COMMON

BONDVol. 29, No. 1, Summer 2019 Medieval to Modern: Celebrating New York’s Religious Art and Architecture

In this issue:

“A Modern Church on Madison Square”

“From Popcorn to Prayers: The Transformation of New York City Movie Palaces and Theaters to Churches”

“Sanctuary Interior Decoration: Balancing Beauty, Liturgy, Public Programming, and Historic Architecture”

Notes on this year’s Sacred Sites Open House

and more! Common Bond is the technical On the cover (from left to right): Sacred journal of the Sacred Sites Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Johnson Program. City (photo by Jean Siegrist). St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Brooklyn. From the President The New York Landmarks Nevelson Chapel at St. Peter’s Church, Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program New York City (photo by Thomas Magno). offers congregations throughout New Dear Friends, York State financial and technical assistance to maintain, repair, and restore their buildings. In addition to We are delighted to present our providing hundreds of thousands of latest edition of Common Bond. In dollars in matching grants each year, keeping with our 2019 Sacred Sites the Conservancy offers technical help, Open House theme, “Medieval to workshops for building caretakers, Modern: Celebrating New York’s and publications. Religious Art and Architecture,” this issue highlights the broad spectrum Editor: Ann-Isabel Friedman Contributors: Glen Umberger, Mari S. of historical periods, faith traditions, Gold, Emily Sottile. Table of and styles of religious architecture Design: Maria de los A. Muñoz found in communities throughout New York City and State. Enclosed you’ll find articles demonstrating the Back issues are available in print and online at www.nylandmarks.org and variety and of New York’s religious at www.sacredsitesopenhouse.org Contents architecture: the repurposing of magnificent movie palaces and For additional information about the theaters as houses of worship; the Sacred Sites Program or Common philosophy and practice of renewing Bond, please contact Ann Friedman at [email protected] - 4 - From Popcorn to Prayers: The Transformation of New York City historic sanctuary interiors; and the development and unfortunate loss of Movie Palaces and Theaters to Churches Stanford White’s magnificent Madison By Mari S. Gold Square Presbyterian Church. - 10 - A Modern Church on Madison Square Highlights of this year’s 9th annual open house included popular walking By Glen Umberger tours encompassing multiple faith traditions and architectural styles, a tour The New York of New York City’s oldest mosque, and two sold out tours at over-the-top Landmarks Conservancy theater-church, United Palace in Upper Manhattan. Preservation Buffalo- - 23 - Sanctuary Interior Decoration: Balancing Beauty, Liturgy, Public One Whitehall Street Niagara facilitated a tour of mid-century modern masterwork Temple Beth- New York, NY 10004 Programming, and Historic Architecture El, by U.N. architects Harrison & Abramovitz. Rutgers Presbyterian Church (212) 995-5260 By Emily Sottile boosted family-friendly participation by recruiting 12 neighborhood sacred www.nylandmarks.org sites to join them in hosting a multi-site scavenger hunt with prizes. We hope more sites around the state will pick up these programs next year. - 30 - Some facts about this year’s Sacred Sites Open House: Peg Breen, President Ann-Isabel Friedman, Sacred Sites “Medieval to Modern: Celebrating New York’s Religious Art and The Landmarks Conservancy’s 33-year-old Sacred Sites program is dedicated Program Director Architecture” to the preservation of historic religious architecture throughout New York Colleen Heemeyer, Manager of Grants and Technical Services State. We are one of a handful of programs in the country offering financial - 32 - 2019 Sacred Sites Open House Weekend Included Many First- help to religious properties and the only program covering an entire state. Time Participating Sites and Events! Over the past three decades, our program has granted over $11 million, Sacred Sites Committee helping restore 800 religious buildings across the state, regardless of By Mari S. Gold denomination. Canon George W. Brandt Bernadette Castro - 36 - Returning Sacred Sites We hope you find this edition interesting and useful. We look forward to August Ceradini Gus Christensen providing you with annual opportunities to be a “tourist in your own town,” Mark Cisz - 39 - Sacred Sites Grants, 2018 exploring houses of worship in your area and beyond. We appreciate your Jean Desravines interest and support. Ronne Fisher, Chair The Rev. John Kamas - 43 - Sacred Sites Open House Photo Contest Winner Miriam Kelly Rabbi Serge Andrew Lippe Malcolm MacKay Lise Moran Amanda P. Niu Peg Breen Sheila Parekh-Blum Stephanie Pincus, M.D. President Jonathan Plotkin Tatiana Segal Marc Schappell Photo by Commons. Wikimedia From Popcorn to Prayers: The Transformation of New York City Movie Palaces and Theaters to Churches Beginning in the 19-teens, but accelerating in the 1920s into the by Mari S. Gold early 1930s, in New York City as elsewhere in the country, large, grand, purpose-built movie theaters or “movie palaces” were created to house large audiences looking to be entertained in style, encouraging wealthier clientele while elevating the experience for all movie-goers. In an era when the movie studios owned and built movie houses, studio heads like Marcus Loew noted “we sell tickets to theaters, not movies.”.

Designed by world class architects and interior designers to house thousands of patrons, these were not ordinary theaters but huge, ornate spaces with magnificent lobbies, glittering chandeliers and elaborately decorated ceilings. Many of the theaters had an atmospheric style giving audiences the illusion that they would be watching a film in an exotic locale like an Italian garden, a Persian court or a Spanish patio.

Starting in the 1950s with the advent of television as well as the migration of city audiences to the suburbs, movie attendance dropped. Some theaters were razed, others still stand empty but some have a new life, transformed into churches.

One example is Manhattan’s United Mari S. Gold is a New York City-based freelance writer who contributes to Palace, constructed in 1930 as several magazines and websites. Among the topics she covers are food, travel, Loew’s 175th Street Theatre. At 4140 dance, theater and other arts. Her blog, “But I Digress…”, focuses on cultural Broadway in Washington Heights at events, travel and food at: www.marigoldonline.net View of the stage at United Palace. 175th St, this landmarked building is

4 5 the City’s fourth largest theater, with rented out for graduations, films, United Palace employs an integrated leased in 2012 by the World Changers 3400 seats. One of five, renowned special events like a Carnival Cruise marketing campaign using tactics Church, led by Atlanta-based Loew’s ‘Wonder Theaters,” so-called product launch and photo shoots. including classic public relations, televangelist Creflo Dollar. because of their opulence and According to both Shea and Executive advertising, social media and cross- grandeur, the structure was designed Producer Mike Fitelson who manages promotions with other organizations. The Regent Theater was also a by noted Master architect Thomas W. programming, public events are According to Fitelson, in 2018, two significant motion picture theater. Lamb. Lamb, one of America’s great popular with both onsite visitors and hundred days were occupied with Located at 1906-1916 Adam Clayton theater architects, was responsible for attendees who participate online. public programming. “The place was Powell, Jr. Boulevard in Manhattan, over three hundred theater buildings “The space serves performing arts built as a place for the neighborhood it was built from 1912-13 and also in the United States and around the well as it has excellent sight lines and to congregate,” he says. “We are designed by Thomas Lamb. In world, most of which were movie acoustics from its old movie palace delighted it continues to fulfill that 1994 the exterior of the buildings theaters. The interiors were overseen days,” Fitelson notes. function.” was landmarked; the interior was by decorative specialist Harold renovated and renewed in 2006. Rambusch who was also responsible On the spiritual side, there are Sunday Other landmarked New York City After many changes in ownership, for work on the Waldorf Astoria, Radio services and programs such as Open buildings that began as theaters have in 1964 The Regent Theater was City Music Hall and churches all over Heart Conversations where teachers also been converted to churches. purchased from RKO Theatres, the U.S. The building’s elaborate and leaders share their ideas, helping The Loew’s Paradise Theater at Inc., by the First Corinthian Baptist style was summarized by New York to foster dialogue, understanding 2403 Grand Concourse in The Bronx Church, an African-American Times reporter David W. Dunlap and human connection. Monthly was constructed during the era of congregation formed in March, View of the Grand Foyer at United Palace. as “Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo- Shamanic Circles incorporate grand movie palaces and later also 1939. The congregation worked with Hindu-Sino-Moorish-Persian-Eclectic- drumming, meditation and movement used for live entertainment. Built the Conservancy on restoration Rococo-Deco.” encouraging visitors to connect with in 1929, it was designed by John of portions of its polychrome terra their innermost selves. Eberson who wanted the Paradise to cotta façade in 2002-2004, but this United Palace of Spiritual Arts, evoke the art and architecture of the large building has additional deferred (formerly known as United Christian late Renaissance or early Baroque maintenance, including the former Evangelistic Association,) purchased period. The exterior was designated theater’s marquee entrance. Today, the building in 1969 to house its as a landmark in 1997 with interior First Corinthian is led by Michael congregation, then headed by designation following nine years later. A. Walrond Jr., a charismatic and charismatic Spiritual Director Frederick As audiences dwindled, the building sought-after teacher and preacher. J. Eikerenkoetter II, known around the ran into financial difficulties and was Under his leadership, the church world as Reverend Ike. Although the theater was already lavish, Reverend Ike added new embellishments, Left: Different events held at United Palace. buying Louis XV and Louis XVI Bottom: Loews Paradise Theatre, current World Changers Church. furniture for what had been the men’s

smoking room, which he used as his Photo by Jim Henderson. library.

