Grace Church (Newark) facts for kids
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Grace Church
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 Location in Essex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 950 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1847 |
| Architect | Richard Upjohn, C. Harrison Condit |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000776 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 2, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | December 23, 1987 |
Grace Church in Newark (Episcopal) is an old and active Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey. It has been on Broad Street since 1837. Grace Church follows the Anglo-Catholic tradition. It is famous for its beautiful architecture, its music, and for being the place where the tune for "America the Beautiful" was created.
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History of Grace Church
Grace Church was started in 1837 by Bishop George Washington Doane. The church's founders wanted to highlight the importance of sacraments and the line of bishops in the Episcopal Church. They believed these connected them directly to Christ and the early Christian community. Grace Church was meant to be a leading example of Anglo-Catholicism in the area.
The church building was designed by Richard Upjohn. He also designed Trinity Church, New York. Grace Church was officially opened on October 5, 1848. It is known as a great example of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States. Because of its design, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
The church was built where an old courthouse and jail once stood. That building burned down in 1835. The large bell in the church tower was replaced early on. The first bell made a terrible sound! A new, "more agreeable" bell was bought by Jermiah C. Garthwaite, one of the church's founders. This bell has been rung for many important events. For example, it rang to support soldiers defending Fort Sumter in 1861.
The famous tune for "America the Beautiful," called "Materna," was written here. The church organist, Samuel A. Ward, composed it in 1882.
Grace Church Today
Grace Church is still known for its Anglo-Catholic style of worship. This means that the Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or the Mass, is central to their weekly services. The church teaches the Catholic faith. They believe that Christians connect with Christ through worship. They use things like incense, lights, and special clothing called vestments during services. This helps make the worship experience meaningful for everyone. They use the modern language from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Many people in the church actively take part in the service.
Sometimes, Grace Church holds a High Mass. During these services, parts of the liturgy are sung in Latin by the clergy. In January 2020, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a special mass was held. Choirs from Grace Church and other nearby areas performed special music.
The people who attend Grace Church come from many different backgrounds. They are young and old, married and single. The church is dedicated to its faith and practices. The Rev. Dr. J. Brent Bates became the church's seventeenth rector in March 2011.
Music at Grace Church
Music is very important in the worship services at Grace Church. The church has a strong tradition of choral music. They have an adult choir and a chorister program for younger singers. Both choirs perform different musical pieces throughout the year. They also sing Gregorian Chant from early, medieval, and Renaissance times every week.
Grace Church also hosts choir concerts and organ recitals. They have a large 48-stop tracker organ built in 1990 by Casavant Frères. The Grace Church Music Society was started in 2008. Each year, it organizes a series of recitals and concerts. Many talented musicians have been Directors of Music here. James McGregor was one of them. He was a composer, conductor, and organist who held the position for 48 years. He was well-known in the Episcopal Church.
Masses and Services
Masses are held on Sundays at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. The 10:30 AM service is a High Mass and includes Sunday School. Services are also held on many weekdays at 12:10 PM. The church also has family and youth activities every week. During Lent, they hold special worship forms like Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de la Gracia (Newark) para niños
