St. George's Episcopal Church (Hempstead, New York) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
St. George's Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
St. George's Church circa 1734
Location in New York Show map of New York Location in the United States Show map of the United States Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	319 Front Street, Hempstead, New York
Built	1822
Architect	Timothy Clowes
NRHP reference No.	73001211
Rectory of St. George's Episcopal Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
St. George's Rectory
Location in New York Show map of New York Location in the United States Show map of the United States Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	217 Peninsula Blvd., Hempstead, New York
Built	1793
Architect	Timothy Clowes
NRHP reference No.	88000510
Added to NRHP	May 3, 1988
Added to NRHP	March 7, 1973

St. George's Episcopal Church is a very old church located at 319 Front Street in Hempstead, New York. It was built in 1822. This church is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The Rectory of St. George's Episcopal Church is also a historic building. A rectory is the home where the church's minister or priest lives. This rectory, located at 217 Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead, was added to the National Register in 1988.

A Look Back: The Church's History

St. George's Church started way back in 1702. The first church building was replaced in 1734. However, the church building you see today was built in 1822. This happened after the second church was destroyed.

In 1735, the church received a special document called a charter from King George II. A charter is like an official permission slip that gives a group certain rights.

During the American Revolution, Hempstead was a place where many people supported the British. These supporters were called Loyalists or Tories. After the Battle of Long Island, the British tried to take over Hempstead. They even used St. George's Church as a headquarters and a place to worship.

There's a fun local story about the rooster weather vane on top of the church steeple. People say it has sixteen bullet marks. These marks were supposedly made by Hessian soldiers, who were German soldiers fighting for the British. They used the rooster for target practice!

American troops also used the church for a while. A leader named Ezekiel Cornell from Rhode Island was in charge. He used the church as a storage place. He also stopped the minister from praying for the King.

Both the church and its rectory are recognized as important historic places. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Building the Church in 1734

On April 2, 1734, two men, John Mott and Thomas Gildersleeve, set aside some land for a new church. This land was about half an acre. It was located west of the older church.

At first, the new church only had some of its seats, called pews. There were eighteen box pews, which were like small enclosed seating areas. The very first pew was given to George Clarke. He was an important person who helped the church.

On November 1, 1734, the town decided to move the seats from the old church into the new one.

Getting a Royal Charter

On June 27, 1735, many people asked for a special charter for the church. This charter would make the church officially recognized by the King.

Here are some of the people who helped get this important charter:

A Special Day: The Church's Opening

On Tuesday, April 22, 1735, the Governor of New York, along with his family, traveled to Hempstead. They were there for the special opening ceremony of the church. Many other important people came too. These included the Secretary George Clarke and the Chief Justice Delancey.

About six miles before Jamaica, the Governor was met by soldiers on horseback. They escorted him to Jamaica, where he had dinner. In the afternoon, he continued to Hempstead, still with his escort. He arrived in the evening and was hosted by Reverend Robert Jenney, the minister of St. George's.

The next day was St. George's Day. Soldiers and troops stood in lines from Jenney's house to the church. The Governor, with important men from the area, walked to the church. Inside, Reverend Jenney gave a sermon, which is a religious speech. The church was very crowded.

After the service, the Governor inspected the soldiers. He was very happy with how they looked. Later, the Governor was hosted by Colonel Tredwell and then by Colonel Cornwell.

The New York Gazette newspaper wrote about the event: "The next day the Governor returned to Hempstead, pleased with the reception he everywhere met with from all ranks, with the extraordinary concourse of people from all parts on the occasion, and with the handsome appearance of the militia, both horse and foot."

Many generous gifts were given to the church on this special day:

• The Governor gave a painted and gilded version of the King's arms.
• Secretary George Clarke gave a beautiful crimson damask set for the communion table, pulpit, and desk.
• John Marsh gave a silver basin for baptisms.
• Reverend Vessey and his church members had already given about £50.

St. George's Church today

What the Church Looks Like Today

The church building you see now has special oak columns inside. These columns were brought across the Hempstead Plains by horses. They were then shaped and put into the church. They go from the floor all the way to the roof. Even though they are very old, they still look strong.

Some of the beautiful stained glass windows in the church were designed by Tiffany Studios. Tiffany Studios is famous for its amazing glass art. The padded pew boxes inside the church remind us of old times on Long Island. Back then, wealthy people would arrive at church in fancy carriages. They would then take their places in the front pew boxes.

See also

• Saint George: Devotions, traditions and prayers