A Lower Manhattan chapel that played a big role in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks likely will close soon because it has been unable to reach an agreement to lower its rent.

In a letter to parishioners Friday, the pastor of St. Joseph's Chapel said the church has begun negotiations to get of its lease.

"We have been in direct discussions with the Landlord since last November in an effort to reach [an] agreement on a sustainable level of rent payments," Rev. Jarlath Quinn wrote. "Unfortunately, we have not been able to come to an agreement. Consequently, we are now in discussion with the Landlord for an early exit/termination of the Lease."

The small chapel has been struggling ever since its rent tripled three years ago to nearly $22,000 a month.

The chapel burned through its reserve funds and had to reach out to the Archdiocese of New York for financial help.

It is a surprising turn of events for a church that was a lifeline after 9/11, when it opened its doors to weary first responders needing a place to sleep.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York said the closure is not yet a done deal and that conditions could change before the chapel's lease expires in 2019.

The Lefrak Organization, which is one of the owners of the building, declined to comment.