For more than a century, the Carmelite community of Mt. Carmel has been a contributing presence in the town of Tenafly, NJ.  In the spring of 1951, a new parish facility was planned for the growing community. As per the instructions of the archdiocese, the parish school and auditorium were constructed first. the auditorium would serve as the first parish church until funds could then be raised for the construction of a standalone house of worship. Like many parishes that followed this progression of construction,. the standalone grand house of worship was never realized.  

What was to have been a school auditorium has remained the parish church for more than 74 years.  Several renovations have taken place over the years within the church interior. In 2021 the parish leadership reached out to MPSB for design assistance in the execution of an interior renovation that would both refresh the interior space and capture the subdued elegance that was the original architect's intent.