Grace Episcopal Church Complex (Queens) facts for kids
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Grace Episcopal Church Complex
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 155-15 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, Queens, New York |
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| 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 |
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| Added to NRHP | September 8, 1983 |
The Grace Episcopal Church Complex is a very old and important church group located at 155-15 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. This complex includes the main church building, a separate building called the parish house, and a cemetery.
The church itself was built between 1861 and 1862. It is made of rough-cut sandstone and has a steep roof with a tall, pointed tower called a spire. Its design is in the Gothic Revival style, which looks like old European cathedrals. A special area at the back of the church, 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 designed in the Tudor Revival style. The cemetery around the church has graves that date back to 1734. Some famous people buried here include Rufus King, Charles King, and William Duer.
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History of Grace Episcopal Church
This church is the oldest Episcopal church on Long Island. It is also the second-largest in New York State. Grace Episcopal Church was officially founded in 1702, long before the American Revolution.
The church's beginnings go back to 1693. At that time, an English group called the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" sent a missionary minister to Jamaica. This was in response to a request from local residents who wanted spiritual guidance. The first minister was Rev. Patrick Gordon, appointed by the Bishop of London. He was meant to serve as "rector of Queens County with residence in Jamaica."
Sadly, Rev. Gordon passed away in Jamaica in 1702 before he could begin his work. His duties were then taken over by Rev. John Bartow. In 1704, a group of Anglicans (members of the Church of England) started their own church.
In 1733, about half an acre of land was given by the heirs of Thomas Colgan. On this land, the members of the Church of England built their first church. They named it "Grace Church." Its first leader was Rev. Thomas Colgan, and Rev. Samuel Seabury was an early bishop connected to it. The first church building on the current site opened for worship in 1734.
Notable Burials in the Cemetery
Many people have been buried in the cemetery of Grace Episcopal Church. Their tombstones often have special and meaningful messages. One person buried here was Edward Willet, who passed away at 93 years old in 1794. His tombstone had a verse about finding joy with God.
The cemetery is also the resting place of Robert McCormick, a journalist and war correspondent from New York. According to Felix T. Cuervo, president of the Native New Yorkers Historical Association, McCormick was a person who explored the "Old West." He also worked to protect wildlife.
As a war correspondent, McCormick wrote detailed stories about his experiences during the Crimean War and the American Civil War. He was also a member of the new Republican Party and a friend of President Abraham Lincoln.
Community Activities and Services
Besides holding weekly prayers and services, Grace Episcopal Church has hosted many special events for its community. In October 1966, the church celebrated its 262nd anniversary. The rector, Rev. Philip F. Lewis, led the anniversary services.
The church's anniversary celebration also featured historical items. These included a royal charter from King George of Great Britain and an old silver cup, which is one of only eight remaining 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.
Grace Episcopal Church has also been involved in community safety efforts, like gun control programs. In August 1980, Grace Episcopal Church was one of five churches chosen as places where people could turn in illegal firearms. This was part of the city's amnesty program.
Mayor Koch and Dr. Robert Polk of the Council of Churches thought it was best to use churches for this program. People could turn in weapons without fear of arrest or questions. This program started on July 10, 1980, and ended in August when a stricter gun law was put in place. About 163 guns were given up during this time.
In August 1995, the church welcomed the Black Heritage Foundation and Cultural Collaborative Jamaica. These groups, with the New York Foundation on the Arts, presented jazz musicians for fans in Queens. Performers included the Bross Townsend Orchestra, with Bross Townsend on piano, John Dooley on bass, Walter Perkins on drums, Bubber Brooks on tenor saxophone, Fred Smith on trumpet, and 80-year-old Al Casey, a pioneer of the electric guitar. This free concert taught people about jazz history and the contributions of jazz pioneers.
Symbolism and Importance
Many people see Grace Episcopal Church as "a place of inspiration." Historians view this building as a very old institution with an interesting past.
Landmark Status
Grace Episcopal Church was named a New York City Landmark in 1967. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. However, church members tried to stop these actions in 2010.
In December 2010, a campaign was started by members of Grace Episcopal Church. They wanted to meet with city council members to try and overturn the Landmarks Preservation Commission's decision to make the church a historical landmark. According to Rev. Darryl James, this landmark status "siphons off potential funding," meaning it could make it harder to get money for the church. The nearby Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Hall was separately listed as a New York City Landmark in 2010.
See also
