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Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan) facts for kids

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Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal)
and Parish House
Church of the Incarnation.jpg
(2011)
Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan) is located in New York City
Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan)
Location in New York City
Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan) is located in New York
Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan)
Location in New York
Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan) is located in the United States
Church of the Incarnation, Episcopal (Manhattan)
Location in the United States
Location 205–209 Madison Ave.
Manhattan, New York
Built 1864–1865
Architect church (1865):
Emlen T. Littell
rectory (1868):
Robert Mook
re-building (1882):
David Jardine
spire (1896):
Heins & LaFarge (consulting architects)
rectory (1905–1906):
Edward P. Casey
Architectural style church:
Late Gothic Revival
rectory:
Neo-Jacobean
NRHP reference No. 82003371
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP July 8, 1982

The Church of the Incarnation is a historic Episcopal church located at 205–209 Madison Avenue in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It stands at the northeast corner of 35th Street.

This church started in 1850 as a smaller chapel connected to Grace Church. By 1852, it became its own independent church. The current church building was constructed between 1864 and 1865.

Famous People Who Attended the Church

Many well-known people have been part of the Church of the Incarnation.

Important Figures and Families

  • Admiral David Farragut, a famous naval officer, was a parishioner.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt, who later became the First Lady of the United States, was confirmed in this church.
  • The funeral for Sara Roosevelt, the mother of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was held here. A special ramp was even built so that FDR, who used a wheelchair, could attend.
  • Several important families had their own pews and memorials in the church. These include the Delanos, Langdons, Sedgwicks, Seaburys, Brooks, and Rikers families.

The Church Buildings and History

The Church of the Incarnation has a rich history, including a fire and several rebuilds.

Original Construction and Design

Church of the Incarnation Parish House
The parish house

The main church building, or sanctuary, was built from 1864 to 1865. It was designed by Emlen T. Littell. The church was known for its beautiful architecture and detailed interior art. The first stone was laid on March 8, 1864, and the first services were held on December 11 of that year. The church was officially dedicated on April 20, 1865.

The church's rectory, which is a house for the church's priest, was built in 1868–1869. It was designed by Robert Mook.

Rebuilding After a Fire

On March 24, 1882, a fire badly damaged the church. Only its tower and outer walls remained. The church was rebuilt and made larger by David Jardine. In 1896, a tall spire was added to the church, following Jardine's designs, with help from architects Heins & LaFarge.

From 1905 to 1906, the rectory was rebuilt and given a new look in the Neo-Jacobean style by Edward P. Casey. Today, this building is known as the H. Percy Silver Parish House.

Recognized as a Landmark

The Church of the Incarnation was named a New York City landmark in 1979. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, recognizing its importance to the country's history. In 1991, the building underwent a renovation led by Jan Hird Pokorny.

Amazing Artworks Inside the Church

The church is home to many beautiful artworks created by famous Victorian artists.

Stained Glass Windows

The church has many stunning stained glass windows, each telling a story. These windows were made by various artists from the Victorian Era.

Windows on the South Wall

Windows on the North Wall

Windows on the West Wall

  • "Dignity of Labor" by Tiffany Studios
  • "Great West Window" by Charles Eamer Kempe

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Iglesia Episcopal de la Encarnación (Manhattan) para niños

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