Today, according to Heather Shea, View of the Mezzanine at United Palace. Spiritual Director and Head Minister, “United Palace is a transformational Music concert at United Palace. venue that fuses culture, spirituality and entertainment. We promote spiritual artistry, stressing the importance of people communing with the artist within themselves,” she says. The venue hosts a variety of events including concerts, some of which are spiritual in nature. These include a 2018 event with hugely-popular Mexican-born singer and Pastor Jesus Adrian Romero, presenting Latin Christian Music. A Christmas Cantata performed annually by a Korean church also brings in large audiences. In addition, United Palace shows movies, hosts dance events, invites local artists to perform and provides community programming through partner organizations. The space is also

Photo by United Palace. Photo by United Palace. Photos by

6 7 Photo by Commons. Wikimedia maintenance of roofs, marquees and facades.)

The theater originally in this space was built for William Rolland, a Yiddish theater producer. It opened in 1929 having cost a million dollars to build with a neo-Moorish design by Harrison Wiseman. In 1935, the theater’s name was changed to the Parkway Theater. By then, Brownsville was one of the city’s largest Eastern European Jewish communities, with Yiddish still spoken everywhere. Since the theater could hold large audiences, many High Holy Days celebrations also took place here, as Photo by Jim Henderson. Photo by did rallies for voter registration. Left: Loews Valencia Theatre, current Tabernacle of Prayer. Right: Rolland Theatre (or Parkway Theater), currently Holy House of Prayer. In 1954, the Hebrew Actors Union, a has experienced exponential growth, Loew’s Valencia Theater at 165- The 700 seat Holy House of Prayer group of actors from the old Yiddish and has undertaken major window 11 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, was at 1768 St. John’s Place, Brownsville, theaters, chose the Parkway as home restoration and interior renovations. designed by architect John Eberson Brooklyn, once had a “huge base for their productions that year, and built in 1928. The 3554-seat congregation,” according to volunteer planning to become a traveling theater Thomas Lamb was also the architect structure was the first of the “Wonder Dorothy Crawford who has been group on the Yiddish playhouse for The Mark Hellinger Theater at Theaters” built to serve major affiliated with the church for twenty- circuit. As Yiddish theater became 237 West 51st Street in Manhattan’s population centers outside midtown five years. Now, Dorothy says, “it’s a less popular, and many Jews moved theater district. Built for Warner Manhattan. The building’s exterior, challenge to fill the seats” at Sunday, out of Brownsville, the plan failed. In Brothers in 1929 as the Hollywood with a brick and glazed terra-cotta Friday and Wednesday worship 1956 the theater was sold to the Holy Theater, it has a lavish display of facade inspired by Spanish and services. House of Prayer for All People and Baroque-inspired gilded plaster Mexican architecture, was landmarked was listed on the National Register of statuary and elaborate wall and in 1999. In 1977 Loew’s closed the Time, bad weather and lack of funds Historic Places in 2010. ceiling paintings. The Mark Hellinger Valencia Theater and donated it to the have resulted in burst pipes as well as showcased movies and then vaudeville Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, a a collapsed ceiling and wall damage Although facing obstacles, Holy until 1934, when it was first converted church congregation formerly located so that sometimes church services House of Prayer remains a community for use as a legitimate theater where in Brooklyn. Since the Tabernacle took have had to be cancelled. (Issues fixture where Crawford runs a soup it was home to many Broadway over the property it has maintained with the physical plant have besieged kitchen that feeds as many as three plays. The highly decorated interior the building’s exterior almost many of the large theater/churches hundred diners Wednesday evenings. was landmarked in 1987. In 1991 the completely intact. where congregations have deferred Another community entity, St. John’s building was sold to the Times Square Bread and Life, brings its mobile soup Church. kitchen to the building’s grounds on Bottom: Worship at First Corinthian Baptist Church, former Regent Theater. Mondays and Thursdays for lunch.

Changing worship patterns are pushing many religious communities toward innovation and reinvention in order to remain vital community organizations. Former vast movie theaters, like United Palace, were once cathedrals of entertainment. Then they transformed into cathedrals of worship; today they are revamping and renewing themselves further by showcasing an array of performances and movies along with spiritual offerings.

Photo by First Corinthian Baptist Church. First Corinthian Baptist Photo by

8 9 Left: Madison Square Presbyterian park in May 1847) boasted several Fig.1 On Tuesday, February 8, 1853, the Church. (Richard M. Upjohn, 1853, grand houses of worship including elders of the newly formed church demolished 1906). an Episcopal Church, a Baptist appointed a Building Committee to A Modern Church, a Methodist Church, and a oversee the erection of their church Presbyterian Church; these would be building. The committee hired as joined by several others constructed its architect, Richard Michell Upjohn over the next two decades to serve (1828-1903), the son of the famous the spiritual needs of the growing British-born architect, Richard Upjohn population in this part of New (1802-1878) who was well-known for Church on York City. Of these original four his innovative Gothic Revival designs, congregations, the Presbyterians the most famous of which was for occupied the most visually prominent Trinity Church (constructed between location on a lot directly facing the 1839 and 1846 on Broadway at the Square along Madison Avenue at East head of Wall Street). The younger Madison 24th Street.2 Upjohn had just joined his father’s firm in 1853 and the commission for The congregation of Madison Square the new Madison Square Presbyterian Presbyterian Church was organized church was his first individual design in early 1853 when the former Pearl disturbance.”5 Additionally, the site project. Interestingly, it came at Of the nearly 1,700 landmarks Street Presbyterian Church then chosen reflected a desire that the the time when the elder Upjohn designated in New York City since located at Elm (today Elk Street) Square new church building “should occupy had just completed the design for 1965, approximately ten percent and Pearl Street was dissolved no obscured or invisible position, a new uptown chapel for Trinity are sacred sites.1 Included on this due to declining membership by Glen Umberger but at the same time they would not Church then being constructed on exclusive list are many iconic houses and was merged with the Central obtrude it upon a noisy thoroughfare.”6 West 25th Street, just two blocks of worship such as Trinity Wall Street Presbyterian Church, located on Accordingly, the southeast corner of west of the site for the new Madison (Richard Upjohn, 1846), St. Patrick’s Broome Street (fig. 1).3 The merger East 24th Street and Madison Avenue Square Presbyterian Church. Located Cathedral (James Renwick, Jr., 1878), of the two congregations increased met the congregation’s specific on the opposite side of Madison and Temple Emanu-El (Robert D. the viability of Central Presbyterian, criteria. Square, Upjohn’s Trinity Chapel was Kohn, 1927). Also on this list are which allowed the congregation to an imposing brownstone structure many lesser-known, though equally remain on Broome Street until 1866 with especially fine proportions significant buildings such as Oliver when it moved uptown, but also (fig. 2). Built in the English Gothic Street Baptist Church (Mariner’s 5 “Laying of the Corner-stone of Madison- provided for the establishment of a square Presbyterian Church—Address by Rev. Revival style at a cost of $260,000, it Temple, attrib. Minard Lafever new congregation, “to supply more Dr. Adams,” New York Times, July 13, 1853. would serve Trinity Church’s uptown or Isaac Lucas, 1842); Riverdale adequately the religious wants in 6 Ibid. Presbyterian Church (James Renwick, what was then the upper part of the Jr., 1863), and Reformed Church of city.”4 The site chosen for the new Fig.2 Huguenot Park (Ernest Flagg, 1924). church, on the southeast corner Landmark designation is granted to of Madison Avenue and East 24th protect architecturally, historically, Street was a vast improvement over and culturally significant buildings the crowded conditions parishioners throughout the five boroughs yet faced downtown. As the church’s New York City has also been home to minister, the Rev. Dr. William Adams, countless sacred sites that could have explained “[t]he site … must strike all been designated as landmarks but are as peculiarly pleasant and favorable. no longer extant. It was at once conspicuous and retired; it was accessible, central, In the mid-nineteenth century, and yet removed from general the neighborhood surrounding Madison Square (a six acre parcel which opened to the public as a city Glen Umberger received an M.F.A. in architectural history from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a B.A. from the University 1 The New York City Landmarks Preservation 2 Ibid. of Delaware. He is the Manager of Special Projects at the New York Commission designates four types of 3 Currently the site of the Jacob K. Javits Landmarks Conservancy where he serves as the staff architectural historian landmarks: individual, interior, historic district, Federal Office Building, 26 Federal Plaza (Alfred and is an Adjunct Instructor at NYU School of Professional Studies, Center and scenic landmarks. Combined, these types Easton Poor and Kahn & Jacobs, 1969). for Applied Liberal Arts where he teaches courses on New York City’s history of designations protect more than 36,000 distinct works of architecture. See https:// 4 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, A Brief History of and architecture. He specializes in nineteenth and early twentieth century www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/designations/landmark- the Madison Square Presbyterian Church and American commemorative and civic architecture. types-criteria.page its Activities (New York: Irving Press, 1906), 22.

