PARISH PROFILE ! WELCOME TO SAINT THOMAS CHURCH Saint Thomas is a thriving Episcopal parish in the village of Mamaroneck on Long Island Sound in Westchester County, New York. We are a warm, welcoming and diverse congregation (in age, orientation, cultural background and economic resources) that takes great pride in our openness and inclusivity. Our diverse community of worshipers contributes to our character as both strongly committed to Episcopal traditions and yet forward-thinking enough to move with modern times.
Our congregation is exceptionally devoted to our own parishioners as well as the wider community and therefore we have a large contingent of active volunteers for our inreach and outreach programs. Our parish continues to grow with incoming young families, but is also supported by a loyal base of long-time parishioners, many of whom have been actively involved in the life of Saint Thomas for more than 20 years.
We were fortunate to have been served for 19 years by an exceptional rector who is a gifted and inspirational speaker and our expectations for a talented preacher are high. In addition to being a gifted speaker, our previous rector had a particular talent for making people of all backgrounds and faiths feel, as one parishioner stated, “not only welcome but celebrated.” Our openness and welcoming nature are strengths we would like to maintain and build upon.
We are searching for a new rector who is willing to explore new ways to strengthen our spirituality and broaden our worshipping community while maintaining the core identity of our church. Our ideal rector will guide and nurture us, as well as help us to continue and expand our mission to serve God and community. We hope that our parish profile will help you to decide if you might be that person.
We invite qualified candidates to submit their resumes for review electronically (preferably) to [email protected] or by mail to Saint Thomas Search Committee, 168 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. For more information on Saint Thomas, please visit our website at sainthomasmmrk.org
WHO WE ARE Our Parish includes members from the Village of Mamaroneck and the surrounding towns of Rye, Harrison, Larchmont, New Rochelle, as well as the city of White Plains and New York City. What follows is statistical information regarding the parish drawn from out recent parish survey:
Total parishioners responding to the survey: 105 Age of Parishioners: 18-29 3% 30-39 9% 40-49 16% 50-59 28% 60-69 22% 70-79 14%
1 80 or more 5% *In addition, there are approximately 65 children 18 and under in our congregation (up from about 50 in 2010) and average attendance at Sunday school and Pre-Confirmation classes is approximately 30 children, almost double what it was five years ago.
Years of Attendance at Saint Thomas: 1 year or less 4% 2-4 years 16.5% 5-9 years 15.5% 10-19 years 35% 20 or more years 29%
Education: Less than high school graduation 0 High School graduation 5% Some college, trade or vocational school 22% Bachelor’s degree 25% Graduate/Professional degree 48%
Religious Background: Episcopalian 37.5% Other Protestant denomination 23% Roman Catholic 36.5% Eastern Orthodox 0 Jewish 1% Other religion 1% No religion 1%
Distance of Residence from St. Thomas: Less than 1 mile 22% 1-5 miles 51% 6-10 miles 13.5% Greater than 10 miles 13.5%
STAFF Saint Thomas is currently served by a full-time interim pastor and a full-time deacon. Until recently, we also employed a part-time associate pastor for youth, who became a rector in Colorado in October 2013. We also have a full-time parish secretary and a full-time sexton (as well as a Sunday sexton). In addition, we have the following part-time employees: Christian education director, youth minister and bookkeeper as well as a contract music director.
HISTORY OF SAINT THOMAS CHURCH Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, situated on a hill overlooking Long Island Sound, is the oldest congregation in Mamaroneck. Since its incorporation on June 9, 1814, Saint Thomas has played a significant role in the community. Saint Thomas was founded by Caleb Heathcote (1666-1721), a Mayor of the City of New York from 1711 to 1713 and the first Lord of the Manor of Scarsdale. Beginning in 1704, Heathcote held Anglican services in his home on what 2 is now called Heathcote Hill in Mamaroneck. Services were eventually moved to Christ’s Church in Rye.
