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St. Paul'S Chapel

Right. Let’s get this over with. You want the sordid, unvarnished, and frankly, tedious details of St. Paul's Chapel. Fine. Just try not to bore me into a coma.

Chapel in Manhattan, New York City

For those with an overabundance of curiosity, there's a disambiguation page for other places named St. Paul's Chapel. Don't say I didn't warn you.

This particular article, bless its heart, is apparently in need of more citations. A common affliction in the world of dusty facts. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, or perhaps just bored, you can always add them yourself. Otherwise, expect to see unsourced material challenged and, frankly, removed. And yes, I know exactly when you can remove that tiresome maintenance tag. It’s when the information is actually verified.

If you’re the type who insists on hunting for proof, you can try digging through news archives, books, or scholarly journals. Just don’t expect me to hold your hand. Search for "St. Paul's Chapel". Good luck.

United States historic place

  • St. Paul's Chapel

Recognized as a historic place on multiple levels, because apparently one designation isn't enough to satisfy the bureaucracy:

St. Paul's Chapel, situated at 209 Broadway, nestled between Fulton Street and Vesey Street in the heart of Lower Manhattan, is a chapel belonging to the Trinity Church, an Episcopal parish. Constructed in 1766, it holds the distinction of being the oldest standing church building in Manhattan. It’s also considered a prime example of Late Georgian church architecture in the United States.

Its significance was officially recognized in 1960 when it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Further accolades followed in 1966 with its placement on the National Register of Historic Places and its designation as a New York City Landmark. After miraculously enduring the September 11, 2001, attacks and the subsequent collapse of the World Trade Center nearby, the chapel earned the rather quaint nickname, "The Little Chapel That Stood". A testament to its resilience, I suppose.

Architecture

The interior of St. Paul's Chapel, as it appeared in 2012.

As a chapel of the Parish of Trinity Church, St. Paul's occupies land originally granted by Anne, Queen of Great Britain. The main structure was erected between 1764 and 1766, with its spire added a few years later, between 1794 and 1796.

Constructed from Manhattan mica-schist and adorned with brownstone quoins, St. Paul's displays the hallmarks of Georgian churches: a classical portico, rather squat proportions, and domestic details. It’s said to draw inspiration from James Gibbs's [St Martin-in-the-Fields] in London. The spire, octagonal in shape, rises from a square base and is crowned with a replica of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, an ancient Greek structure dating back to around 335 BC. Inside, the chapel presents a rather serene, pale interior with a flat ceiling and cut glass chandeliers, evoking the feel of a contemporary domestic space.

Historically, the chapel’s design has been attributed to Thomas McBean, a Scottish architect who studied under James Gibbs. However, more recent research, notably by historian John Fitzhugh Millar, suggests that Peter Harrison, another architect of note, might actually be responsible for the design. The intricate interior fixtures were the work of master craftsman and furniture maker Andrew Gautier.

Upon its completion in 1766, St. Paul's was the tallest building in New York City. It was situated in a relatively undeveloped area, a deliberate choice as a "chapel-of-ease" for parishioners who found the main mother church inconveniently located.

A statue of the chapel’s patron saint, Saint Paul, carved from tulip poplar wood by an unnamed sculptor, was installed on the Broadway facade in 1790. [7] By 2016, to protect it from the ravages of time and weather, the statue was moved indoors. A resin replica now stands in its place. [8] Beneath the east window lies the monument to Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War who met his end at the Battle of Quebec (1775). The first bell in the spire bears the inscription "Mears London, Fecit [Made] 1797." A second bell, added in 1866, commemorates the chapel's centenary.

History

Early history

The Hearts of Oak, a militia unit formed early in the American Revolutionary War, which included students from King's College (now Columbia University), used the chapel's yard for drills. Alexander Hamilton himself was an officer in this unit. St. Paul's remarkably survived the Great New York City Fire of 1776, an event that consumed a quarter of the city, including Trinity Church, after the British occupation following the Battle of Long Island.

