Imagine Manhattanville as a rural community. Imagine it holding promise as a thriving village. Now picture Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church there.
Saint Mary’s Church of Manhattanville has a rich history. It dates back to the early 19th century. Back then Manhattanville was a distinct town. The town was later absorbed by New York City.
In December 1823 Saint Mary’s Protestant Episcopal Church was officially organized. This happened after residents had to travel far for religious services. They traveled by coach or ferry.
The original Saint Mary’s Church was built from 1824 to 1826. Jacob Schieffelin donated the land. He founded Manhattanville. Robert Oughton built a simple wooden structure. It had a short steeple. In 1851 Oughton built the adjoining rectory.
Laura Dayton Fessenden described Saint Mary’s Church in 1923. She said it was white and severely plain outside. Inside it was square and bare. The altar looked like an old-fashioned parlor. It had a table a horsehair sofa and chairs. The pulpit had a winding stair and a sounding board.
Manhattanville was mainly inhabited by poor residents. When Saint Mary’s Church was organized a free school was also established. In 1831 Saint Mary’s was the first church in the city to abolish pew rentals. This made it accessible to everyone.
Saint Mary’s Church burned at the turn of the 20th century. It was quickly replaced. The present neo-Gothic structure was built from 1908 to 1909. Theodore E. Blake designed the modest building. He worked with Carrère and Hastings. It features herringbone brickwork trimmed with concrete. The gabled-roof porch contains a bell. Jacob Schieffelin presented this bell to Saint Mary’s.
In 1998 the New York City Landmarks Commission designated Saint Mary’s as a landmark. This included the church the parish house the Sunday School and a garden.
Saint Mary’s has a rich musical history. The first organ was moved from the previous building. J.H. and C.S. Odell Company rebuilt it. In 1927 the M.P. Möller company installed a new organ. James McGregor and Richard Scott-Walker rebuilt the existing organ in 1965. They retained three stops from the old Möller organ. New ranks were added by Stinkens of Germany. Several stops came from other organs. This includes the 1912 Austin organ.
On Thanksgiving Day in 1823 leaders met to organize Saint Mary’s Church. Saint Michael’s Episcopal Parish provided support. Valentine Nutter and Jacob Schieffelin were chosen as Wardens. One of the first Vestrymen was Jacob’s son Richard L. Schieffelin.
The first meeting decided who could vote. It was all male persons who contribute fifty cents annually. They also established a school for all denominations. Saint Mary’s did not abolish pew rents until 1831.
The Rector and Wardens organized the Manhattanville Library. Saint Mary’s maintained a close relationship with The Sheltering Arms. This was a home for destitute children. A meeting to organize the Manhattan Day Nursery was held in Saint Mary’s rectory. The Gold Cross originated in the parish.
In the first decade of the 20th century a new sanctuary was constructed. In the very last sermon preached in the old church the Rev. John P. Peters gave a message. It was to hold fast to the good in the past. Develop it into present needs. Let men say the religion of Christ is taught preached and lived here.
Saint Mary’s acquired the Ackley Center in the 1960s. It housed community organizations. In 1965 the organ was rebuilt. In the 1970s Saint Mary’s played a leading role in the Episcopal Church.
Since 1983 Saint Mary’s has had a soup kitchen. In the 1990s the Ackley Center became a residence for people living with HIV AIDS. Saint Mary’s three-building complex became a New York City Landmark.
Today Saint Mary’s serves the community. It has a food pantry and a mobile soup kitchen. Saint Mary’s also provides space for a free medical clinic.
As you stand before Saint Mary’s Church remember its long history. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a community beacon. The story of Saint Mary’s is one of faith. It is one of service. It is a story etched in the heart of Manhattanville.