, especially religious art (indeed, through the 90’s, he also hosted shows on Catholic TV, which capitalized on his great acumen). With his eye for the aesthetic, he refurbished much of the magnificent sculpture in the lower Church, and moved several pieces to the upper Church — including the Pieta and the enormous crucifix that now hangs in the back of the upper church. With Dick Fay’s assistance, Monsignor Clark had the majestic marble altar in the upper Church, the altar stairs, and marble façade redesigned to face forward — replacing the “portable” altar used for several years previously. The altar is now dedicated to the memory of Richard and Regina Fay.

The beautiful Italian custom and hand-made papier-mâché Christmas Crèche was acquired at this time as well — with the help of the Mark and Alicia Barry Family, and In Memory of Frank and Catherine Gleason — this work of art graces St. Joseph’s Altar — redecorated for Christmas to this day. Much later in the 90’s, Father Eugene Carrella commissioned the addition of the manger, which replicates the marble columns of the main altar and the green marble facade behind the altar.

Monsignor Clark was also the first to institute a Finance Council in the Parish (the full Parish Council would come later). He was also dedicated to the Parish School, and a more diverse curriculum. Under his stewardship and with Kevin Scanlon as the Principal for more than a decade, the School excelled in every way. The School also expanded with the creation of the Kindergarten program.