Grace Church, New York
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Grace Church and Dependencies | |
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| (U.S. National Historic Landmark) | |
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| Location: | Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Built/Founded: | 1846 |
| Architect: | James Renwick, Jr. |
| Architectural style(s): | Gothic Revival |
| Designated as NHL: | December 22, 1977 [1] |
| Added to NRHP: | June 28, 1974 [2] |
| NRHP Reference#: | 74001270 |
| Governing body: | Private church |
Grace Church, at 802 Broadway in New York City, is a historic full-service parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Grace Church is located on Broadway near 10th Street as the avenue bends into the heart of New York University and the East Village.
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[edit] History and Architecture
Grace Church is a Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by James Renwick, Jr., his first major commission. In 1843, the land on which the church was built was purchased from Henry Brevoort. The 23-year-old architect James Renwick, Jr.—a nephew of Henry Brevoort—whose sole completed work at the time was the Bowling Green Fountain, was commissioned as the architect. Grace Church is a National Historic Landmark designated for its architectural significance and place within the history of New York City.[1][3][4]
The cornerstone for the new church was laid in 1843 and Grace Church was consecrated in 1846. Vestry minutes from January of that year break down some of the expenses for building a new church—including items ranging from the cost of the workers from Sing Sing state prison who cut the stone to the cost of the embroidery for the altar cloth. Like Trinity Church (also consecrated in 1846), Grace Church was designed in the Gothic Revival style, and despite the wood, plaster (scored to look like stone) and lathe construction—as opposed to the stone construction of medieval Gothic cathedrals.
The east window over the high altar created by the English stained glass manufacturer Clayton and Bell in 1878, dominates the chancel, and the whole church. A "Te Deum" window, its theme is praise. The figures with their faces raised toward Christ, who is seated at the top center, represent prophets, apostles, martyrs and all the world.
The reredos, with mosaic figures of the evangelists, is made of French and Italian Marble and Caen Stone, and shows the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, flanking the Risen Christ as he gives the great commission, "Go into all the world and make disciples..." This piece, along with the altar, was designed by James Renwick Jr. and executed by Ellin & Kitson in 1878. The Choir furniture was installed in 1903 after the chancel was lengthened an additional fifteen feet in a renovation designed by Heins and La Farge.
[edit] Services
Grace Church offers a full schedule of prayer and Eucharist services throughout the week and is also available for special occasions such as weddings and baptisms. Other services the church provides include a community outreach program, spiritual education classes for adults, and children and youth services.
Grace Church is known for its Choir of Men and Boys (est. 1894) and its rich musical program which includes regular organ recitals featuring the music of the great classical composers.
[edit] Clergy
- The Reverend J. Donald Waring, Rector
- The Reverend Linda Bartholomew, Assistant to the Rector
- Dr. Patrick Allen, Organist and Master of Choristers
[edit] References
- ^ a b Grace Church. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service (2007-09-14).
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
- ^ ["Grace Church", April 19, 1977, by Carolyn PittsPDF (629 KiB) National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination]. National Park Service (1977-04-19).
- ^ [Grace Church--Accompanying 11 exterior photos, undated.PDF (1.76 MiB) National Register of Historic Places Inventory]. National Park Service (1983).
[edit] External links
- Grace Church – Official website
- Episcopal Diocese of New York – Official website
- National Register of Historic Buildings Number: 74001270
- Grace Church, New York is at coordinates Coordinates:
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