Church of the Transfiguration, Episcopal (Manhattan) Facts for Kids

"Little Church Around the Corner" redirects here. For the 1923 film, see Little Church Around the Corner (film).

Quick facts for kids Church of the Transfiguration
(c. 1900)
Location	1 East 29th Street Manhattan, New York City
Denomination	Episcopal
Churchmanship	Anglo-Catholic
Administration
Deanery	Manhattan
Diocese	New York
Province	II

The Church of the Transfiguration is a special church in New York City. Many people know it as the Little Church Around the Corner. You can find it on East 29th Street in Manhattan. It's an Episcopal church.

It was started in 1848 by George Hendric Houghton. The church building was finished and opened in 1849. The church was built in an old English style called Neo-Gothic. We don't know who the architect was.

The church has a lovely garden in front. This garden makes the area feel like the English countryside. It's a peaceful spot for New Yorkers to relax. People also come to pray or enjoy free concerts. Because the church has grown over time, it's sometimes called the "Holy Cucumber Vine."

In 1967, the church became a New York City landmark. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

What is the Church's History?
Why is it Called the Little Church Around the Corner?
- Famous People and the Church
Who Leads the Church?
What About Music at the Church?
Gallery
See also

What is the Church's History?

The Church of the Transfiguration has always been a leader in the Anglo-Catholic movement. This movement focuses on helping people in need. For example, during the Civil War Draft Riots in 1863, the church offered safety. Reverend Houghton welcomed African Americans who were in danger. He filled the church with people needing protection.

Why is it Called the Little Church Around the Corner?

The church has a special connection to actors and the theater world. In 1870, a church nearby refused to hold a funeral for an actor named George Holland. The minister suggested, "I believe there is a little church around the corner where they do that sort of thing."

Joseph Jefferson, another actor, heard this. He said, "If that be so, God bless the little church around the corner!" From that day on, the church became known for welcoming actors.

Famous People and the Church

Many famous people have visited or been connected to this church.

The writer P. G. Wodehouse married his wife Ethel there in 1914. He often wrote about weddings at the church in his books.
The musical Sally even had a song about the "Dear little, dear little Church 'Round the Corner."
In 1923, the Episcopal Actors' Guild started meeting at the church.
Famous actors like Basil Rathbone, Tallulah Bankhead, and Charlton Heston have been part of the guild.
The church also helped new actors get their start in the 1970s. These included Armand Assante and Tom Hulce.
When Sir Rex Harrison passed away in 1990, his memorial service was held at the church.

Who Leads the Church?

The Little Church Around the Corner is known for its rectors (church leaders) serving for a very long time. For 150 years, from its start until 1998, there were only five rectors. Reverend Jackson Harvelle Randolph Ray, for example, was the rector for 40 years! The current rector is Father John David van Dooren, who started in 2017.

What About Music at the Church?

The church is famous for its free music performances. It has a choir that sings special music for concerts and services. In 1988, a new pipe organ was installed. It's called the Arnold Schwartz Memorial organ.