Gazing up at the 125-foot clock tower of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, one can almost hear the echoes of history. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church stands proudly at 2067 Fifth Avenue, a testament to the enduring spirit of Harlem. Built in 1872, this Gothic Revival masterpiece was designed by the prolific architect Henry M. Congdon. He gave the church its distinctive rock-faced granite, steeply pitched slate roof, and heavy buttresses that convey a sense of strength and permanence. Saint Andrew’s wasn’t always here though. It started its life on East 127th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues in 1829. A devastating fire in 1871 destroyed the original structure. This led to Congdon’s 1872 creation. Just sixteen years later, the church called upon Congdon again. This time, they tasked him with a monumental undertaking: to move the entire church two and a half blocks west. This resulted in the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church we see today, reoriented, enlarged, and featuring a taller tower complete with a clock. Within its walls, another fascinating piece of history resides. A ten-bell chime, crafted in 1890 by the Meneely Bell Foundry of West Troy (now Watervliet), New York. Sadly, these bells remain silent today, lacking a functioning playing mechanism. Saint Andrew’s continued to evolve with the times. In 1942, the church abolished its pew rental system. This opened its doors to a diverse congregation, including many of Caribbean descent, enriching the fabric of the church community. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church is more than just a beautiful building. It is a living testament to resilience, adaptation, and the power of community. The church remains an active parish in the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to