Photo by Detroit Publishing Company, 1903. Company, Detroit Publishing Photo by 10 11 Fig.3 Presbyterian Church, or “Old First” the best examples of “Early English” Fig.4 In the coming decades, it would also at Fifth Avenue and West 11th Street architecture in the city.11 mark the location of another house (Joseph C. Wells, 1846); Rutgers of worship on the skyline of the Presbyterian Church (today Church On Sunday, February 13, 1853 the expanding city (fig. 5). of St. Teresa of Avila) at Henry and church, not yet officially named, Rutgers Street (Minard Lafever, 1841); held its first public worship at Union On Sunday, December 24, 1854, and University Place Presbyterian Theological Seminary, on University Christmas Eve, the building was Church (Richard Upjohn, 1845, Place with the formal organizational dedicated, having cost $175,000 19 demolished c. 1925) (fig. 3).9 meeting held two weeks later on to construct and furnish. While March 3rd, at which time the church the Rev. Dr. Charles H. Parkhurst The choice of this particular style was officially designated the Madison briefly mentions a few details of the by New York City Presbyterians Square Presbyterian Church of the early days of the new congregation is noteworthy. Traditionally, City of New York.12 The congregation in his Brief History of the Madison Presbyterians constructed initially met at Union Theological Square Presbyterian Church and its “meetinghouses” in which the Society and then at Hope Chapel on Activities written a half a century congregation (or the “church”) met Broadway (between Fourth Street and later, is it curious to note that there for worship. These meetinghouses Astor Place) until their new building is nothing specifically recorded about were simple in architectural form with was completed. the congregations’ hopes for their interior spaces that were austere new church in 1854.20 Nevertheless, communicants until World War II.7 with the pulpit as the centerpiece. On the evening of Tuesday, July on the occasion of the cornerstone 12, 1853, a ceremony was held at These buildings also lacked the cornerstone.14 1,200 persons. The style of architecture, laying, the New York Times offered In the 1850s, the Gothic Revival style the construction site of the future stained glass windows, ostentatious transition of first and second pointed this insight: was a tremendously popular and Madison Square Presbyterian Church furnishings, and iconography In reporting the occasion, during English (Gothic).15 fashionable choice for many urban commonly found in traditional Gothic to officially lay the cornerstone. Rev. which “a large and respectable If God should prosper them, and church buildings in New York City. church buildings. The design and Dr. Adams’ address that evening attendance [had] assembled,” The church’s 208-foot-tall spire they should rear this building, their This modern style offered a new furnishing of the meetinghouse was included the reasoning behind such a the New York Times provided the was the tallest structure in the imaginations might not conceive all that architectural language for churches not to be a distraction from the act ceremony: following detailed description of the neighborhood at the time, yet still might occur within its walls. They looked based in the historicism of the great of worshipping God. By the mid- new church building: significantly shorter than the 281-foot forward to the great multitude, who It [is] very natural and proper, in the Medieval Gothic cathedrals of Europe nineteenth century, as congregations spire at Trinity Wall Street, then the for many years should occupy its seats commencement of public enterprises, and was a marked departure from grew and became more prosperous, The foundations are laid 14 feet deep… tallest structure in New York City (fig. and join in its worship; and their hearts to make some exposition of their object the more austere Christian church each began constructing imposing The entire length outside, including tower 4).16 The Times observed that Dr. ascended in prayer to God, that it might and design. In the erection of Christian structures then common throughout stone buildings that reflected the and lecture-room, will be 146 feet; breath Adams “confessed a long cherished be the birth-place of many religious hopes, churches and public edifices, custom the city, including the Greek Revival more fashionable styles of the day. 74 feet 4 inches; space inside, 62 by 85, attachment to the spire of a Christian and that a long line of faithful ministers appears to have rendered it almost style Central Presbyterian Church on The new building for the Madison with a pulpit recess of 5 feet, making the church … [which] made the churches should stand at its altars and proclaim the 8 imperative that, at an early stage in the 21 Broome Street. The Presbyterians, Square Presbyterian Church entire length 90 feet. The tower will be distinctive throughout a metropolis.”17 truth of the Lord. proceedings, some appropriate exercises like the Episcopalians, thoroughly accordingly would be a magnificent 29 feet square, including the buttresses; The spire served not only an aesthetic should mark the interest and importance Unbeknownst to those early embraced the Gothic Revival style building that would be a modern and height of tower and spire 208 [feet]. The purpose, but a spiritual one as well: of the occasion.13 congregants, their Richard M. Upjohn- when constructing new buildings stylish addition to the developing edifice will be entirely built of Jersey “the spires of our Churches pierce the designed, Gothic Revival building for several of their prominent urban neighborhood. In fact, as one freestone, similar to that of Trinity church. skies, as so many conductors to avert During the ceremony, Adams would be relegated to the dustpan of congregations including: First contemporary guide book of the The walls 3 feet thick, with buttresses of the wrath of Heaven, and to point a “deposited a handsome copy of history in less than five decades. 3 feet additional. The roof to be open, 18 city later called Upjohn’s design, it the Bible, printed in the present whole population to the City of God.” 10 and supported without columns. There 7 Located at 15 West 25th Street, Trinity Chapel was “exceedingly neat in style.” year; with a parchment sheet Perhaps the most famous building was consecrated in 1855. In 1945, it was Another critic heralded it as one of are to be galleries on either side, and purchased by the Serbian Orthodox Church of paper containing the names 15 “Laying of the Corner-stone of Madison- on Madison Square at the turn of an organ gallery. The lecture-room and and renamed the Cathedral of St. Sava. It was of the Ruling Elders, Building square Presbyterian Church—Address by Rev. the last century was the second Sunday-school room will each be 78 feet Dr. Adams,” New York Times, July 13, 1853. designated a New York City Landmark on April Committee, Architects, etc.” into the incarnation of the famed Madison 18, 1968 and listed on the National Register 9 Upjohn himself considered this design to be by 25 feet—the latter over the former. The 16 Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United Square Garden (McKim, Mead & of Historic Places on December 16, 1982. one of his best pieces of work. States History, Local History and Genealogy, The historic building suffered a catastrophic pews to be of black walnut, and to seat 10 The Church was included with a short The New York Public Library. “Broadway, East White, 1890, demolished 1925) (fig. fire on May 1, 2016. See also James Miller, Side. Madison Square. 23rd to 25th St.” New 6). As the second tallest structure in ed. Miller’s New York As It Is or, Stranger’s description under the heading of “The Churches of New York,” noting that “[i]t is estimated that 14 Also included was the following inscription: York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed New York City upon its completion, its Guide-book to the Cities of New York, Brooklyn 11 “What Has Been Done and What Can Be January 31, 2019. http://digitalcollections. and Adjacent Places: Comprising Notices of there are about 800 churches in New York; “Madison-square Presbyterian Church of the many of them being of great elegance. We Done,” The New Path 1, no. 5 (September City of New York, organized in the Chapel of nypl.org/items/510d47e4-4235-a3d9-e040- Every Object of Interest to Strangers; Including 1863), 58. e00a18064a99 19 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, A Brief History of Public Buildings, Churches, Hotels, Places of annex brief notices of the more prominent the Union Theological Society, University-place, and noteworthy.” James Miller, Miller’s New on Thursday evening, March 3, 1853, by an the Madison Square Presbyterian Church and Amusement, Literary Institutions, etc. (New 12 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief 17 “Laying of the Corner-stone of Madison- its Activities (New York: Irving Press, 1906), 28. York: James Miller, 1867), 74. York as it is, or, Stranger’s Guide-Book to the History of the Madison Square Presbyterian association of 142 members; to which number square Presbyterian Church—Address by Rev. Cities of New York, Brooklyn and Adjacent Church and its Activities (New York: Madison there have been added 43, making a total of Dr. Adams,” New York Times, July 13, 1853. 20 “Church” here refers to both the physical 8 Cf. Another fine example of the Greek-Revival Places: Comprising Notices of Every Object of Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 24. 185 members. Pastor Rev. Wm. Adams, D.D. building and the congregation as a whole. style is the now defunct Village Presbyterian Interest to Strangers; Including Public Buildings, Corner-stone laid July 12, 1853.” “Laying of the 18 Quote attributed to a Mr. Burke. “Laying Church (formerly Thirteenth Street Presbyterian Churches, Hotels, Places of Amusement, 13 “Laying of the Corner-stone of Madison- Corner-stone of Madison-square Presbyterian of the Corner-stone of Madison-square 21 “Laying of the Corner-stone of Madison- Church) at 145 West 13 Street (attributed to Literary Institutions, etc. (New York: James square Presbyterian Church—Address by Rev. Church—Address by Rev. Dr. Adams,” New York Presbyterian Church—Address by Rev. Dr. square Presbyterian Church—Address by Rev. Samuel Thomson, 1846, altered, 1982). Miller, 1867), 76. Dr. Adams,” New York Times, July 13, 1853. Times, July 13, 1853. Adams,” New York Times, July 13, 1853. Dr. Adams,” New York Times, July 13, 1853.

