Did you know that the Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity started in a stable? It is true. Let’s step back in time to the late 19th century.
The year is 1900. Several prominent Norwood families gathered. They met in a small wooden stable on William Watson Niles Jr.’s estate. This 13.5-acre estate was located on Decatur Avenue. The families wanted to organize a new mission. This mission was the first in Norwood by the Diocese of New York. It also became the neighborhood’s first religious institution.
Some families lived in Manhattan. But they had country homes in Norwood. Because they met during Advent, they named it “The Church of the Holy Nativity”.
By 1904, the congregation outgrew the stable. They needed more space. The vestry searched for a new site. In 1905, services moved to O’Hara’s Hall. It was on 200th Street. Later that year, a site on Woodlawn Road and Bainbridge Avenue was purchased. The cost was 10000 dollars.
Hoppin, Koen and Huntington designed the new buildings. The plans included a church, a parish house and a rectory. The design was in the Tudor style. Construction began in July 1906. The total cost was 75000 dollars. The parish house was built first. It served as the place of worship.
Despite the Great Depression, the cornerstone for the church was laid in 1929. Bishop William T. Manning and Rev. Charles F. Kennedy officiated.
The first service in the new building was in the basement auditorium. It was April 6, 1930. About 400 people attended. Two weeks later, the church was finished. Regular services began on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930. On November 23, 1930, Bishop Manning consecrated the church.
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity also had a notable organ. In 1912, J.H. & C.S. Odell & Co. built a two-manual organ. It had tubular-pneumatic action. The organ cost 2450 dollars. In 1960, Odell electrified the organ. It was moved to the present church.
Today, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity stands as a testament. It shows the dedication of its founders. From a humble stable to a consecrated church, its story is inspiring. It is a place of community. It is a place of worship. It is a place of history.