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

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 Midtown
Diocese	New York
Province	Atlantic

The Church of the Transfiguration is an Episcopal church in Manhattan, New York City. It is often called the Little Church Around the Corner. You can find it at 1 East 29th Street, between Madison and Fifth Avenues.

This church was started in 1848 by George Hendric Houghton. The first services were held in a home nearby. The church building itself was finished and opened in 1849.

The church was designed in an early English Neo-Gothic style. This means it looks like old churches from England. The person who designed it is not known. The main church building is set back from the street. It has a peaceful garden in front. This garden makes it feel like the English countryside. It has been a quiet place for New Yorkers for a long time. People come to relax, pray, or enjoy free concerts.

Over the years, more parts were added to the church complex. Because of how it grew, it is sometimes called the "Holy Cucumber Vine." In 1852, a guildhall (a meeting hall), transepts (parts of the church that stick out like arms), and a tower were added. A special gate called a lych-gate was built in 1896. This gate was designed by Frederick Clarke Withers. Later, two chapels were added: a lady chapel in 1906 and a mortuary chapel in 1908. The church also has beautiful stained glass windows. One famous window from 1898 honors Edwin Booth and was made by John LaFarge. Other windows were created by Karl Stecher.

In 1967, the Church of the Transfiguration was named a New York City landmark. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is an important historical building.

A Safe Place in History

In 1863, during the Civil War, there were big protests in New York City called the Draft Riots. During these riots, African Americans were in danger. Reverend Houghton opened the church doors to them. He let them stay safe inside the church's main area, schoolroom, library, and other rooms. When rioters came to the church, Houghton bravely turned them away. He told them off, saying they should know better.

The Church for Actors

The Church of the Transfiguration became famous for its connection to actors. In the 1800s, actors were sometimes looked down upon by society. Reverend Houghton was kind to them.

In 1870, a famous story happened. An actor named George Holland passed away. Another church nearby refused to hold his funeral. The rector (leader) of that church suggested, "I believe there is a little church around the corner where they do that sort of thing." Joseph Jefferson, a fellow actor and friend of Holland, heard this. He said, "If that be so, God bless the little church around the corner!" From that day on, the church became a special place for people in the theater world.

Many famous people from the arts have had connections to this church. For example, P. G. Wodehouse, a well-known writer, married his wife Ethel there in 1914. He often wrote about weddings happening at this church in his books. A musical he helped write, Sally, even had a song about the "Dear little, dear little Church 'Round the Corner."

In 1923, the Episcopal Actors' Guild had its first meeting at the church. This group helps actors. Many famous actors have been part of this guild. These include Basil Rathbone, Tallulah Bankhead, Peggy Wood, Joan Fontaine, Rex Harrison, Barnard Hughes, and Charlton Heston. The church continued to support the theater in the 1970s. It hosted the Joseph Jefferson Theatre Company. This company helped start the careers of actors like Armand Assante, Tom Hulce, and Rhea Perlman.

When Sir Rex Harrison passed away in 1990, a special service was held for him at the church. His sons, Carey and Noel, spoke at the service.

Church Leaders

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. John David van Dooren became the current rector in 2017.

Music at the Church

The church has a long history of offering free music performances. It continues the tradition of having a choir with men and boys. They also have a mixed choir for concerts and summer services. In 1988, a new pipe organ was built and installed. It is called the Arnold Schwartz Memorial organ.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia Episcopal de la Transfiguración (Manhattan) para niños