12 13 Fig.5 Fig.8 Fig.9

Fig.6 Fig.7 every church that picks itself up bodily The Metropolitan Life Insurance and runs away from the populations Company, less than five years in Street, which was then occupied by that swarm in the lower parts of the their new headquarters directly the Bishop mansion (fig. 9).27 The town make Christianity a smaller and to the south of the church, was mansion was purchased separately by cheaper thing in the estimation of the already looking to expand and Metropolitan Life and deeded to the general community, and in that way desired to occupy the entire block Church as part of the transaction. 28 subtracts from the efficiency of the of Madison Avenue between East In response to the news of the sale, churches that do not move up town.”24 23rd Street and East 24th Street the New-York Observer pronounced, Parkhurst would later lament that “[o] for their operations. In May 1894, “[i]t is gratifying to know that this ne of the most serious difficulties after considering their options, historic and useful church is to be to which all churches situated below members of the church leadership known for another generation at least, Forty-second Street are now or soon “unanimously agreed that we would as the Madison Square Presbyterian will be subjected is the uptown drift not entertain the idea of ‘moving Church.”29 Furthermore, the Church of our city population.”25 uptown,’ [and made] enquiries as to resolved “to proceed, without whether three suitable contiguous unnecessary delay, to erect thereon a When the Presbyterians chose the lots were obtainable elsewhere on church edifice and chapel of suitable site for their building in 1853, it was the Square or upon some street character and dimensions, and to it none the less on that account among the most important of the purposeful and strategic. By placing or avenue adjacent thereto.”26 A furnish and equip the same.”30 excluded what we considered our denomination [in New York City],” was the church in a visually prominent careful and lengthy search ensued fair share of light and air, and by force faced with a daunting decision.23 The location away from the distractions and on Monday, February 2, 1903, the A design of a church edifice of of contrast practically destroyed the congregation could remain in their of major thoroughfares, namely 23rd congregation of the Madison Square “suitable character” was awarded to Moorish-Venetian-Renaissance-style architectural grace and dignity of our building that was quickly becoming Street, Fifth Avenue, and Broadway, Presbyterian Church held a “Special the architectural firm of McKim, Mead tower and cupolas dominated the church (fig. 8).”22 The neighborhood’s functionally obsolete, hemmed the church could attract the attention Corporate Meeting” and approved the & White, the premier “starchitects” northeast corner of Madison Square dramatic transformation was amplified in by the soaring towers of their of the general public without having resolution to sell their building to the of the day (long before such a term Park, dwarfing the slender Gothic a few years later with the completion commercial neighbors or, as so many noisy neighbors interrupt Sunday Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. was coined) with the expressed Revival spire of Madison Square of the 285-foot tall Fuller Building, contemporary congregations were services. Fronting the Square, their As a result of this complex real understanding that “the sum which Presbyterian Church two blocks to colloquially known as the Flatiron doing, continue the march uptown to building would open onto green oasis estate transaction, Metropolitan Life the south (fig. 7). The large scale of Building (Daniel Burnham, 1902) on a more spacious locale and construct in the midst of the ever expanding received the lot and improvements this civic structure may have inspired the southeast corner of Madison a modern edifice near where their 27 “Vanishing of a Church,” zz78, no. 2004 urban grid. Five decades later, their (the building) of the Madison Square the Metropolitan Life Insurance Square. parishioners were now living. The (August 11, 1906), 252. prime corner lot at East 24th Street Presbyterian Church in exchange for Company, which constructed an Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst (1842-1933), 28 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief and Madison Avenue would turn out the sum of $325,000 in cash and the eleven story, full block headquarters Madison Square Presbyterian the senior minister at Madison Square History of the Madison Square Presbyterian to be the church’s greatest asset. conveyance of the lot directly across Church and its Activities (New York: Madison building next door to the church in Church, which Munsey’s Magazine Presbyterian Church, was resolute in Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 65-68. the street on the northeast corner 1893 and with this development, the noted in 1893 as one of the “[t]wo his feelings that the church remain 24 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D., “Not of Madison Avenue and East 24th 29 “Sale of the Madison Square Church,” The church became “increasingly restive Presbyterian churches that stand at Madison Square: “The fact is that ‘Church Extension’ at All,” The Congregationalist New-York Observer 81, no. 2 (January 8, 1903), under the growing encroachment of 77, no. 44 (November 3, 1892), 388. 49. our neighbor’s building operations, for 22 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief 25 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief 26 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief 30 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief while we could not deny the elegance History of the Madison Square Presbyterian 23 “The Presbyterian Church in New York,” History of the Madison Square Presbyterian History of the Madison Square Presbyterian History of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church and its Activities (New York: Madison Munsey’s Magazine 10, no. 3 (December 1893), Church and its Activities (New York: Madison Church and its Activities (New York: Madison Church and its Activities (New York: Madison of the structure they were erecting, Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 62. 258. Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 73. Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 61. Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 68.

14 15 Fig.10 Fig.11 crew. The New-York Observer noted Fig.12 church, but is properly fitted only to the under the heading of “Christian forms and rituals of the Catholic Church. Activities in New York,” that “[t]he In the design of the Madison Square work of demolishing the old building Presbyterian Church the chief aim is to of the Madison Square Presbyterian treat it as a modern church and in a style Church was begun last week.”35 Less natural to and belonging to the religion than a month later, the Real Estate which it represents and the country in Record and Builders’ Guide reported which it is built (emphasis added).39 that “[t]he wrecking of the old Madison Square Presbyterian Church The Record and Guide also declared is nearly complete” adding that the that it was “a radical departure crew was “seven days ahead of the from old forms of ecclesiastical 40 45-day limit on their contract.”36 While architecture, as all can see.” White demolition on Upjohn’s building was had clearly thought about the quickly proceeding during the summer relationship between the building’s months, construction on White’s style, location, and purpose and as building was nearing completion such, this was a building specifically (fig.12).37 designed to be recognized by passersby as a modern, New York City On Sunday morning October 14, Protestant church. the church could expend did not neighborhood (fig. 11).33 1906 at 11:00 a.m., the congregation The new building was also intended exceed $325,000.”31 Stanford White of the Madison Square Presbyterian to inspire a sense of reverence (1853-1906) submitted a general Stanford White’s Madison Square Church gathered to dedicate their Fig.13 and awe in the congregation. As scheme to the church’s building Presbyterian Church was still under new building. The Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst opined in his dedicatory committee at the end of April 1903, construction on the evening of Parkhurst’s sermon, entitled “The sermon: “the elements of which were a bold Monday, June 25, 1906 when White Christian Church: The Source of was murdered two blocks away Its Power and the Exercise of that portico and front, a dome above, We have the right in a humble way to be at Madison Square Garden’s Roof Power in Moral Leadership,” included the exterior materials to be brick proud of this splendidly architectured [sic] Garden Theatre. Originally scheduled many references to the new church’s and terra-cotta and the columns of home in which we are to meet, some 32 for completion in time for Easter home, including one that dubbed it marble and granite…” (fig. 10). of us for a good many years, some of Sunday, April 15, the project was “an ecclesiastical gem in the midst White, a purveyor of the American us for not so many years, but I hope for already behind schedule and would of a commercial setting.”38 Shortly Renaissance style of architecture a good while. God, who was the first not be completed until the autumn.34 before his death, Stanford White had had designed the nearby Madison architect and decorator, has, of course, Square Garden a decade earlier described the style of the building In July 1906, only a few weeks an architectural sense of proportion and and the commission for the new accordingly: after White’s demise and while of beauty, and must like nice things Madison Square Presbyterian Church parishioners of the Madison Square The style of architecture of the Madison with an infinite liking and so, I believe, is would stand as a beacon of modern Presbyterian Church were absent Square Presbyterian Church is that of the particularly pleased with this new building architecture in stark contrast to the from the city on their respective on the Square. He is too careful in his medieval-inspired dreary brownstone summer holidays, Richard M. Upjohn’s 35 “Tearing Down an Historic Church,” The own production of beautiful objects not church building across the street. first major architectural commission New-York Observer 84, no. 29 (July 19, 1906), to be appreciative of beauty—and not to Both buildings would briefly stand 89. was succumbing to the wrecking be inclined interestedly toward those who together, side-by-side on Madison 36 The New York House Wrecking Company, have wrought here with affectionate skill 514 East 23rd Street was responsible for the Square as a tangible illustration of the to the gratification of the human eye, and demolition work. “Vanishing of a Church,” The fleeting architectural history of the 33 “The Madison Square Presbyterian Church Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide 78, no. of the divine eye, and to the promotion of in New York,” The New-York Observer 84, no. 2004 (August 11, 1906), 252. 27 (July 5, 1906), cover. Under the heading, the splendid solemnity of his temple of “Secular and Religious,” the Observer 37 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief early Christian, with a modified Byzantine All these, which belong to the Protestant 31 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief editorialized that “[t]he picture on the front History of the Madison Square Presbyterian History of the Madison Square Presbyterian cover of this issue…will be of special interest Church and its Activities (New York: Madison treatment in the interior. It is to a certain religion and to us, have no affiliation Church and its Activities (New York: Madison not only to the members of Madison Square Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 71. The extent a protest against the prevalent whatsoever with Gothic, but with the Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 70. In Church and friends and admirers of Dr. New-York Observer reported on October 4, idea among laymen that a building to be classical style. The Gothic or medieval March 1907, it was conservatively estimated Parkhurst, but to all lovers of righteousness in 1906 that the “main auditorium is being rushed that the new building cost $400,000. See and out of New York.” to completion…” “Plans of the Madison churchlike must be built in medieval style. form of architecture belongs absolutely 39 George Redington Montgomery, Dedication William T. Demarest, “A Great Year of Square Church,” The New-York Observer 84, no. The style of architecture known as Gothic to the Roman Catholic Church, and was of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church Building in New York City,” 34 “Not Open Until the Autumn,” The New-York 40 (October 4, 1906), 443. (New York: 1906), 17. Cf. “Madison Square has nothing to do with the simple forms developed under monastic influences Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Society 4, Observer 84, no. 13 (March 29, 1906), 412. It Church Dedicated: Sermon by the Rev. Charles no. 1 (March 1907), 2. is interesting that the Observer also noted that 38 George Redington Montgomery, Dedication of early Christian religion, or with that and traditions which were obtained from H. Parkhurst, D.D.,” The New-York Observer 84, “[i]t has been customary to close the Madison of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church no. 42 (October 18, 1906), 505. 32 Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D. A Brief Square Church from June to October, and (New York: 1906), 17. Cf. “Madison Square of the Reformation, or with the style of the ninth to fifteenth century. Nor is History of the Madison Square Presbyterian this plan will be followed during the coming Church Dedicated: Sermon by the Rev. Charles architecture which prevailed in our own the plan of the churches and cathedrals 40 “Vanishing of a Church,” Real Estate Record Church and its Activities (New York: Madison summer, the closing service in the old church H. Parkhurst, D.D.,” The New-York Observer 84, country when it had its birth as a nation. built in medieval style that of a modern and Builders’ Guide 78, no. 2004 (August 11, Square Presbyterian Church, 1906), 70. being the last in the old building.” no. 42 (October 18, 1906), 505. 1906), 252.

