Amidst the tumult of the Civil War in 1863, Riverdale Presbyterian Church emerged as a beacon of hope. Five prominent figures, including William Earl Dodge Jr. and Robert Colgate, sought solace in the tranquil countryside of Riverdale. They established this very church we stand before. Riverdale Presbyterian Church quickly became a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the war’s turmoil. James Renwick Jr., the renowned architect behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral, designed the church. The building, constructed of local fieldstone, was completed in the summer of 1863. The first service took place on October 11th of that year. Imagine Riverdale Avenue as a dirt road, with worshippers arriving by horse and carriage or on foot. Over the decades, Riverdale transformed from a quiet rural escape into a bustling residential area. Riverdale Presbyterian Church evolved alongside it. The church underwent expansions and renovations, reaching its current size in the 1930s. Architect Dwight James Baum, known for his work in the Fieldston neighborhood, oversaw these additions. These additions include the elevated portion of the sanctuary and the porch facing Henry Hudson Parkway. A memorial window in the north transept honors Baum’s contributions. The Duff House, originally the minister’s residence, was renamed in honor of George M. Duff. He served as pastor from 1922 to 1953. In 1963, both the church and Duff House were designated New York City landmarks, cementing their place in the city’s history. From its humble beginnings with five founders to its present diverse congregation, Riverdale Presbyterian Church has remained a vital presence in the community and the Presbyterian denomination.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to