On April 30, 1789, George Washington, accompanied by members of the United States Congress, attended services at St. Paul's Chapel to mark his Inauguration Day. [9] Washington continued to worship at St. Paul's during the two years New York City served as the nation's capital. Above where his pew once stood (removed during renovations in the 2010s [10]) hangs an 18th-century oil painting of the Great Seal of the United States, adopted in 1782.

The chapel houses several monuments and memorials that underscore its historical importance in early New York. These include a monument to Richard Montgomery, sculpted by [Jean-Jacques Caffieri] in 1777, and a Neo-Baroque sculpture titled "Glory," designed by Pierre L'Enfant, the very individual responsible for the layout of Washington, D.C.. The pulpit is adorned with a coronet and feathers, and fourteen original cut glass chandeliers illuminate the nave and galleries.

From left to right: St. Paul's Chapel, Astor House, U.S. Post Office, c.1905

September 11, 2001 attacks

St. Paul's Chapel, located on Church Street, faced the east side of the World Trade Center site. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, which culminated in the catastrophic collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the chapel became a crucial sanctuary for the recovery workers.

For nine months, an unwavering stream of hundreds of volunteers dedicated themselves to round-the-clock shifts. They provided meals, made beds, offered counseling, and shared prayers with firefighters, construction workers, police officers, and others involved in the recovery efforts. Medical professionals, including massage therapists, chiropractors, and podiatrists, as well as musicians, also contributed their skills and solace.

Remarkably, the chapel emerged from the devastation unscathed, not even a broken window. Its survival was largely attributed to a large sycamore tree on the northwest corner of the property. This tree absorbed the impact of falling debris, bearing the brunt of the damage. The preserved root of this tree is now part of a bronze memorial created by sculptor Steve Tobin. While the church’s organ sustained damage from smoke and dust, it has since been meticulously refurbished and is once again in use. [11]

Following the September 11 attacks, the chapel was transformed into a makeshift memorial. The fence surrounding the chapel grounds became a focal point for visitors wishing to leave spontaneous tributes. As it became overwhelmed with flowers, photographs, teddy bears, and other mementos, Trinity officials began erecting panels to accommodate the growing number of offerings. What was initially estimated to require only 15 panels eventually grew to 400.

On December 27, 2001, Rudy Giuliani delivered his final mayoral address at the chapel. [12][13]

Even today, the chapel retains many of the memorial banners displayed throughout the sanctuary and maintains an extensive collection of audio-visual materials documenting the events. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the "Healing Hearts and Minds" exhibit, featuring a police uniform adorned with patches from police and fire departments across the United States, including those from Iowa, West Virginia, and California. Another prominent exhibit is the "Thread Project," comprising numerous banners of various colors, woven from threads sourced globally, and hung from the upper level, cascading over the pews.

Renovations

A significant restoration of the chapel's exterior commenced in 2013. The facade underwent repairs, with the rusticated Manhattan schist blocks and sandstone accents meticulously restored or patched. The steeple clock was modernized with a new digital system, its bells maintained, and the clock faces refurbished. Some original clockwork components were preserved as historical artifacts. The cornices were treated with a sand-infused paint, echoing the original coatings, and broken window panes were replaced with glass crafted to replicate the imperfections of antique glass.

Simultaneously, the parish undertook a restoration of its churchyard. Long considered a tranquil haven amidst the bustle of lower Manhattan, the churchyard had suffered from decades of wear and tear, exacerbated by a surge in tourism. Issues such as soil erosion, compaction, inadequate irrigation, and overgrown trees were addressed. The sensitive nature of the site, containing human remains, fragile grave markers, and mature tree roots, necessitated careful, surface-level work, all performed by hand.

Interior renovations during this period included the removal of the box pews to allow for more adaptable use of the space, the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system, and a repainting of the interior with a more historically accurate off-white color scheme. The organ was replaced with a 1989 Noack instrument, skillfully integrated into the historic organ case. [10][14][15]

Services

St. Paul's Chapel, as it appeared in 1937.

St. Paul's Chapel remains an active part of the Parish of Trinity Church, hosting regular services, weekday concerts, and occasional lectures.