16 17 Fig.14 There were some architectural critics Fig.16 of the day who were not impressed with what was Stanford White’s final design commission (fig. 15). Based on its unique architectural style, both for its dramatic departure from the Gothic and for its heavy reliance on ancient Roman architecture, it was criticized as “heathen.”43 Others suggested that the exterior was more “scholastic rather than the ecclesiastical,” inferring that the church looked no different than White’s Gould Memorial Library (1900) 47 for the University Heights campus façade. In contrast to the dark the equality of the mighty and the Fig.17 of New York University (fig. 16).44 monochromatic brownstone of humble. The celestial bodies are also Nevertheless, the New York Chapter its predecessor across the street, indicated against a starry blue background. of the American Institute of Architects White’s building featured ornamental The idea embodied in this decoration is awarded it their Gold Medal of Honor, details executed in lively hues very beautiful and it has been developed recognizing it as an important work of of green, blue, and yellow, set with remarkable grace and skill. Both in modern architecture. Likewise, the against buff-colored brick (fig. 17). its linear qualities and in the play of subtle Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Especially noteworthy were the six, modulation which belongs to a work Society lauded that of the seven “fine 30-foot-tall, green granite Corinthian in relief the sculpture is free and even Fig.15 [Presbyterian] structures” built in the columns supporting the portico, and picturesque, yet kept well in hand, so that city in 1906, “the most notable of the colored terra-cotta elements the final impression received is one of 50 these new edifices, architecturally were especially made to perfectly suave delicacy. and artistically, is the Madison Square harmonize with these polished White’s triangular pediment, with its Presbyterian Church.”45 As for style, granite columns, creating a “jewel 48 gilded sculptural figures and colored Fig.18 the Journal noted that it “differs from of architecture.” The columns, in tympanum, softened the severe any other Presbyterian church building turn, supported a heavy terracotta Roman-inspired architecture and in the city.”46 pediment with gold painted figures set against a blue background in the provided an additional artistic element 51 One remarkable architectural tympanum.49 The New York Tribune to building’s façade. characteristic of the new Madison described the pediment: The distinctive style of White’s Square Presbyterian Church was the Madison Square Presbyterian Church use of a variety of rich materials to The decoration has for its subject was also used to set the building create a vibrant color scheme. In ‘The Adoration of the Shrine of Truth.’ apart from surrounding buildings, and fact, it was the first time in the United The central shrine or tabernacle is in particular, the new Metropolitan States that glazed tiles were used supported by floating angels with harp Life Insurance Tower across East to execute such a polychromatic and scroll, and these angels, who, with the cherubs placed at different points 24th Street on the site of the old church edifice (fig. 18).52 The tower, 43 Richard Guy Wilson, “Architecture and the in the composition, chant the praises Reinterpretation of the Past in the American of God, are symbolic of religious song designed by Napoleon LeBrun & Sons 41 worship. which one realizes the beauty of the Renaissance,” Winterthur Porfolio 18, no. 1 and word. The knight on the right of the and officially completed in 1909 was (Spring 1983), 83. gold and colors of the decoration. shrine represents the Church Militant. In modelled on St. Mark’s Campanile The congregation must certainly have 44 William T. Demarest, “A Great Year of The dome, with its mosaic lining, the same position on the other side is been in awe when they listened to 42 Presbyterian Church Building in New York City,” towers above one” (fig. 13). It must a shepherd whose meaning is equally that sermon and looked around their Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Society 4, 50 “Re-Erection of a Well-Known Pediment,” have been especially impressive to no. 1 (March 1907), 2. obvious, and the two together illustrate The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin 15, sumptuous new sanctuary which had no. 12, part 1 (December 1920), 276. longtime congregants who were used 45 Collectively, the seven new structures and “a charming color effect—the light to the relatively dark, Gothic-inspired lots cost the denomination $2.5 million and 51 The pediment sculpture was executed by in Venice, the 323-foot, 16th century gray oak of the woodwork lending a interior of their former church home were located from Madison Square in the 47 Donn Barber, “The Hartford Times Building,” sculptor Adolph A. Weinman and painter H. south to West Farms in the Bronx. William T. Siddons Mowbray. bell tower that had collapsed in sort of atmospheric effect through (fig. 14). The American Architect and Architecture 118, Demarest, “A Great Year of Presbyterian Church no. 2328 (August 4, 1920), 140. July 1902 and was then being Building in New York City,” Journal of the 52 The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Presbyterian Historical Society 4, no. 1 (March 48 Donn Barber, “The Hartford Times Building,” Tower was added to the National Register of reconstructed; it was completely 41 George Redington Montgomery, Dedication Historic Places on January 29, 1972; listed 1902), 1. The American Architect and Architecture 118, restored in March 1912. Soaring to of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church no. 2328 (August 4, 1920), 140. as a National Historic Landmark on June 2, (New York: 1906), 17. Cf. “Madison Square 42 William T. Demarest, “A Great Year of 46 William T. Demarest, “A Great Year of 1978; and designated an Individual Landmark a record-breaking height of 700 feet, Church Dedicated: Sermon by the Rev. Charles Presbyterian Church Building in New York City,” Presbyterian Church Building in New York City,” 49 The pediment was a gift of Miss Flora E. by the New York City Landmarks Preservation the Met Life Tower (as it is today H. Parkhurst, D.D.,” The New-York Observer 84, Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Society 4, Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Society 4, Isham in memory of her brothers, Samuel and Commission on June 13, 1989. It was the no. 42 (October 18, 1906), 508. no. 1 (March 1907), 2. no. 1 (March 1902), 2. Charles H. Isham. tallest building in the world from 1909 to 1913. known) was considerable taller than

18 19 Fig.19 Fig.20 [t]he handsome building, which would Fig.21 Fig.22 cost over $500,000 today to build, was valueless, and the wrecking firm, in addition to being paid for removing the structure, will get all of the valuable material, including the six magnificent pale green granite columns in front of the classical portico. These columns are among the largest and finest in the city, being thirty feet in height.56

