Holy Communion was built far from the city center. Today we stand before the Church of the Holy Communion. It stands on Sixth Avenue at 20th Street. Imagine a time when this area was considered the outskirts of New York City.
The Church of the Holy Communion has a rich and varied past. It began as a place of worship. Later it transformed into a nightclub and a shopping mall. Today it serves as a gym. Yet its architectural significance remains.
Richard Upjohn designed the Church of the Holy Communion. He also designed Trinity Church. Holy Communion broke ground architecturally. It became the first asymmetrical Gothic Revival church in the United States. Its design served as a model for many churches across the country. Upjohn designed it to resemble a small Medieval English parish church.
Rev William Augustus Muhlenberg founded the church in 1844. He was a clergyman known for his social responsibility. Muhlenberg’s sister, Anna C Rogers, financed the church. She did it as a memorial to her late husband, John Rogers. The cornerstone was laid on July 25 1844. The church was consecrated on December 13 1846.
The Church of the Holy Communion introduced several innovations. It was the first church in New York with free pews. It was also among the first to hold weekly communion services. The church established a sisterhood of women workers in 1852. They pioneered new areas of social ministry for women. In 1883 the church hosted the first convention of black Episcopal clergymen.
By the mid-20th century the area became industrialized. The Church of the Holy Communion’s congregation dwindled. In 1966 the complex was designated a landmark. This happened through the efforts of its rector.
In 1976 the congregations of Calvary Holy Communion and St Georges merged. The Church of the Holy Communion building was then vacated. It was deconsecrated. Later it became a drug rehabilitation center. In 1980 the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1983 the building was sold to Peter Gatien. He transformed it into the Limelight disco. The Limelight became infamous for drug trafficking. It closed in 1996. It reopened in 2002 as Avalon. However this was short-lived.
In 1972 the Schantz Organ Company built a new organ for the Church of the Holy Communion. It was a three-manual organ. It had 39 registers and 31 stops. When the church closed the organ was moved. It now resides at St Aeden’s Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City.
The Church of the Holy Communion stands as a testament to change. It reflects New York City’s evolving landscape. From a place of worship to a nightclub and beyond it has adapted. Its architecture still inspires awe. Its history continues to fascinate.