Our Lady of Lebanon: Worship or an Architecture Visit?

Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral stands at 113 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights, serving as the seat of the Maronite Catholic Eparchy in Brooklyn. For many, the draw is twofold: the chance to attend a Maronite liturgy, or the opportunity to see a landmark Romanesque Revival building with a layered history. Deciding which experience you want—and how to plan for it—can shape your visit.

The cathedral belongs to the Maronite Catholic tradition, distinct from the Latin rite and rooted in its congregation’s Lebanese heritage. Its building, designed by Richard Upjohn in 1844 for the Church of the Pilgrims, is a recognized piece of Brooklyn’s architectural legacy. Since 1944, it has been home to the Maronite community, and features unique elements like doors salvaged from the SS Normandie. However, the cathedral’s primary function is as a place of worship, not a public museum or open house.

Liturgy Schedule: When Services Are Held

If your interest is in attending a Maronite Catholic liturgy, the cathedral’s official directory lists Sunday services at 9:00 am and 11:30 am, and weekday liturgies Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 am. Holy day schedules are published in the parish bulletin. These times are set for worship, not for general building tours or architectural viewing. If you are unfamiliar with the Maronite rite, ask the cathedral what to expect in the service you plan to attend.

Visitors considering attending a service should plan for a respectful, participatory experience. If you are not Maronite Catholic, you may want to review what to expect in the liturgy beforehand. For those interested in the building’s history but not in worship, attending a service may not provide the access or context you’re seeking.

Architecture Visits: Arrangements Required

The cathedral’s Romanesque Revival design, attributed to Richard Upjohn, is a draw for architecture enthusiasts. The building’s origins as the Church of the Pilgrims and its later transformation for the Lebanese Catholic congregation add to its significance. Notable features include the SS Normandie doors, which are highlighted by the New York Landmarks Conservancy (see their profile).

If your goal is to see the architecture outside worship times, contact the cathedral to ask whether a separate visit is possible. This may involve calling 718-624-7228 or checking the eparchy directory for contact details. If you are hoping to bring a group, or want to photograph interior details, clarify what is possible in advance.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Questions

Before heading to 113 Remsen Street, consider your priorities. If you want to experience the Maronite liturgy, plan to arrive before the scheduled service times. If you are interested in the building itself, ask about arranging a visit outside of liturgy hours. For those with accessibility needs, contact the cathedral to discuss entrance access and interior circulation, as historic buildings may have limitations.

Transit is straightforward: Brooklyn Heights is well-served by subway lines, but check the MTA trip planner for service changes on your travel day. If you are combining your visit with other neighborhood stops, such as a morning at L’Appartement 4F or a Sunday at First Unitarian Brooklyn, map your route and timing accordingly.

What to Expect: Liturgy vs. Landmark

Attending a service means participating in a religious gathering, not a guided tour. If you are curious about the Maronite tradition, this can be a meaningful way to experience it firsthand. However, if your focus is architectural, a service may not allow for free movement or photography. For those interested in the building’s history, arranging a separate visit is the best way to see details and ask questions about its design and transformation.

If you are planning a visit for academic or group purposes, clarify with the cathedral what is possible. Ask about group size, timing, photography permissions and whether someone can explain the architectural details. Confirm any arrangement before arriving.

Before You Go

• Decide if your priority is worship or architecture, as each requires different planning.
• For liturgy, arrive before the posted times: Sunday at 9:00 am or 11:30 am, Tuesday–Saturday at 10:00 am.
• For architecture visits, contact the cathedral directly to discuss possible arrangements.
• Ask about accessibility if you have mobility needs.
• Use the MTA trip planner for up-to-date transit options.
• If combining with other Brooklyn Heights destinations, plan your timing and route.