Some architectural elements from the building found their way into museum collections, including a doorway that turned up in storage at the Brooklyn Museum; a Corinthian capital (comprised of 32 individual terra-cotta sections) is in storage at the Ohio State University, and several of two masterful Madison Square its ecclesiastical neighbor across the pieces were salvaged and removed Presbyterian Church buildings, street and, according to the New York to Stanford White’s former summer buildings which offer us a tantalizing Chapter of the American Institute of home, Box Hill in the village of St. glimpse into the rich architectural Architects, James on the North Shore of Long Fig.23 While White’s church building was not diversity of nineteenth-century New Island.57 Other fixtures, including York houses of worship. a[n architectural] treatment was the tallest on the square, like Upjohn’s the church’s Tiffany windows, necessary, therefore, in which delicacy earlier version had been when it was pews, and pipe organ found new and beauty of detail would be combined finished, even so, its architectural homes. Most notably, the pale with scale which could not be crushed style and color gave it the gravitas green granite columns, along with by surrounding skyscrapers, and, for this it deserved. Unfortunately, it would windows, pilasters and cornices reason, a domed structure was decided only occupy its site facing Madison were repurposed and used in the upon, which permitted the use of an Square for 13 years (fig. 21). construction of the new Hartford imposing portico of columns, the shafts Times Building (Dunn Barber, 1920) in of which, in pale green granite, would be On Tuesday, May 6, 1919, the New Hartford, Connecticut (fig. 23).58 over 30 feet high, and would outweigh York Times reported that “[w]orkmen began yesterday to tear down the in scale anything in the surrounding In August 1919, the Architectural Madison Square Presbyterian Church buildings. Review printed an in memoriam of the at the northeast corner of Madison Church with a photograph captioned, The Church was built upon a marble Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street [and] “An architectural masterpiece that basement, of a special molded brick, and it’s destruction will remove one of the Square, recognized as Stanford It is hard to know for certain what is now being demolished.”59 But, terra-cotta, semi-glazed. Running through most interesting as well as one of the White’s architectural masterpiece would have happened to Richard Madison Square Presbyterian Church the brick was a checker pattern of slightly most costly religious edifices in the was sold, like its predecessor to the M. Upjohn’s Madison Square as a congregation had already ceased varying color, at the intersections of which city” (fig. 22).54 In its obituary, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Presbyterian Church had it not been to exist two years earlier when it the brick headers were stamped with Times lamented, “its demolition is a for the paltry sum of $500,000. While demolished in 1906. It is equally was consolidated along with the a cross (fig. 19). As a foil to the white distinct architectural loss to the city.”55 it is no longer possible to climb the uncertain what would have become University Place Presbyterian Church marble of surrounding buildings, a more To add insult to injury, the Times marble steps and pass between the of Stanford White’s masterpiece had into the First Presbyterian Church on liberal use of color in the terra-cotta was concluded, polished green granite Corinthian it not met the same fate in 1919. An Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village. adopted than in any building yet erected columns into the domed sanctuary argument could be made in both The church building on Madison in this country. In fact it was the first of the Madison Square Presbyterian cases that these buildings should important structure actually built of glazed 54 “Raze Parkhurst Church: Famous Piece of Church, David Dunlap reminds us that have been designated as indivdual Architecture Making Way for Office Building,” 56 Raze Parkhurst Church: Famous Piece of “New York’s shortest-lived landmark landmarks by the New York City white and colored terra-cotta. The dome New York Times (May 6, 1919). Irma and Paul Architecture Making Way for Office Building,” was covered with yellow and green tiles, Milstein Division of United States History, New York Times (May 6, 1919). and Stanford White’s own favorite Landmarks Preservation Commission crowned by a gold lantern (fig. 20).53 Local History and Genealogy, The New York 57 Eve M. Kahn, “Madison Square Church building were one and the same: based on their respective styles and Public Library. “Manhattan: Madison Avenue Survives in Fragments,” New York Times the Madison Square Presbyterian architectural pedigrees. It is also - 24th Street” New York Public Library Digital (December 1, 2011). 60 Collections. Accessed March 26, 2019. http:// Church.” quite likely that they would have 53 See Edward Warren Hoak and Willis digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dd- 58 Donn Barber, “The Hartford Times Building,” been listed on the New York State Humphry Church, “The Madison Square 4634-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 The American Architect and Architecture 118, and National Register of Historic Presbyterian Church,” Masterpieces of no. 2328 (August 4, 1920), 140-143. American Architecture: Museums, Libraries, 55 Raze Parkhurst Church: Famous Piece of 60 David W. Dunlap, From Abyssinian to Zion: A Places. Instead, we are left only with Churches and Other Public Buildings (Mineola: Architecture Making Way for Office Building,” 59 The Architectural Review 9, no. 2 (August Guide to Manhattan’s Houses of Worship (New Dover Publications, 2002). New York Times (May 6, 1919). 1919), frontispiece. York: Columbia University Press, 2004), 136 written descriptions and photographs

20 21 Emily Sottile is the Director of Sacred Space Studio at EverGreene Architectural Arts Inc. Drawing on formal studies in art history and theology and over a decade Sanctuary in the field of preservation and specialty construction, Emily works closely with clergy, architects, and committees to plan restoration and Interior new design of religious buildings across the country. Decoration: Balancing Beauty, Liturgy, Public Programming, and Historic Architecture

by Emily Sottile

Photo by EverGreene. Photo by

Above: Artwork in progress for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Student Center, Lincoln, Beauty may feel superficial when NE. weighing investing in restoring or renovating an old house of worship against feeding the hungry. But when we look to nature, we find beauty is never frivolous. Art has a very specific job: to draw in. We need only look “Religion & Art are a celebration at a flower that beckons a bee, or a of Man’s relationship with the peacock a mate, to see this in action divine. They share very much in and to know beauty is not the end common; religion reveals a unity point but an entry point. of truth and art renders this truth imaginable. Each gives life to the The answer to the question of other. Religion without art could be whether to dedicate resources to beyond man’s grasp and art without mission or the building is: both. They religion would have no place in man’s are integrally related. Communities heart.” - Dedication plaque in McGill are often surprised to discover how University’s interfaith Birks Chapel. willing donors are to support the reinstatement of lost historic artistry. Stabilization of the plaster may CTA ARCHITECTS P.C. be the most pressing component Preserving sacred spaces for over 30 years of a restoration but it’s often the www.ctaarchitects.com introduction or reinstatement of the artwork that galvanizes a community.

22 23 GRACE CHURCH, BROOKLYN: ST. JOSEPH’S CO-CATHEDRAL: Restoration & Restoration of Lost Artistry New Design in a Historic Building

Grace Church in Brooklyn’s Historic vibrant Victorian artistry program was Well-designed liturgical artistry The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph’s in signal her role as the mother church. scale of the figures and ornament in Garden District (Hicks Street, Brooklyn hidden beneath beige and brown programs are layered and work on Brooklyn underwent a comprehensive Notable elements include murals of the historic murals and stained glass. Heights) was originally conceived of post-historic paint, but clues from a number of levels. Symbolism can renewal in 2013. The building was apparitions of Mary (patroness of as a mediation on salvation history, the magnificent historic artistry were speak explicitly to those literate in 101 years old and had just been twenty-two countries with significant When confronted with the decision specifically the reinstatement of the ghosting (barely visible) through the the vocabulary, while the formalistic elevated to cathedral status. The populations in the diocese), symbols to invest in the restoration of St. Garden. Using patterns taken from presentation layers. A significant part qualities can work in a more subtle historic plaster, scagliola, paint, and of the sacraments above the central Joseph’s in Brooklyn, Co-Cathedral Augustus Pugin’s design books, of the restoration of Grace Church way. Color, rhythm, and scale murals were severely compromised. aisle which invite parallels between pastor, Monsignor Kieran Harrington, every surface at Grace Church invites was comprised of plaster stabilization can have profound psychological While significant stabilization and the procession towards the altar asked, “Don’t the poor deserve to theological engagement: A vine motif (using consolidation methods) and impacts. At Grace Church the color restoration was needed, much of with the heavenward Christian spend time amid beauty?” Indeed, in the aisle flooring, patterning of preparation of the substrate for a palette was carefully evaluated in a the renewal involved adjustments pilgrimage, and a new mural of while access to museums, the seed pods opening into crosses on long-lasting painting campaign. A collaborative process with church to serve the liturgical functions American saints and New Yorkers with symphony, and fine homes may be the lower walls, a celestial ceiling historic finishes investigation and leadership, architecture and design specific to a cathedral. This included causes for Sainthood set amongst restricted to those who can afford it, featuring stars on a blue background plaster survey revealed original paint team, and lighting specialists. Using reconfiguration of the predella (altar familiar landmarks of the diocese houses of worship have long served amid wood grained neo-gothic beams colors and patterning, and informed the Victorian palette as a place of platform) to ensure sufficient space (the Brooklyn Bridge, and Queens as venues for encounter with musical recalling gazing at the firmament treatment recommendations and departure the colors were adjusted to for candidates for the priesthood to Globesphere), and ethnically diverse and visual arts to all who enter as through tree branches. Through budgets. harmonize with the architecture under lay prostrate during ordinations, choir celestial beings. All of the new congregants or visitors. much of the twentieth century this the new lighting conditions (making stalls to accommodate diocesan artwork was created to seamlessly colors read very differently from the liturgies, and a canopy to better integrate with the style, palette, and historic gas light). In the early stages integrate the cathedra (Bishop’s seat) of the restoration it was assumed from the historic St. James Cathedral Cox. Whitney by Photo reinstating the decoration would into its new environs. be cost prohibitive but the options were evaluated holistically and the For the first century of its life, team arrived upon creative solutions St. Joseph’s parish served the to remedy plaster pathologies while Prospect Heights community, bringing back the lost artwork. but in its new role as a cathedral it was suddenly responsible for serving and representing a diverse diocese (including the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens) where liturgies are celebrated in more than thirty languages. In keeping with tradition St. Joseph’s used art to

Left: St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral before Left: Grace Church before restoration. restoration. Right: St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral after Photos by Whitney Cox. Right: Grace Church after restoration.

restoration. Abe Jasinowski. Photo by hts y hte Cox. Whitney by Photos ht b hte Cox. Whitney by Photo

Photo by Abe Jasinowski. Photo by

24 25 MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH, ELDRIDGE STREET SYNAGOGUE, Theoretical Framework MANHATTAN: Preservation MANHATTAN: Capturing a Moment in Time for Ecclesiastical Art & When we talk about art and beauty Deferring maintenance can be Decoration in houses of worship we tend to costly, but the funds aren’t always Eldridge Street Synagogue is an (some of which was conserved and think of stained glass, murals and available to do everything at once. amazing example of a successful some of which was replicated) in Ecclesiastical art has two primary statues, but architectural artwork Congregations are often surprised by fight to save a threatened religious sound condition but with a patina of jobs: encompasses the walls themselves how developing a wholistic restoration landmark and spiritual home. age, appearing as if the synagogue • Formalistic: to support the (which may bear simple or elaborate or renewal program can elevate a Investigation of the plaster conditions had been well preserved for over a architecture two-dimensional ornamentation), scope of work from maintenance revealed the most appropriate century. The patinaed artistry program • Theological: to support the liturgy as well as, three-dimensional to revitalization. Looking at the big restoration methodology, but there is liturgically appropriate for the ornament such as molding, ribs, and picture (which may include all the were important decisions to make synagogue’s religious services and a Supporting the architecture may capitals. Marble Collegiate Church things that need to be repaired for life about what preservation of the 1887 powerful tool used by the Museum at mean selecting appropriate in Manhattan is an 1854 building safety and access to reach it, straight interior meant in the context of a Eldridge Street to transport visitors to colors and treatments to help the with elegant Victorian stenciling, painting, conservation of historic severely compromised building that a time when the synagogue served ornament read the way it was patterning, and finishes throughout artwork, as well as the beautiful would reinstate its liturgical function, the growing Eastern European Jewish meant to: to give a sense of scale the sanctuary. The community’s things that may fall under a wish list while simultaneously operating as population setting in the Lower East to vast areas; to anchor elements restoration efforts focused on if funds are available) can seem like a museum. Rather than making it Side by way of Ellis Island. that may appear to float; to give consolidation of delaminating plaster a very tall order, but has concrete look brand new, the decision was visual weight to the lower areas (cleaving from the attachment system benefits. A comprehensive vision made to return the historic artwork and a sense of the heavens to or general deterioration), painting with associated budgets allows for a