By 1814, Mamaroneck residents agreed it would be more convenient to have a church of their own and elected John Peter Delancey, Caleb Heathcote’s grandson, warden of the new parish. His son, William Heathcote Delancey, became the first resident minister of Saint Thomas. His daughter, Susan, and her husband, the novelist James Fenimore Cooper, were also communicants of Saint Thomas. Fenimore Cooper helped design the parish seal, in which Saint Thomas the Apostle, “doubting Thomas,” is symbolized by the T-square. Thomas is the patron saint of architects, contractors, and masons and traveled as far as India to preach the gospel.
Saint Thomas was reincorporated in 1817 to conform to New York State law. The founding vestry included members of several prominent New York families: co-warden Peter Jay Munro, Thomas J. Delancey, Edward J. Delancey, Henry Gedney, Benjamin Hadden, Jacob Mott, Benjamin Crooker, Guy C. Bayley, and Monmouth Lyon. Consecrated on June 17, 1823, the first Saint Thomas Church was a simple wooden structure painted white with green shutters. It was used for more than sixty years. A Sunday school was started in 1834 and continues to this day. Three years later, Saint Thomas had its first full-time rector.
By the late nineteenth century, many affluent families summered in the waterfront village of Mamaroneck. Among them were James M. and Henrietta Arnold Constable, who had an estate on Delancey Neck (now Orienta). Constable was a prosperous merchant and co-founder of a Manhattan department store, Arnold Constable. Mrs. Constable was fond of the little church where she worshipped in the summers. When Mrs. Constable died in 1884, the family decided to honor her memory with a new church and the current Saint Thomas church was built.
By 1900, the changes caused by America’s rapid industrialization and waves of immigration caused churches everywhere to extend their ministries. Saint Thomas expanded to include a day-care center, social hall, and gymnasium. The 1925 addition of Heathcote Hall further facilitated Saint Thomas’ numerous community and social outreach programs.
Throughout nearly 200 years’ worth of vestry minutes are numerous examples of Saint Thomas’ commitment to social justice and to the community of Mamaroneck. In 1900, the church established what would become the Mamaroneck Health Center. Women of Saint Thomas were authorized to vote in parish elections in 1915. During WWI, Saint Thomas faced down wartime hysteria against Germans, and subsequent anti-Semitism. In 1932, a thrift shop opened “for the benefit of the unemployed” and operates to this day.
OUR SERVICES Saint Thomas is a joyful, prayerful and diversified family that welcomes people of all faiths to worship and, if baptized, to partake in receiving Holy Communion. We are blessed with an interim pastor and an indispensible deacon. In addition, there are many lay members who volunteer for such activities as the altar guild, ushers, lay readers and lay Eucharistic ministers.
From September to June we offer two Eucharistic Sunday services. The early service at 8 am is spoken. The 10 am service includes music with hymns sung by the congregation and our talented and well-trained choir. In 3 addition, we have a weekly anthem sung by the choir or one of our soloists. Many liturgical responses are also sung; all accompanied on the organ by our music director. We have earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence in our music program.
Given the busy summer schedules of our parishioners, from June to September our two Sunday services are combined into one 9 am service which includes music but no choir. In addition, we have recently instituted a Saturday evening service at 5 pm, complete with communion, that is held outdoors on our labyrinth, weather permitting.
Each year we hold a well-attended Thanksgiving Eve service, with specially selected music to help parishioners reflect on all of the blessings in their lives and to share time together. During the tenure of our previous rector, this service was followed by a festive rector’s reception in Heathcote Hall.
Christmas is a special time at Saint Thomas. The last Sunday of Advent, we hold coffee hour in the church while we decorate for Christmas. On Christmas Eve we hold two services: a family service in the afternoon, where the children, dressed as shepherds and angels, sing songs and perform in a pageant; and a late evening service that includes an outstanding choral concert. In addition there is a Christmas morning service at 10 am.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday Services of the Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes at noon in the chapel and at 7:30 pm in the church. Stations of the Cross are held in the chapel every Wednesday evening during Lent. On Tuesdays during Lent we join with neighboring churches of varied denominations for ecumenical services that rotate pastors and churches. These services are much anticipated and well attended as they offer a glimpse into the worship style and practices of our fellow Christians in the community. Each is followed by food and fellowship at the hosting church.
