A French Gothic Revival masterpiece. That’s Grace Church. It stands proudly at 800-804 Broadway. Grace Church’s history is rich and fascinating. It began in 1808 much further downtown. The congregation outgrew its original location. They moved uptown in 1846.
The move was a significant undertaking. The new Grace Church was a bold statement. James Renwick Jr designed it. He was only 23 years old at the time. This was his first major commission. Renwick’s design was groundbreaking. Gothic Revival architecture was rare in 19th-century New York. Most churches were built in the Greek Revival style.
Grace Church’s exterior is made of Sing Sing marble. Prisoners quarried this marble. Initially the spire was wood. Later a marble spire replaced it. This beautiful marble spire dramatically increased the church’s height. The interior is lath and plaster. Grace Church quickly became the most fashionable church in New York. Weddings and funerals there were highly sought after.
The church has stunning stained glass windows. Clayton and Bell created the east window. Henry Holiday designed others. The reredos features mosaics of the evangelists. It’s made of French Italian marble and Caen stone. The church also has a remarkable history of social outreach. It’s believed to have been the site of New York City’s first daycare center.
Grace Church’s complex includes several buildings. There’s the rectory Grace House and the church houses. Grace Church School is also part of the complex. It started as a place to train choir boys. Today it’s a thriving school for boys and girls. Grace Church continues to serve its community. It offers services and programs for everyone. The church boasts a renowned Choir of Men and Boys. It maintains a rich musical tradition. Grace Church remains a vibrant center of faith and community. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of New York City.