those above; to give the eye in the historically-informed palette, strategic plan of attack and allocation Photo by EverGreene. dynamic engagement in some and reinstatement of compromised of resources on a project that may places, and rest in others. It also patterns with an eye to preserving seem unsurmountable. Opposite page Right: Restoration work in progress in the means solving logistical issues the 19th century interior for use in the Top: Restoration work at Marble Collegiate gallery (top) and sanctuary (bottom) of 21st century. Church. Eldridge St. Synagogue. such as hiding or better integrating Bottom: Marble Collegiate Church after Bottom: Eldridge St. Synagogue after a joint, HVAC component, repair, restoration. restoration. or new liturgical consideration. It also means working in a language compatible with the architecture.

Supporting the liturgy may mean something as abstract as creating a sense of procession or as practical as ensuring sufficient room for rites to take place unimpeded. Artwork should help all who enter understand what’s important by giving visual primacy at a glance and may provide opportunities to

engage with the unfolding of the mysteries of faith through imagery Photo by EverGreene. specific to the devotions of the community.

When done well, the liturgical artistry program is guided by the architecture, liturgy, and historic precedent. The key to a successful project, whether historic restoration, new construction, or adaptive re-use, is making appropriate decisions about visual language, style, palette, and materials. The Roman Catholic church codified a visual language of ecclesiastical art and architecture still in use today, but the principals of good ecclesiastical decoration are applicable to any denomination.

Photo by Whitney Cox.

26 27 ST. MEL’S, QUEENS: Renovation in a Modern Vocabulary

When St. Mel’s Academy was built a full wall, that proportions of the The goal of timeless artistry programs in the mid-20th Century, the church artwork and furnishings be of an is best achieved when the tendency was supposed to be across the appropriate scale in a space wider to incorporate things we like (or street. Concern for children crossing than it is tall. To break up the strong are handy) is cast off in favor of a busy road led to putting the church vertical thrust of the ceiling, panels elements whose form, color, location, in what had been intended to be the featuring symbols of the sacraments, proportions, material properties, gym. Practical though it may have and shields of bishops and orders visual vocabulary, and content are been, a church in a gym struggles to significant to the parish’s history informed by the architecture, liturgy, suggest a foretaste of heaven, but were introduced. The carpeted and historic precedent. This principle St. Mel’s community was vibrant and floor was replaced with tile with is applicable to any style. When the committed to redeeming their spiritual borders and marble inlay to lend artwork and architecture speak the home. A challenge of the renewal the space a stronger sense of order same language, especially in a house was keeping within the architectural and procession. Confessionals of worship, they conspire to help language of the building. As that looked like utility closets were us ask and answer questions about magnificent as a baroque baldacchino given simple surrounds to invite why each element is there and the or gothic stations of the cross may participation in the sacrament. New conversation they are drawing us into. be in their own right, nothing of the murals, scriptural passages, and sort could be introduced into St. decorative painting behind statuary Mel’s because a key aspect of the now engage parishioners in prayerful fittingness of any element is how it contemplation. At the dedication a harmonizes with the aesthetics of its parishioner remarked, “When you unique location. have an ugly baby you still love it, but that’s what we had here with our 212-414-4500 At St. Mel’s it was essential the new church, and now it’s so beautiful! It 44 West 18th Street, 8th Floor New York, N.Y 10011 artistry be in dialogue with the very feels like a church!” www.adparchitects.com modern stained glass dominating Left: St. Mel’s before restoration.

Right: St. Mel’s after restoration. Photos by Tim Schenck

St. Cornelius Chapel, Governors Island, NY, Laser-Scanning Documentation, Conditions Assessment Architectural Preservation Studio is a NYC and NYS-certified women business enterprise offering professional architectural, historic preservation, and building envelope services to religious institutions.

We are experts at specialty roofs including slate and metal, masonry restoration and leak remediation.

Architectural Preservation Studio, DPC 594 Broadway, Suite 919, New York, NY 10012 212-477-7976

Photos by EverGreene. Photos by www.preservationstudio.com

28 29 Central Synagogue, New York. The Sacred Sites Open House showcases sites that have been deemed architecturally and culturally significant with landmark designation. Such designations may include listing on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and in New York City, designated a landmark by the New York City Landmarks Some facts about this year’s Preservation Commission. A rare example of a Sacred Site that has all three designations is Central Sacred Sites Open House: Synagogue at East 55 Street and Lexington Avenue. Designed by Henry Fernbach in 1870, Central “Medieval Synagogue displays the exotic Moorish Revival style and is one of the oldest synagogue buildings extant to Modern: Wikimedia Commons Photo by in the United States. United Methodist Church of Bay Shore. Celebrating New New York’s historic sacred sites incorporate architectural details that York’s Religious Art could be considered delightful works of art on their own merit. The Star of David, found in both Jewish and and Architecture” Christian iconography is displayed in the round window at the picturesque United Methodist Church of Bay Shore.

Photo by United Methodist Church. Photo by Photo by Unknown Author. Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (demolished). This year, it celebrated the incredible Photo by Commons. Wikimedia art and architecture found in our Sacred Sites. But, there are so many more magnificent examples Participating sites encompassed the that can only be found in historic amazing diversity of architectural photographs. These are New York’s styles found in our Sacred Sites lost sacred sites, one of which was throughout New York State. the Church of the Sacred Hearts of One wonderful example of the Jesus and Mary, the former Roman Romanesque Revival style is Willard Catholic Church constructed in 1906 Memorial Chapel (Andrew Jackson on Degraw and Hicks streets in Carroll Warner, 1894) constructed as part Gardens. In 1940, Robert Moses of the former Auburn Theological proposed the construction of the Seminary. Distinctive architectural Brooklyn Queens Expressway which elements of this style include the forced the congregation to vacate tripartite arch entrance portal, the their building. On Sunday, December corbel table below the roof gable, 7, 1941, the church celebrated its final and semi-circular arches used for all mass and the congregation moved window and door openings. into St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church, creating the combined parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Willard Memorial Chapel, Auburn, New York. Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Catholic Church, Carroll Gardens. Photo by Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Catholic Church. Photo by - St. Stephen.

30 31 The ninth annual Sacred Sites Open City visitor was delighted that there Photo by Cherie Sprosty. House May 18-19, 2019, showcased was “someone nice and interesting 2019 Sacred Sites the broad spectrum of historical at every site—in fact, the volunteers periods, faith traditions, and styles were often as interesting as the sites of religious architecture around New themselves.” Open House Weekend York State. The weekend’s theme: Medieval to Modern: Celebrating New At United Palace of Spiritual Arts, York’s Religious Art and Architecture a first-time participating site located Included Many First- inspired a number of ‘firsts’ including in Manhattan’s Washington Heights, pre-booked tours at mid-century Atlanta resident Marjorie K. visiting modern masterpieces: St. Peter’s with New York friend, Joyce F., said Time Participating Church and Nevelson Chapel in she was “awestruck by the grandeur Midtown Manhattan and Temple Beth of the fifty-foot movie screen and Zion in Buffalo. Other ‘firsts’ included velvet-covered seats surrounded by Sites and Events! the participation of New York City’s beyond-Baroque bling.” Joyce praised oldest mosque, Moslem Mosque, the venue’s “astonishing grandeur by Mari S. Gold Inc., in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and a and detail.” multi-site scavenger hunt organized Visitors at St. Francis Cabrini Church. by Rutgers Presbyterian Church on Two dozen visitors enjoyed a guided Manhattan’s West Side that attracted tour of picturesque Gothic Revival local paper and planned a rendezvous dozens of families and individuals. landmark Christ Church in Riverdale in the Bronx, travelling together to where they particularly enjoyed “We’re grateful to the three Bronx churches—Christ Among the 157 sites opening their learning that the altar rail had been Church, Riverdale Presbyterian and doors across the state, thirty-two donated by Babe Ruth in memory of the Conservancy for St. James Fordham. were participating for the first Church member and neighbor, Lou enlightening us with time, from Woodhaven, Queens to Gehrig. the history of our Jennifer, a Chicago native and Northport Long Island, Newburgh one-year resident of Manhattan, to Albany, Seneca Falls to Buffalo, A Poughkeepsie family saw the hometown.” heard about the Sacred Sites Open and Rome to Watertown. Walking Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House tours while on a Municipal tours offered by open house co- House announcement posted in a Arts Society-sponsored program. sponsors Queens Historical Society She joined the Scavenger Hunt on and Friends of the Upper East Side Saturday; the Queens Historical Historic Districts, plus curated, pre- Society Flushing Walking tour on booked tours offered by ten New Sunday morning, and the featured York City religious institutions were tour of newly redecorated, Art Deco- quickly “sold out,” providing 300-plus filled, Blessed Sacrament Church in visitors with in-depth tours and ample Jackson Heights Sunday afternoon. Guided tour at Blessed Sacrament Church. opportunity for questions. A New York “I’m so glad the Conservancy Photo by Steve Fisher. Steve Photo by organized this Sacred Sites Open

Photo by Mieke Vandersall. House,” she enthused. New York Deco-philes Bob and Harriet termed the Blessed Sacrament tour “I’m so glad the “magnifico!” Conservancy organized this Sacred Sites Open In addition to guided tours and music, Trinity Memorial Church, House” Binghamton, displayed a story board on High Victorian Gothic Architecture. Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic “there was someone Church, in Buffalo, featured a display nice and interesting at of the three churches in Pavia, Italy every site—in fact, the that were models for their look-alike 12th Century Lombard Romanesque volunteers were often as edifice, a creative approach that interesting as the sites resulted in the site’s largest visitor themselves.” turnout ever.