Holy Week commences with our 10 am Palm Sunday service that begins in Heathcote Hall where clergy and congregants process to the church with song. In addition, there is a celebration of the Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist at 8 am. Maundy Thursday is celebrated with an evening Holy Eucharist, with appropriately solemn music, ending with the stripping of the altar and raising of a large wooden cross as the lights are lowered. On Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross are observed in the church at noon. Then, at 7:30 pm, we hold a choir concert of sacred music that is open to the public. The following day, all parishioners are welcome to assist the altar guild in beautifying the church in preparation for Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is celebrated with a joyous Eucharistic Service at 10 am for the entire family that includes having children come to the altar and “flower the cross.” After services, the children participate in our annual Easter Egg Hunt where they are divided into two groups by age and hunt for eggs filled with special Easter treats.
4 OUR MUSIC PROGRAM Music is an integral and indispensible part of our worship at Saint Thomas. Our choir, which is one of the most outstanding in Westchester County, is a point of particular pride and much cherished by our congregation. It is led by the choir director, Noel Hart Jr., a professional singing teacher who began his career playing a church organ at the age of 14. Noel’s musical knowledge and literacy are vast and he is a skilled and expressive organist and choirmaster. His imaginative, artistic improvisations within the service add immeasurably to the beautiful quality and flow of the worship service. We have one professional singer in each of the voice ranges, all of the highest quality, and an enthusiastic and committed group of amateurs. Anthems consist of solos as well as choral performances. Anthems are recorded and are available for download on our website.
Apart from the weekly fare of anthems and hymns, we have a special music program at Christmas Eve and Easter, with a wide range of choral singing. The choir has also sung special performances at Tenebrae and other Holy Days. Choir rehearsals are held before and after the 10 am service on Sunday or as required. In addition, many in our congregation, including many of our children, have musical and instrumental accomplishments that are shared. One of our parishioners, Timothy Eddy, is the cellist in the Orion String Quartet and a teacher at Juilliard School in New York. Tim has played for us on many special occasions in church.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR Our children’s music program began five years ago and is led by a team of dedicated volunteers. The children sing at family services, the early Christmas Eve service and other special services. Tone chimes and African drums have been integrated into the choral program. During the Christmas season, several of the older youth have accompanied the choir and congregation with band instruments. The children’s choir rehearses after the 10 am service for approximately 30 minutes.
EVENTS AND OUTREACH Saint Thomas is strongly committed to its numerous community activities and outreach programs. In addition to the activities and events set forth below, we welcome the opportunity to explore and expand our mission to serve the local community in new ways.
Our brown bag lunch and food pantry operates every Tuesday, providing up to 100 families weekly with a brown bag lunch and enough food for up to three family meals. In addition, we distribute vouchers good for meals at local restaurants and grocery store gift certificates to those in need.
5 The local community also benefits tremendously from our Thrift Shop and Used Book Store that is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering used clothing and small household items for sale. Periodically, the Thrift Shop holds a “bag sale” where clients purchase all they can fit into a large bag for $5.
Saint Thomas is proud of its participation in the Diocese’ Carpenter’s Kids Program. Through our donations and participation, the parish has made it possible for 65 primary- school-age children in the village of Hombolo Makulu in Tanzania to attend school by providing uniforms, shoes, socks, soap and a hot breakfast every morning. The program initially began to benefit children who had lost both parents to HIV/AIDS and has now expanded to a broader number of especially vulnerable children. Most years members of our parish visit Hombolo Makulu, distributing the uniforms and gifts to the children.
Our fun and festive annual Christmas Fair raises money for charity by selling Christmas items, vintage clothing and baked goods. The silent and live auctions are especially popular. The thousands of dollars generated by these events are donated to the Keeps after-school program and other local charities. Also at Christmas time, the church identifies needy families in the community to receive gifts from our “Angel Tree.” Parishioners are invited to select from a group of children identified by age, gender and interest and to purchase gifts for them.
