Grace Episcopal Church Complex (Queens) facts for kids
|
Grace Episcopal Church Complex
|
|
 |
|
 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 155-15 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, Queens, New York |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1734 |
| Architect | Dudley Field; Cady, Berg & See |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001771 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 8, 1983 |
The Grace Episcopal Church Complex is a very old and important church in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. It includes the main church building, a special house for church activities (called a parish house), and a cemetery.
The church itself was built between 1861 and 1862. It is made of rough stone and has a steep roof with a tall, pointy tower. This style is called Gothic Revival. Later, a part called a chancel was added in 1901–1902. The parish house, also known as Grace Memorial House, was built in 1912. It is a three-story brick building in the Tudor Revival style. The cemetery around the church has graves from as far back as 1734. Some famous people are buried there, like Rufus King and William Duer.
Contents
History of Grace Episcopal Church
Early Beginnings
Grace Episcopal Church is the oldest Episcopal Church on Long Island. It is also the second-largest in New York State. The church was officially started in 1702, long before the American Revolution. However, its community life began even earlier, around 1693.
At that time, an English group called the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" sent a minister to Jamaica. This was because people in Jamaica had asked for spiritual help. The first minister was Rev. Patrick Gordon. He was appointed by the Bishop of London to serve in Queens County. Sadly, Rev. Gordon died in Jamaica in 1702 before he could start his work. Rev. John Bartow took over his duties.
In 1704, a group of Anglicans (members of the Church of England) started their own church. In 1733, they received about half an acre of land. Here, they built their first church, which they named "Grace Church." The first leader of this church was Rev. Thomas Colgan. The first church building on this exact spot opened for worship in 1734.
Building the Church
The current church building was constructed much later, between 1861 and 1862. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style. This style often features pointed arches, large windows, and tall spires, similar to medieval cathedrals.
In 1901–1902, a part of the church called the chancel was added. This is the area around the altar. The parish house, a separate building used for church activities, was built in 1912. It has a different look, called Tudor Revival, which reminds people of old English houses.
Famous People Buried Here
Many people have been buried in the cemetery at Grace Episcopal Church. Their gravestones often have special messages carved into them.
Edward Willet
One person buried here was Edward Willet. He passed away at 93 years old on December 8, 1794. His tombstone has a verse that says: "Exact my soul in the joys that follow from God's Almighty hand. While here my mould'ring body lies to rest at God's Command."
Robert McCormick
The cemetery is also the resting place of Robert McCormick. He was a journalist from New York and a war correspondent. According to Felix T. Cuervo, a local historian, McCormick was someone who wanted to "expand the frontiers of the Old West." He also worked to protect wildlife.
As a war correspondent, McCormick wrote detailed stories about his experiences. He reported from both the Crimean War and the American Civil War. He was also a member of the new Republican Party and a friend of Abraham Lincoln.
Church Activities and Community Events
Grace Episcopal Church holds weekly prayers and services. It has also hosted many special events for its community over the years.
Anniversaries and Special Displays
In October 1966, the church celebrated its 262nd anniversary. The church leader, Rev. Philip F. Lewis, led the anniversary services. During the celebration, the church displayed several old and important items. These included a special document from King George of Great Britain. They also showed an ancient silver cup, which is one of only eight like it left in the United States. There was also a painted coat of arms given by Queen Anne of Great Britain, and a set of six collection plates.
Helping the Community
Grace Episcopal Church has been known for helping with community safety. In August 1980, it was one of five churches chosen to help with a city program. This program allowed people to turn in unwanted weapons safely and without questions. This was part of an "amnesty program" to make the city safer. Mayor Koch and Dr. Robert Polk of the Council of Churches thought churches were the best places for this. People could turn in weapons without fear of arrest or having to give their names. This program started on July 10, 1980, and ended in August when a new, stricter law was put in place. About 163 weapons were turned in.
Jazz Concerts
In August 1995, the church welcomed the Black Heritage Foundation and Cultural Collaborative Jamaica. These groups, with help from the New York Foundation on the Arts, brought jazz musicians to perform. The free concert featured the Bross Townsend Orchestra. Famous musicians like Bross Townsend (piano) and 80-year-old Al Casey (guitar pioneer) performed. This concert shared the history of jazz and celebrated the musicians who helped create it.
Why This Church is Important
Many people see Grace Episcopal Church as "a place of inspiration." Historians view it as a very old place with an interesting past.
Landmark Status
The church was named a New York City Landmark in 1967. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. However, in 2010, some church members tried to stop these actions. They started a campaign to meet with city council members. They hoped to change the Landmarks Preservation Commission's decision to make the church a historical landmark. According to Rev. Darryl James, this landmark status can make it harder to get money for the church. The nearby Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Hall was separately named a New York City Landmark in 2010.
See Also
