RIVERHEAD – The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island and the congregation of Iglesia San Francisco will celebrate the rededication of their renewed church home on Sunday, August 9, marking a joyful new chapter for a congregation whose ministry has remainedsteadfast through years of transition.
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.
Originally built in 1871 as Grace Episcopal Church, the campus has evolved over generations to meet the changing needs of the Riverhead community. Today, as the home of Iglesia San Francisco, it continues that legacy of worship, welcome, and service.
"This day is a testament to the faithfulness and perseverance of this congregation," said Bishop Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. "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 building was closed in February 2023 after safety concerns made it unsuitable for continued use. Throughout the renovation, the congregation faithfully continued worshipping, first in space provided by the Riverhead Central School District and later in the parish rectory.
Since 2024, the Diocese has undertaken a comprehensive renovation of the church campus, restoring the building for worship while thoughtfully adapting its spaces to support the congregation's growing ministries. The project included extensive renovations to the church and chapel, enhancing their beauty, functionality, and hospitality. The parish hall, once in poor condition, has been transformed into a versatile gathering space for parish meetings, celebrations, educational programs, and community events.
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. The project also made it possible for the rectory once again to serve as the residence of the Rev. Luis Lopez, priest-in-charge of Iglesia San Francisco.
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 & 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," said Fr. Lopez. "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."
The rededication service celebrates more than the reopening of a historic church building. It celebrates the spirit of a congregation that remained faithful to its mission, continued serving its community, and now begins a new chapter in a renewed home.
Rededication Service
Sunday, August 9, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Iglesia San Francisco
573 Roanoke Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
The service is open to the public.
Media Contact
Denise Fillion
Director of Communication
Episcopal Diocese of Long Island
(631) 942-9460
dfillion@dioceseli.org