Our Pumpkin Patch has been a fall highlight at Saint Thomas for 13 years. Each year approximately 3000 pumpkins are obtained on consignment from Navajo Indians in New Mexico. The Navajo Indians raise the pumpkins to generate income for their tribe. The pumpkins are delivered by truck to our expansive lawn where community and church volunteers unload them and organize the patch. All of the proceeds of the sale of the pumpkins are distributed to local charities.
Our monthly Community Dinners are a well-attended staple of Saint Thomas. On the second Saturday of each month a group of volunteers plans a menu, cooks for and serves approximately 100 members of the local community. The event is free and everyone is welcome to partake. The Community Dinner also serves as an opportunity for local youth groups who often come to set up, serve and clean up as part of their community service projects.
The annual Parish Picnic in the early summer provides an opportunity to enjoy good food and conversation with fellow parishioners.
6 Other activities include our monthly Helping Hands Knitting Group meetings where scarves and hats are knitted and donated to the Mission to Seafarers to benefit needy seafarers from around the world who arrive in our colder climate without warm outerwear, our annual “Men Cooking” event where local and parish men don chef's hats to cook their culinary specialties which, are then sold in sample portions with all proceeds going toward our Carpenter’s Kids.
The church also provides meeting space for Alcoholics Anonymous and Hispanic AA, as well as local Girl Scout troops, as a service to the community, in addition to renting space significantly below-market rent to the “Keeps” after school program and the Farmer’s Market during the winter months.
FELLOWSHIP Our many Fellowship activities include numerous celebrations and gatherings, such as Game Nights and Sock Hops, in addition to the following regularly scheduled activities:
Our Bible Study currently meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. Various Bible passages and verses are studied and discussion is had as to how the Bible pertains to the lives of participants and their spiritual journey. Participants feel strongly that Bible study is essential for the spiritual life of adult Christians.
Our Book Group meets monthly after church to enjoy a light lunch and discuss reactions to a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction books. The discussions are lively and intellectually stimulating and allow participants to get deeper insight into the lives of the group members. Many times the books chosen are somewhat out of the ordinary, helping participants to stretch their minds and experience new things in a safe environment that is judgment free and open to all.
Our Men’s Group meets the first Friday of every month at 7:30 pm in the chapel and takes a retreat once a year to the Holy Cross Monastery. The group provides a place for the men of the church to discuss events in their lives and in the world and how to approach them as Christian men in today’s society. Participants have the opportunity to grow spiritually and help each other deal with complex issues in a manner consistent with Christian values.
Our Women’s Group meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:15 pm in our library to share a light meal and fellowship. Each month, the evening is hosted by a different member of the group who selects the format and topic for the evening’s discussion. Discussions are held on a wide range of topics and issues affecting the world at large and those particular to the women in the group.
7 CHILDREN At Saint Thomas we believe the best way for children to learn to worship is to practice worship in community. Our programs for children and youth integrate communal worship in several different ways. During the school year, regular Sunday school begins at 9:45 am, and the Bible lesson begins at 10:05 am, followed by discussion, games, activities or service projects. Then the children join our families and the congregation in the church after the offertory anthem, in time for the Eucharist and birthday blessings, at about 10:50 am. Children remain in church through the end of the service and many families stay for coffee hour or for children’s choir practice.
Our youth minister meets every month with the pre-confirmation group (usually grades 6-8) during Sunday school. Approximately every four to six weeks we hold an instructional Eucharist/Family Service, in lieu of Sunday school, in our chapel. Our former part-time associate pastor for youth led these services most recently. The chapel church is geared toward children with their parents and grandparents and lasts about 45 minutes. About five times a year, including Christmas Eve at 4 pm and Easter Sunday at 10 am, we have a special family service in the church. These services are paced in a kid-friendly manner with fewer readings, often a shorter or interactive sermon, and accessible music. The children’s choir often performs at these services.
Other Sunday School activities include Vacation Bible School, making King’s Cake for Epiphany (special French cakes for the celebration of Epiphany), a Martin Luther King Day teach-in, and raising money for our Carpenter’s Kids in Tanzania.