Smithfield Presbyterian Church, “Worth every minute” Amenia, used the year’s art theme to create a children’s art project. Guided tour of Nevelson Chapel, St. Peter’s Church. Open House at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church. Children of all ages were invited to Photo by Rev. Andrew Blume. Andrew Rev. Photo by

32 33 Children at Smithfield Presbyterian Scavenger Hunt at Rutgers Presbyterian Church. Church. Rohlf’s Stained & Leaded Glass Studio, Inc. - Est.1920 PRESERVING ROHLF’S STUDIO was entrusted with the AMERICA’S HERITAGE Complete Restoration of these Landmark Windows

Photo by Jane Winfrey. Jane Photo by contribute to a 15-foot long stretch of mural paper on the community room, attracting artists ranging from a ninth- grader to three toddlers.

A visitor who learned about the program from the Conservancy website and email went to eight never-visited-before sites, joining programs both Saturday and Sunday and being “particularly dazzled” by St. Vincent Ferrer on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

“Worth every minute,” reported a Fordham University Church - Bronx, NY visitor to Staten Island sites Church 1865 Nave Stained Glass Windows of St. Andrew, Calvary Presbyterian Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church. Staten Islanders Lisa and The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral New York, NY Eugene C. attended a pre-booked tour 1 of 17 Windows at St. Peter’s Roman Caholic Church and noted that “not realizing how rich with history Staten Island is, it was a pleasure learning all of this great St. Paul information from Glen (Umberger) National Historic Landmark and the New York Landmarks Mt. Vernon, NY Conservancy. We’re grateful to the John Lafarge Conservancy for enlightening us with the history of our hometown.”

Rohlf’s Studio is an established stained glass firm which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020, our past projects can be viewed on our website which has contact: taken us throughout the U.S., Kent Diebolt • 607-257-4049 South America, Africa, Japan and Inspection, Testing vertical-access.com many other countries worldwide. and Specialized [email protected] St. Bartholomew’s Church Cathedral of St. John the Divine Contracting Services Winner of a 2018 Lucy G. Moses New York, NY New York State Assembly Chamber Preservation Award Albany, NY 783 South Third Ave. • Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 1 of 20 Windows (914) 699-4848 • FAX: (914) 699-7091 [email protected] • rohlfstudio.com

34 35 Church of the Resurrection, Kew Gardens. Returning Sacred Sites 2019 was the Conservancy’s 9th annual statewide Sacred SItes Open House. We are grateful to all the staff and Christ and St. Stephen’s Church, Manhattan. volunteers at participating congregations that make this event possible. Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Buffalo Temple Emanu-El, Manhattan. Here, we celebrate sixteen sites that have enthusiastically opened their doors to the public year after year since 2011-2012.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Manhattan.

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Binghampton. St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, Brooklyn. Eldridge Street Synagogue, Manhattan.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Manhattan. First United Church of Christ, Elmira. Corpus Christi Church, Buffalo.

36 37 The New York Landmarks Conservancy awards matching grants to congregations that are planning or undertaking the restoration of historic religious properties. In 2018, the Sacred Sites program pledged 41 grants Sacred totaling $487,500 to 40 religious institutions throughout New York State, leveraging over $10.6 million in repair and restoration projects.

To be eligible for our grant programs properties must be located in New York to all... Sites State, owned by a religious institution, actively used for worship, and listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places or designated pursuant to a local landmarks ordinance. Eligible properties include churches, THANK synagogues, meetinghouses, mosques, and temples. Grants Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral, Brooklyn.

YOU! Albany United Church of Cohoes $9,000 Cohoes, New Roof

Bronx St. Anselm’s Church $40,000 Bronx, Roof and Masonry Restoration

Chautauqua Trinity Episcopal Church $7,000 Fredonia, Restoration and Re-leading of the Memorial Windows

Columbia Christ Church Episcopal $2,000 Hudson, Window Restoration

Delaware Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church $10,000 Roxbury, Architectural services for East Wall Masonry Repair First Presbyterian Church, Southold. Chapel of the Holy Name (The Stone Church), Cragsmoor. Dutchess Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue, Manhattan. Church of the Messiah $25,000 Rhinebeck, Water Infiltration Mitigation and Repair

Smithfield Presbyterian Church $6,000 Amenia, Window Restoration

Erie Corpus Christi Church $30,000 Buffalo, North Aisle Roof, Clerestory Masonry and Drainage System Repairs

Our Savior Lutheran Church $15,000 Buffalo, Slate Roof and Copper Flashing Repair

Fulton St. Francis of Assisi Church $2,000 Northville, Replacement of Masonry Entrance Steps

Kings (Brooklyn) Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church $25,000 Eato House, Bethel AME Church, Church of the Saviour, Syracuse. Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, Bridgehampton. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Stained Glass Window Restoration Setauket.

38 39 First Unitarian Congregational Society $10,000 United Methodist Church, Patchogue. Brooklyn Heights, Exterior Accessibility Project Rensselaer St. Joseph’s Church $3,000 Flatbush Reformed Church $25,000 Troy, Exterior Rehabilatation (Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush) Flatbush, Steeple, Roof, Roof Drainage and Masonry Restoration Saratoga First Baptist Church of Saratoga $5,000 Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church $10,000 Saratoga Springs, Stained Glass Window Restoration Ditmas Park, Sanctuary Window Restoration Steuben Stuyvesant Heights Christian Church $3,500 St. Thomas Church $10,000 Bedford-Stuyvesant, Roof and Window Assessment and Project Bath, Shingle Roof Replacement, Bluestone Coping, Management Roof Drainage and Rose Window Restoration

Monroe Suffolk Union Presbyterian Church $2,500 Bethel A.M.E. Church - Eato House $3,000 Corpus Christi Church, Buffalo. Scottsville, Roof Replacement Setauket, Conditions Assessment Hurley Reformed Church, Hurley. New York (Manhattan) First Congregational Church $4,000 Broadway Presbyterian Church $30,000 Riverhead, Wood Window Restoration Upper West Side, Exterior Envelope Restoration First Presbyterian Church $3,500 Congregation B’nai Jeshurun $5,000 Southold, Tower Conditions Assessment Upper West Side, Conditions Assessment St. Paul’s United Methodist Church $35,000 Metropolitan Baptist Church $4,000 Northport, Steeple, Stained Glass Window Harlem, Thermal Imaging Roof Leak Investigation and Exterior Wood Restoration Union Presbyterian Church, Scottsville. Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church $7,500 United Methodist Church of Patchogue Hamilton Heights, Conditions Assessment and Feasibility Study Patchogue, Roof, Masonry and Window Waterproofing Repairs $20,000 St. John’s Getty Square, Yonkers. Conservation Report to Address Water Damage $5,000 West Park Presbyterian Church $10,000 Upper West Side, Community House Roof Replacement Sullivan St. John’s Episcopal Church $10,000 Oneida Monticello, Window Restoration First Baptist Church $25,000 Rome, Bell Tower Restoration Ulster Reformed Church of Hurley $4,000 First United Methodist Church $3,500 Hurley, Window Restoration and Storm Window Installation Oneida, Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Exterior Restoration Warren Hague Baptist Church $25,000 Onondaga Hague, Reconstruction of Steeple and Belfry St. Paul’s Syracuse $6,000 Syracuse, Masonry Restoration Westchester St. John’s Church, Getty Square $10,000 Ontario Yonkers, Design and Implementation of Clerestory Window Shoring Temple Beth El $7,000 Smithfield Presbyterian Church, Amenia. Geneva, Structural Repairs to Historic Tea Porch St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights. Otsego St. Matthews Episcopal Church $10,000 Unadilla, Steeple, Church Façade Repair and Restoration

Queens Beth-El Temple, Church of God in Christ $5,000 Far Rockaway, Sanctuary Window Repair

St. Joan of Arc Church $25,000 Jackson Heights, Parapet Reconstruction, Masonry Trinity Episcopal Church, Fredonia. and Roof Drainage Repair

40 41 Special thanks to this year’s Sacred Sites Open House Sponsors!

United Palace, Washington Heights, NY. Photo by Katie Lentz Winner of the 2019 Sacred Sites Open House Photo Contest

On the back-cover (from left to right): Religious Society of Friends, Flushing, Queens. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany (photo by Matt. H. Wade). Temple beth-Zion, Buffalo.

42 43 One Whitehall Street New York, NY 10004

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