New York is often defined by the word skyscraper. But this city also offers a beautiful collection of religious buildings. Each of these buildings feature spectacular architecture and design. Take this walking tour to explore the most famous religious buildings in New York.
1) Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in the City and Diocese of New York, is the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. The cathedral is claimed to be the largest Cathedral and Anglican church and fourth largest Christian church in the world (although the title is disputed with Liverpool Anglican Cathedral). The cathedral is nicknamed St. John the Unfinished, and The White Elephant Of The Upper West Side. The cathedral, designed in 1888 and begun in 1892, has, in its history, undergone radical stylistic changes and the interruption of the two World Wars. Originally designed as Byzantine-Romanesque, the plan was changed after 1909 to a Gothic design. The Congregation of Saint Saviour, a separately incorporated congregation, makes its home at the Cathedral. It offers events, classes and programs.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Ralph Hockens
2) Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (Evangelismos)
The Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church was built in 1892. It is one of the oldest Hellenic-American ecclesiastical communities in New York. This Neo-Gothic structure is a beautiful edifice with amazing stained glass windows, brilliant Bohemian crystal chandeliers, and unique hand-carved iconostasis imported from Greece.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Guy Dickinson
3) Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church
The Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, built in 1898, is located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. It is built in the Byzantine style, decorated with Guastavino tile. The church is famous for the spectacular Létourneau organ, that contains nearly 2100 pipes and features a Royal Trumpet en chamade.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and miqul
4) First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church in the City of New York is a Christian congregation based in a sanctuary built in 1891 at the intersection of Broadway and West 79th Street in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. FBC is a conservative, independent, evangelistic, mission-oriented church in fellowship with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, based in Schaumburg, Illinois. The FBC building was designed by George M. Keister, who also planned the Apollo Theater. A balcony was added in 1903. This created a seating capacity of one thousand. Two unequal towers over the corner entrance to the main auditorium are examples of biblical symbolism. The taller tower represents Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church. The lower tower, which appears incomplete, was designed to represent the Church, which will remain unfulfilled until the return of Christ. Two shorter towers represent the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Alan Cordova
5) Temple Emanu-el
Temple Emanu-el was built in 1929. It is considered to be a sanctuary of Israel. The Temple Emanu-el is designed in the Romanesque architectural style with Byzantine influences. Its ornamentation includes Moorish and Art Deco elements and its sanctuary is covered with mosaics. It is renowned for the wheel-like window, that represents the twelve tribes of Israel, and the Judaic Collection that possesses over 500 pieces of Jewish art objects.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and scalleja
6) Saint Thomas Church
The Saint Thomas Church was built in 1913. It is an Episcopal parish church. The church was built in the French High Gothic style, with stone ornamentation of the later Flamboyant period in the windows and small arches of the triforium. It is famous for its Loening-Hancock gallery organ and for its men and boys choir.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and ExplorerCDT
7) St. Patrick's Cathedral
The St. Patrick's Cathedral is considered to be one of the most wonderful architectural sights in the city. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, it was constructed in 1878. Its special attractions are the numerous unique altars, stained glass windows, marble sculptures, and the giant organ with over 7,000 pipes, designed by George Kilgen & Son.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Sujit kumar
8) St. Malachy's Church
St. Malachy's Church was constructed in 1902, as an integral part of the Theater District. Today it is an active part of its most unusual, most dynamic community. This church is well known for its simple purpose to improve the quality of life of the elders living in New York City, providing seniors with healthy meals, shopping escorts and social events.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and cristiNYCa
9) Holy Cross Church
The Holy Cross Church was founded in 1852. It is considered by locals "an oasis of peace and serenity in one of the busiest areas of the City". This Romanesque edifice is a spacious, cruciform building that features a semi-dome, lighted by nine windows in the upper part. The church is also famous for its altar, that offers an imposing mass of rich architectural and sculptural display.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Holy Cross Church, New York, NY