STEWARDSHIP AND BUDGET In 2013, Saint Thomas Church has 113 families who receive pledging envelopes and an operating budget of $642,000. Total pledges and donations for the year are expected to be $172,500, or around 27% of the operating budget. Other income is generated from: a thrift shop; the rental of property to KEEPS; an after school program which provides working families in the community with low cost child care; the rental of parking spaces; and the use of the church hall by a farmer’s market during the winter months. Total income from these activities during 2013 is projected to be $62,000, 10% of the operating budget.
The remainder of the budget (63%) is financed from investment income. Saint Thomas Church is fortunate to have a significant endowment. At the end of 2012 this comprised just over $6 million held in the Diocesan Investment Trust, and an additional $3.2 million under private management. The finance committee oversees the investment portfolio in conjunction with a long-standing, trusted professional financial advisor. The finance committee also works with the vestry and the property committee to finance capital projects in addition to regular, budgeted maintenance. During 2013, for example, significant roofing and lightning protection work has been completed on the edifice, and the rectory is being refurbished.
In terms of expenditure, personnel salaries represent 46% of our budgeted disbursements for 2013, maintenance of buildings and grounds 23%, and outreach 11%. The worship budget represents 8%, a large portion of this relating to our music program.
The financial and stewardship challenges faced by Saint Thomas are the same as those of many churches. We must balance the budget in a difficult economy and fund the ongoing, expensive maintenance of our church buildings. We have received increases in pledge amounts in the past few years, but it would be preferable to depend less on investment income for everyday operations and close the pledge-disbursement gap further, 8 either by reducing costs, or by increasing attendance and pledges. The ability to e-pledge commenced in September of 2013.
OUR PROPERTY Saint Thomas is blessed with beautiful and well-maintained properties that include the main church, the parish house and chapel, all of which are unique examples of the Neo-Gothic Revival style in the Village of Mamaroneck. In addition there is the Tudor-Revival style Heathcote Hall as well as a rectory.
THE CHURCH Designed by the American architect Bassett Jones, Saint Thomas was modeled after Saint John the Evangelist, an Anglican church built in the 1840s in West Meon, Hampshire, England. The nave ceiling, 50 feet above the mosaic pavement, is made of pine with distinctive bowed arches. The pews and original doors were built of oak selected from forests in Tennessee by the Constable family. Dozens of rosettes adorn the woodwork, each of them different. Ellin & Kitson of New York carved the Caen stone altar, pulpit, and reredos, a replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
Its stained-glass windows are one of the glories of Saint Thomas. They were made by Clayton & Bell of London, whose elegant style was inspired by medieval glass. For their work at Ely Cathedral, King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, and elsewhere, Queen Victoria granted the firm a royal warrant in 1883.
The church is constructed of brownstone from Belleville, New Jersey, and is roofed in red Vermont slate. Inside its square bell tower are ten cast- bronze bells—each inscribed with a line from scripture in Latin—that were manufactured by the Clinton H. Meneely Company of Troy, NY. The bells were rung by hand until 1928, when their operation was electrified. Tiffany & Company imported the English movement clock and placed it in the belfry in 1885.
The church seats more than 250 people. An Allen digital electric organ positioned in front of some pipes from the original organ provides music inside the church. In the recess at the rear of the church is the original baptismal font made of marble from Derbyshire, England. Surrounding the font is a columbarium, which houses urns containing the ashes of the cremated and is constructed from oak. The end panels are fashioned from wainscoting found in the original wooden church. A second columbarium has been constructed of stone outside of the church alongside the parking lot, shielded from view by a hedge of white cedars.
As you face the baptismal font, you will notice a heavy wooden door (with original hardware, including the iron lock-box). The door opens to a narrow, winding staircase carved from stone that ascends the tower to the belfry. Four of the 10 bells and the clock were refurbished in 2003 and are now in perfect working order. You may also notice a rooster atop the tower. This serves as a reminder of the cock that crowed and helped Peter realize his denial of Christ.