On the evening of September 10, 2006, a solemn memorial service was held at St. Paul's Chapel, attended by President George W. Bush, Senator Hillary Clinton, Governor George Pataki, and mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani. [16] The chapel also hosted additional services commemorating the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The chapel has a long history of hosting distinguished worshippers. George Washington himself attended services here on his Inauguration Day, April 30, 1789. During the period when New York City served as the nation's capital, Washington frequented St. Paul's while Trinity Church was undergoing reconstruction. Above the location of Washington's former pew hangs a painting of the Great Seal of the United States (adopted in 1782), commissioned by the vestry in 1785. The artist remains unknown.

Directly opposite Washington’s pew was the governor's pew, used by George Clinton, the first governor of New York State, during his visits. The former location is marked by the arms of the State of New York, a tribute to his service. Among other notable historical worshippers were Prince William, later William IV of the United Kingdom; Lord Cornwallis; Sir William Howe, the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in America; and several U.S. presidents, including Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and George H. W. Bush.

Burials

Landmark designations

The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, [3][17][18] partly because it holds the distinction of being the oldest public building in continuous use in New York City. [citation needed] It was subsequently designated a New York City designated landmark in 1966. [19]

In 2016, the New York Landmarks Conservancy honored both the chapel and churchyard restoration projects with its prestigious Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award.

Gallery

  • Monument to Richard Montgomery, above his tomb
  • "Healing Hearts and Minds," an exhibit inside the chapel, featuring a chasuble covered with police and firefighter patches from around the world. A British bobby's helmet is placed on top.
  • Interfaith service at St. Paul's Chapel on September 11, 2006.
  • View from the southeast, looking across Broadway, circa 1882.
  • View from the cemetery, 1914.

See also

References

  • ^ "Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS)". New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. November 7, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  • ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 15, 2006.
  • ^ a b "St. Paul's Chapel". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. September 11, 2007. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014.
  • ^ Nevius, Michelle & Nevius, James (2009). Inside the Apple: A Streetwise History of New York City. New York: Free Press. p. 108. ISBN) 141658997X.
  • ^ "NHL nomination for St. Paul's Chapel". National Park Service. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  • ^ Millar, John Fitzhugh (October 2, 2014). The Buildings of Peter Harrison: Cataloguing the Work of the First Global Architect, 1716–1775. McFarland. p. 209. ISBN) 978-1-4766-1574-5.
  • ^ Mai, Andy; Slattery, Denis (October 5, 2016). "St. Paul statue returns to old Manhattan chapel after removed in 2015 for cleaning and repair". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  • ^ "St. Paul's Chapel | Trinity Church". trinitychurchnyc.org. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  • ^ Davidson, Roger H., Walter J. Oleszek (2006). Congress and Its Members. CQ Press. p. 13. {{cite book}} : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • ^ a b "St. Paul's Chapel". MBB Architects. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  • ^ Siemaszko, Corky; Kemp, Joe (April 9, 2009). "Church organ from St. Paul's Chapel – damaged in 9/11 attacks – returned in time for Easter". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  • ^ Cardwell, Diane (December 28, 2001). "In Final Address, Giuliani Envisions Soaring Memorial". The New York Times. ISSN) 0362-4331. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  • ^ "Retiring Rudy Says He Did Job His Way; Delivers farewell address at historic church". New York Daily News. December 28, 2001. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  • ^ Dunlap, David W. (August 1, 2016). "Super White or White Dove? Restoring St. Paul's Colonial Color". The New York Times. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  • ^ "Pipe Organs | Trinity Church". trinitychurchnyc.org. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  • ^ "St. Paul's and the Three Georges". St. Paul's Chapel. September 10, 2006. Archived from the original on December 2, 2006.
  • ^ Heintzelman, Patricia (October 11, 1975). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: St. Paul's Chapel" (pdf). National Park Service.
  • ^ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: St. Paul's Chapel—Accompanying photos" (pdf). National Park Service. 1975.
  • ^ "Saint Paul's Chapel and Graveyard" (PDF). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. August 16, 1966. Retrieved July 17, 2020.

External links

  • Wikimedia Commons has media related to St. Paul's Chapel.

  • The Parish of Trinity Church – Official website

  • The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine – Mother Church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York

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