Saint Ignatius of Antioch Church

Why did Bishop Potter skip the opening of Saint Ignatius of Antioch Church? Standing before this magnificent building on West End Avenue you’re looking at more than just bricks and mortar. You’re looking at a testament to faith resilience and a touch of Episcopal drama. Saint Ignatius of Antioch Church wasn’t always here on the Upper West Side. Its story began in 1871 a time of great tension within the Episcopal Church. The congregation founded by Reverend Ferdinand C Ewer championed Anglo-Catholic practices. This meant embracing high church traditions rituals and a strong emphasis on the Eucharist. Their choice of patron saint Ignatius of Antioch a first-century bishop and martyr was quite unique. It reflected their focus on the Eucharist and the bishop’s central role. However this strong Anglo-Catholic stance created friction with some bishops in New York. The parish initially met in a church for the blind then in a Dutch Reformed church before finding its current home. The construction of the present building designed by Charles C Haight began in 1901. Its elegant English Gothic style with its Roman brick and stone arches stands in stark contrast to its Methodist neighbor. The formal opening in 1902 however lacked a key figure Bishop Henry Codman Potter of New York. He openly disapproved of the parish’s ritualistic tendencies. Bishop Charles C Grafton of Fond du Lac a noted Anglo-Catholic presided instead. This absence highlights the internal conflicts within the Episcopal Church at the time. Saint Ignatius of Antioch Church continued to push boundaries. It was among the first Anglo-Catholic parishes to welcome women priests. Reverend Ellen Barrett the first openly gay woman ordained in the Episcopal Church even preached there. This progressive stance set it apart from many sister parishes further illustrating the church’s complex history. The church’s interior was further enriched in the 1920s by Ralph Adams Cram. He added beautiful features like the baptismal font the Stations of the Cross and the altarpiece in the Lady Chapel. This architectural beauty is complemented by the church’s exceptional Casavant Frères organ. Originally installed in 1966 it was extensively refurbished after water damage in 2010-2011. The organ’s rich sound along with the church’s excellent acoustics contributes to its renowned concert series. This is a place of worship yes but it’s also a place that has resonated with music art and social change. Saint Ignatius of Antioch Church is a living breathing testament to faith tradition and the ongoing evolution of the Episcopal Church. It’s a story written not only in stone but in the echoes of its past. It is a story that continues to unfold. As you stand here consider the rich tapestry woven into the very fabric of this remarkable place.