THE PARISH HOUSE AND SAINT LUKE'S CHAPEL Built in the 1880's, this brick, half-timber, and slate building houses the church office, rector's office, library, boardroom, Sunday school rooms and the Chapel of Saint Luke the Physician. The library has a mural depicting the 85 symbols of religion and it was painted in 1966 by parishioner Grace Huntley Pugh, and is
9 used for adult education and other church meetings. The Chapel, with vaulted ceiling and wainscoting is used for Sunday school services and other worship.
HEATHCOTE HALL This slate, gable-roofed brick building with its gracious hall complete with stage and full kitchen was added in 1925. It is the location of our weekly coffee hour following the 10 am Sunday service. In addition, it serves as a reception hall for many parish and community events such as the annual general meeting, the Christmas fair and auction, monthly community dinners and other intergenerational activities and events. The hall is also used by the community as an emergency shelter when the need arises and by the New York Diocese for larger conferences and events. Space in Heathcote Hall is rented exclusively to non-profit organizations such as KEEPS and the local farmer’s market in winter. The sizeable basement of Heathcote Hall houses the thrift shop.
THE GROUNDS Across from the Parish Hall is our expansive lawn currently used for the Pumpkin Patch, Sunday school activities and our annual parish picnic. In 2003, a labyrinth was built adjacent to the church. It is thirty feet in diameter with a twelve-inch wide path. Surrounding the labyrinth, a Biblical Garden was created and installed in 2004, with a plan to have over 110 flowers, trees, plants and grasses dating back to the Book of Genesis. The centerpiece of the garden is a filigree cross from France. This space is currently being used as the setting for the 5 pm service held on Saturday afternoons in the summer. THE RECTORY Our Rectory is located in the Village of Mamaroneck on Teresa Lane and is currently being used by our interim pastor. It is undergoing renovations to prepare for the next rector of Saint Thomas. The home is approximately 1200 square feet, has 2-3 bedrooms and sits on .25 acre of property. It is in the Mamaroneck School District (Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School).
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS A capital campaign kicked off in February of 2004 with the intention of raising $340,000 for improvements to the buildings. The final total of funds raised was $459,000. From a longer list of projects, the congregation selected five including three in the church: a new sound system, new digital electric organ and air conditioning, and two in the parish office building: a new wood floor was installed in Heathcote Hall and plumbing work was completed in the basement to deal with repeated flooding issues. These projects were completed in 2007.
The vestry made the decision to commission a site survey of the church property and an architect was brought in to bring this about. The architect has remained as a consultant to the properties committee and the findings of the site survey have been used to create a priority list of needed work. In the Parish House flooding from a hurricane exposed plumbing issues that have since been repaired. Repairs have also been made to the church roof, louvers in the tower, the copper covered areas and the lightning protection system. Major work was also done to remove the old underground oil tanks and to convert the Parish House and
10 church to natural gas.
MAMARONECK COMMUNITY Saint Thomas Church is located in the center of the Village of Mamaroneck, 23 miles northeast of New York City in southern Westchester County on Long Island Sound. The village straddles the town of Mamaroneck and the town of Rye. Its proximity to New York City, extensive shoreline, superior schools and community orientation make Mamaroneck an attractive place to live.
Originally populated by the Sinoway Native Americans, the name “Mamaroneck" means “the place where sweet waters fall into the sea.” Incorporated in 1895, the village was originally a farming community and later became popular as a summer retreat for wealthy New York City residents who built many Victorian houses along the coast in the Greenhaven, Shore Acres and Orienta sections. Today, the Village of Mamaroneck is primarily a residential community with a vibrant downtown serving as the location of some of the area’s most popular restaurants and shops. Across the street from Saint Thomas are Mamaroneck Harbor and Harbor Island Park, with 150 Japanese cherry trees.
DEMOGRAPHICS The Village of Mamaroneck is 3.1 square miles with nine miles of coastline. It is bordered on the north by the Town of Harrison, on the south by Long Island Sound, on the east by the Town of Rye, and on the west by the unincorporated area of the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont.
