“A touch of the English countryside in Manhattan” is how one New York Times journalist described Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church. The history of Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church is quite interesting. It involves several Christian denominations over many years. Let’s explore its unique past.
Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church stands at 65 East 89th Street. This is off Madison Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York oversees the parish. The church complex includes the main church building. It also has a single-cell chapel, a rectory, and a parish house.
Originally, this church was not Catholic. It was built in 1870 for the Protestant Episcopal Church. It was then known as the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple. The architectural style is Gothic Revival. Over time, the building served Episcopalians, Dutch Reformed, and finally Catholics. It is the second-oldest church on the Upper East Side.
Hubert & Pirsson designed the Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church. They used sandstone from Nova Scotia. Architectural historian Andrew S. Dolkart notes its similarity to a London church. That church is Edward Buckton Lamb’s Church of St. Martin’s. Dolkart said it captures your attention with its quirky details. These details include chamfered corners and varying facade planes. Also note the asymmetrical pinnacle at the top of the tower.
Over the years, additions were made to the complex. A single-cell chapel was added in 1879. A rectory followed in 1880. The parish house was completed in 1893.
The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest relocated. This forced Beloved Disciple to merge with it. The old church was sold in 1929. Wealthy Dutch Reformed congregants from Harlem bought it. They formed the Second Collegiate Church of Harlem.
In 1950, a significant change occurred. The Roman Catholic Church purchased the building. It was then rededicated to Saint Thomas More. Architect Paul C. Reilly renovated the church later in the 20th century.
Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church has many notable parishioners. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis attended services here. She continued to offer a Mass every November 22 for John F. Kennedy. This tradition was later maintained by her daughter Caroline. Although her funeral was held at St. Ignatius of Loyola, her connection to Saint Thomas More remained strong.
After his death, the Kennedy family held a private memorial service for John F. Kennedy Jr. at Saint Thomas More. Senator Ted Kennedy delivered the eulogy. President Bill Clinton also attended the service.
Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s only grandson, had his first communion here in 2001. Other notable parishioners included Peggy Noonan. Fashion photographer Bill Cunningham also regularly attended. A private Requiem Mass was celebrated for him here. Lee Bouvier Radziwill’s private funeral was held at the church in 2019.
Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church represents a unique blend of architectural history and spiritual significance. It has served various Christian denominations. It has also been a place of solace for prominent figures. Its story reflects the evolving character of New York City’s Upper East Side. Today, it stands as a testament to faith, community, and architectural preservation.