Grace Church is a beautiful, historic church building in the heart of downtown Manhattan that has been standing for over a century. Originally built as a tabernacle hall in 1846, this space was later converted into a church by the Grace Church Guild in 1885. We will discuss the History Of Grace Church and its architecture below.
Who Built Grace Church?
The original church on this site was built in 1846, designed by James Renwick, Jr., who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Smithsonian Institution Building. The current church, completed in 1854, is Renwick’s Gothic Revival masterpiece. The spire, added in 1876, soars gracefully skyward to 284 feet (86.6 meters).
The church’s exterior is built of Tuckahoe marble, quarried in Westchester County, New York. The interior walls are finished with a smooth plaster surface, which provides an excellent acoustic environment for music.
The stained glass windows are among the finest in any American church. They were made by some of the leading firms of the day, including Tiffany & Co., William Willet Glass Company, and John LaFarge.
The pipe organ is one of the largest and most powerful in New York City. It has more than 7,000 pipes and 150 stops, making it capable of producing a wide range of sounds.
What is the Architecture of the Church?
The church was designed by architect Richard Upjohn and completed in 1846. The Gothic Revival structure is built of brownstone and features a rectangular nave with transepts, a tower, and a spire. The interior of the church is decorated with stained glass windows and carved woodwork.
A Brief History of the Grace Church
The Episcopal Church was founded in 1789 when the first Episcopal Bishop in America was consecrated. The first Episcopal church building in America was erected in New York City in 1698. That original structure was used until it was demolished in 1754 to make way for a new and larger building that still stands today on Broadway at Wall Street.
The current Gothic Revival structure of Grace Church dates back to 1846 when construction began on the present-day edifice. The cornerstone of the church was laid on October 8, 1846, by Bishop Benjamin Onderdonk, and the completed church was consecrated on May 1, 1848, by Bishop Jackson Kemper. The architecture is credited to James Renwick, Jr., who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral and other notable structures in New York City.
History Of Grace Church
Over the years, Grace Church has been witness to many important historical events. On September 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech at Grace Church during his campaign for the U.S. Senate against Stephen Douglas. More recently, Grace Church served as a place of respite and refuge for victims and first responders of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
How do you reach Grace Church?
Assuming you are referring to the Grace Episcopal Church in New York City, it is located at802 Broadway on the corner of East 10th Street in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The church is easily accessible by public transportation, with the N, R, W, 6, L, and A trains all stopping within a few blocks of the church. For those driving into the city, there is street parking available as well as a parking garage located at 77 8th Avenue (between 14th and 15th Streets). you will see the History Of Grace Church with your eyes there.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grace Church is a beautiful and unique example of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States. It is also one of the most significant religious landmarks in New York City, with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. If you are ever in the area, be sure to take some time to admire this stunning building and learn more about its fascinating past.
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