Mamaroneck is primarily a residential community with a small area zoned for light industry that includes 3 boatyards. According to the latest census data, it has a population of approximately 19,000 people and the median household income from 2007 to 2011 was $85,800 a year. The village operates under a council- manager form of government, where the elected mayor and trustees set policy and the manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the village.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION The Village of Mamaroneck contains portions of two public school districts. The Mamaroneck Union Free School District serves the Village of Mamaroneck (where the rectory sits) and the remainder of the Town of Mamaroneck, including the Village of Larchmont. The Rye Neck Union Free School District serves the northern and eastern parts of the Village of Mamaroneck in addition to parts of the Town of Rye. The Mamaroneck Union Free School District consists of four elementary schools: Mamaroneck Avenue School (which serves the Village of Mamaroneck in which the rectory is located), Central School, Chatsworth Avenue School and Murray Avenue School. These elementary schools feed into the Hommocks Middle School and into Mamaroneck High School. The district spends approximately $24,000 per year on each student. The Hommocks Middle School serves grades 6-8 on the school’s 14-acre campus. Its student body represents over 80 nations, first generation or later. Its student teacher ratio is 12:1. In addition to the regular curriculum, French, Spanish and Chinese language classes are offered, as well as a performance music program, conservation projects, numerous after school clubs, and accelerated math and earth-science courses. In addition, Hommocks offers cutting-edge technology with each 8th grade student being issued an iPad.
Mamaroneck High School serves 1,500 students in grades 9 through 12 with a student teacher ratio of 13:1. The school offers an extensive curriculum including a variety of advanced placement classes, architecture 11 classes and a four-year program in music, performing or visual arts. The high school also offers a wide range of athletics, including swimming, fencing and ice hockey, in addition to its championship baseball and field hockey teams. Approximately 92% of the high school graduates attend college.
The Rye Neck Union Free School District consists of two elementary schools: Daniel Warren (serving kindergarten through grade 2) and F. E. Bellows (serving grades 3 through 5). The Rye Neck Middle and High Schools are located on a single campus and serve students in grades 6 through 12.
Area private schools include three Catholic parochial schools serving pupils in grades 1-8, a private Hebrew day school, the French American School and other private, country day schools in nearby towns. Numerous privately run nursery schools are also available.
RECREATION The village’s waterfront location lends itself well to recreational opportunities. Harbor Island Park is located on 45 acres next to the water, with a municipal marina and boat slips, a playground and small beach, numerous playing fields and a state-of-the-art tennis center. In addition, residents have access to recreational facilities sponsored by the town, including indoor and outdoor pools and an ice-skating rink located at Hommocks Park. There are also several private yacht clubs, golf and country clubs as well as numerous public golf courses. In addition, the Recreation Department organizes a wide assortment of programs for children, teens and adults.
The Mamaroneck and Larchmont libraries are part of the Westchester Library system. Both have extensive collections and offer award-winning adult and children’s programs. In addition, the children’s rooms at both branches have recently undergone extensive renovations.
The Emelin Theatre is a 282-seat auditorium in the village center. It offers many cultural programs in dance, theater and music, including folk, film, bluegrass, classical music, theater, and children's theater.
TRANSPORTATION Mamaroneck is served by Metro-North rail service for travel to and from New York City and Connecticut. Bus service is offered to White Plains and other nearby areas. The village is easily accessible to Interstate 95, Interstate 287, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and the Westchester Cross-County Expressway.
MEDICAL FACILITIES There are several first-rate hospitals in the vicinity of Mamaroneck. These include White Plains Hospital Medical Center, Greenwich Hospital, the Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital in New Rochelle, and the Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla.
FIRE DEPARTMENT The Village of Mamaroneck is protected by an all-volunteer fire department that operates out of four fire stations located in the village.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP Among the churches in the Village of Mamaroneck are the United Methodist Church, St. John’s Lutheran and the First Baptist Church. There are four Catholic churches: St. Vito’s and Holy Trinity in Mamaroneck and St. Augustine’s and Sts. John and Paul in Larchmont. Also located in the vicinity are St. John’s Episcopal Church and Larchmont Temple in Larchmont and the Westchester Jewish Center in Mamaroneck.
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