Docomomo US’s Special Edition: Places of Worship includes an in depth look at a local church tucked away in Maspeth, Queens. The Church of the Transfiguration is a rare modernist gem that fuses Lithuanian folk elements with mid-century design. Conceived by Lithuanian architect Jonas Mulokas in the early 1960s for a thriving Lithuanian immigrant community, the A-frame structure integrates stained glass, steel, and traditional motifs, creating a powerful expression of national identity in exile. Contributions by artists like Aleksandras Marciulonis and Vytautas Kazimieras Jonynas further elevate the church into a holistic work of Lithuanian American religious art, from aluminum sculptures and light fixtures to mosaic-tiled altars and stained glass windows.

Jonynas played a central role in shaping the church’s interior, first completing its original design and later returning in 1967 to implement changes in response to Vatican II reforms. His work, including a striking mixed-media reredos and a sculptural bronze cross with reliquaries, exemplifies the depth and craftsmanship of Lithuanian modernist church design. Jonynas’ and Mulokas’ influence extended beyond Transfiguration—most notably to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair—though much of that work has since been lost, leaving Transfiguration as the most intact and comprehensive example of their legacy in the U.S.

Now, however, the future of this cultural and architectural treasure is at risk. The Diocese of Brooklyn plans to close and sell the church by fall 2025, prompting strong preservation efforts from the Lithuanian American community and allied organizations. With the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission already recognizing the building’s potential significance, advocates are pushing for landmark designation to protect this singular fusion of modernism, heritage, and faith for future generations.

The article was written by Frampton Tolbert, DOCOMOMO US/NY Tri-State board member and expert on Queens Modern movement architecture. Read more on advocacy for Church of the Transfiguration.

“Church of the Transfiguration: A Masterpiece of Lithuanian Folk Art Modernism,” Docomomo US, July 14.