“Touch Me Not” the window over the front door depicts Jesus’ encounter with Mary Magdalene. It stands as a testament to the First Church of Christ, Scientist’s commitment to faith. Welcome to a place where architecture and spirituality intertwine.
First Church of Christ, Scientist stands majestically at Central Park West and 96th Street. It is a designated New York City landmark. The church’s story is one of architectural splendor and spiritual evolution.
Completed in 1903 the building was designed by Carrère and Hastings. Its style is a blend of English Baroque and French Beaux-Arts detailing. Christopher Gray described it as one of the city’s most sumptuous churches.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist once boasted elaborate features. These included mosaics and gold-plated chandeliers. Marble floors and curved pews of Circassian walnut added to its opulence. Elevators known as “moving rooms” could hold twenty people.
The church’s construction reflected a commitment to quality. Concord granite was chosen for its ability to grow whiter with age. This required hand labor adding to the expense. Initial budget estimates of $300000 quickly ballooned to over $1 million.
Augusta Emma Stetson organized the congregation in 1886. She was a close friend of Mary Baker Eddy. Stetson’s leadership was instrumental in the church’s early growth. A letter from Eddy to Stetson lies beneath the cornerstone. It symbolizes unity and love.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist’s history is not without its controversies. Augusta Stetson’s strong personality led to conflicts with the Boston Mother Church. She was eventually excommunicated in 1909.
In 2004 the building was sold to the Crenshaw Christian Center. The Christian Science congregation merged with the Second Church. Later in 2014 the Crenshaw Christian Center sold the building for $26 million.
A plan to convert the church into condominiums was rejected. In 2018 the Children’s Museum of Manhattan acquired the building. Renovation plans were approved in 2020. The museum plans to relocate here in 2028.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist has undergone many transformations. It started as a spiritual hub. Then it transitioned through various ownerships and purposes. Now it is poised to become a center for children’s learning.
Today the First Church of Christ, Scientist stands as a testament to architectural beauty. It also embodies spiritual and cultural change. Its walls echo with stories of faith ambition and adaptation. As the Children’s Museum of Manhattan prepares to move here, the building is ready to inspire future generations. The legacy of this remarkable structure lives on.