Grace Church (Manhattan) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grace Church
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Location	800–804 Broadway Manhattan (NYC), New York
Country	United States
Denomination	Episcopal
History
Status	Parish church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Years built	1846–1847
Specifications
Number of spires	1
Spire height	230 feet (70 m)
Materials	Sing Sing marble exterior; lath and plaster interior
Administration
Diocese	New York
Province	Province II

Grace Church is a very old and important church in Manhattan, New York City. It is part of the Episcopal group. You can find it at 800–804 Broadway, right where Broadway meets East 10th Street. The church also has a school and other buildings nearby.

Many people call Grace Church "one of the city's greatest treasures." It's a beautiful example of French Gothic Revival style. A famous architect named James Renwick Jr. designed it. Grace Church is so special that it's a National Historic Landmark. This means it's recognized for its amazing architecture and its role in New York City's history.

History and Design of Grace Church

Grace Church, around 1900

Grace Church first started in 1808 at a different spot on Broadway. But as New York City grew, the church decided to move uptown. In 1843, they bought the land where the church stands today.

A young architect named James Renwick Jr. was chosen to design the new church. He was only 25 years old! The first stone for the church was laid in 1843. The church was finished and ready for use in 1846.

Building Materials and Style

Grace Church was built in the French Gothic Revival style. It looks like the grand churches built in France many centuries ago. The outside of the church is made from Sing Sing marble. This is a type of stone. The inside walls are made of lath and plaster.

The church first had a wooden spire, which is the tall, pointed part on top. Later, in 1881, this wooden spire was replaced with a new one made of marble. James Renwick Jr. also designed this new marble spire.

Inside the Church: Stained Glass and Art

When you go inside, you'll see a huge stained glass window above the main altar. It was made in 1878 by an English company called Clayton and Bell. This window shows people praising Christ. It has figures of prophets, apostles, and martyrs.

Another important piece is the reredos, which is a decorated screen behind the altar. It's made of French and Italian marble and Caen stone. It shows the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are next to Jesus as he gives a special message. Renwick also designed this beautiful piece.

For many years after it was built, Grace Church was a very popular place. People thought it was a great honor to get married or have a funeral there.

The marble steeple was installed in 1883, and had its lean fixed in 2003.

Buildings and Architects Over Time

Over the years, many buildings were added to the Grace Church complex. Different architects worked on these additions. Here's a look at some of them:

Grace Church Chapels: Helping the Community

Grace Church also helped start other churches, called chapels, in different parts of the city. These chapels often served the community.

• The first chapel was built in 1850. It later became its own church.
• A second chapel was built in 1861. It was used as a community center for people who needed help. It offered classes and educational programs, especially for immigrants. This chapel later burned down.
• Finally, Grace Church built another chapel and a hospital in 1887. These buildings were later sold and became a Roman Catholic church. This complex is still standing today and is also a New York City landmark.

Grace Church School

Grace Church School started in 1894. At first, it was a place where choir boys could get special training. Later, in 1934, it became a full day school. Today, the school teaches boys and girls from pre-kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade.

The school uses several buildings on Fourth Avenue that are part of the church complex. In 2006, the school became a separate organization from the church. It now owns many of the buildings it uses. The high school building for Grace Church School is located in Cooper Square. It opened in 2011.

Services and Community Programs

Grace Church has many services and programs for its members and the community.

• They hold regular prayer and Eucharist services throughout the week.
• The church is also a place for special events like weddings and baptisms.
• Grace Church has a long history of helping people. It's believed they had the first day-care center in New York City!
• Today, the church offers community outreach programs.
• They have spiritual education classes for adults and programs for children and youth.
• There is even a shelter for homeless men in one of the church's buildings.

The church is also famous for its Choir of Men and Boys, which started in 1894. They have a rich music program, including regular organ concerts.

Church Leaders and Musicians

Notable Rectors

A rector is the main priest in charge of an Episcopal church. Grace Church has had many important rectors:

• Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright (third rector): He helped start other churches and schools for boys and girls.
• Thomas House Taylor (fourth rector): He led the church's move to its current location.
• Henry Codman Potter (fifth rector): He believed in the "Social Gospel," which meant helping the poor and immigrants. He later became a bishop.
• William Reed Huntington (sixth rector): He worked on important church documents and expanded the church's buildings. He also continued the work of helping the community.
• Charles Lewis Slattery (seventh rector): He helped create a new version of the Book of Common Prayer. He later became a bishop.
• Walter Russell Bowie (eighth rector): He was a scholar and writer who worked on different versions of the Bible.
• C. FitzSimons Allison (eleventh rector): He later became the Bishop of South Carolina.

Current Clergy

• The Reverend J. Donald Waring, Rector
• The Reverend Chase Danford, Associate Rector
• The Reverend Julia Offinger, Assistant Rector for Youth and Family Ministry
• Dr. Patrick Allen, Organist and Master of Choristers

Famous Organists

• Samuel Prowse Warren was the organist at Grace Church from 1868-1874 and again from 1876-1894.

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia de Gracia y Dependencias para niños

• Jules Edouard Roiné
• Isaac H. Brown, sexton at the Grace Church
• List of National Historic Landmarks in New York City
• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan below 14th Street
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan below 14th Street
• Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel (Washington, D.C.), Gothic Revival chapel designed by Renwick