This combining of architectural austerity with occasional richness of detail was the high taste in architecture practice in those years, 1900-1930. You can also see that approach in the residential and governmental buildings of that era. It is a simple but noble style that has withstood the changing taste of a century.
I've visited St Thomas countless times over the years and had many wonderful opportunities to listen to their beautiful choir. A walk along 5th Ave is complete for me without a stop at St. Patrick's and a short walk to St Thomas.
hands down, my FAVORITE new york city house of worship (temple emanu-el is second, for whatever that comment is worth...). thanks for posting this, where can i get a copy of the entire special on dvd?
I've seen the full documentary of which this is a five minute piece. The documentary creator and the then rector were very diplomatic about some elements of this parish's history in NYC. It is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, once part of the Gilded Ages version of billionaires row (when you do the conversion of their millions into modern dollars it's billions). Vanderbilts, Astors and the whole society page crew some of whom were parishioners, before the rich fled the area as it changed to commercial buildings. After this beautiful church was built around the First World War era and with New York City then in the last gasp of Tammany machine politics (which the then Republican clergy and lay persons of the Episcopal church---hard to believe now--opposed over the years) the City Democrats took revenge. The architects built this in the traditional manner, stone upon stone, no steel frame. The Dem machine made sure a new city run subway line to Queens (called the Independent line meaning free of private control) was built on 53rd street directly under the church. This caused cracks to form in the impressive stonework. The story is the church was forced at their own expense to have a few steel beams inserted at key points in the church including the altar area. Today it is all an era of good feelings and comity but you still hear the subway rumbling during services.
Thank you, John! This is very interesting, to say the least. I noticed that you included a take on political parties. I almost always get repercussions whenever I bring that into the conversations, but I agree with you, the landscape and overall fabric of the city has changed - not for the better. Never thought that the "E" train may have been founded upon a hidden agenda, however. That rumble is still evident throughout the numerous recordings, especially those of the great Marcel Dupre from the year, 1957. I also remember that William Self's book had highlighted the construction of a large office building immediately next door, and that considerable damage to stonework, windows and the organ resulted. Again, thank you for this interesting piece on a wonder of our world!
The USA church organ scene has traditionally been mighty generous to acclaimed organists desiring something better that that which graces the church upon their arrival.For whatever reason it appears that the once-generous donors are somewhat in short supply.The St Thomas project as it stands will be an enormous undertaking spanning 3 years and more like 9 million instead of 8 million usd's.Maybe if long enough passes someone will write a check for the balance. Then again maybe not.
The propaganda about a new organ is garbage. St John the Divine was rebuilt after a fire by Quimby for 1.5 million bucks. Thats all that is needed. A nice rebuild with additions of an enclosed choir and solo.The old pipes are fine and can be revoiced. Throwing out the baby with Why is Dobson always the choice of the ''expert'' consultant? Hmmmmm?Where did this ''consultant'' get all of his expertise? Would be nice to know.Dont try to find out coz its a well kept secret.Nobody will ever know.
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This combining of architectural austerity with occasional richness of detail was the high taste in architecture practice in those years, 1900-1930. You can also see that approach in the residential and governmental buildings of that era. It is a simple but noble style that has withstood the changing taste of a century.
Enjoyed my one visit several years ago. A Majestic edifice for the people to cherish. Andy Mead, now Rector Emeritus, looks oh so young…….
I loved my years as a student and a choir boy at Saint Thomas. The best four years of my life!
I attend the church, that is sooo good to know.
A wonderful survey of Saint Thomas Church. The video is sharp and respects the superb architectural texture of this landmark church.
I've visited St Thomas countless times over the years and had many wonderful opportunities to listen to their beautiful choir. A walk along 5th Ave is complete for me without a stop at St. Patrick's and a short walk to St Thomas.
This is the Church, along with Gerre Hancock, that won me to the Episcopal Church in the 1970s.
me too ca. 3/89
Same for me. Although I live in Cornwall, UK, now, I regard St. Thomas as my home church, and always will.
Welcome home!
Awesome.
@dougjensen They definitely have DVD's at the gift shop. I was there during the Christmas holiday. Try calling the shop directly when they are open.
Amen 🙏
hands down, my FAVORITE new york city house of worship (temple emanu-el is second, for whatever that comment is worth...). thanks for posting this, where can i get a copy of the entire special on dvd?
I've seen the full documentary of which this is a five minute piece. The documentary creator and the then rector were very diplomatic about some elements of this parish's history in NYC. It is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, once part of the Gilded Ages version of billionaires row (when you do the conversion of their millions into modern dollars it's billions). Vanderbilts, Astors and the whole society page crew some of whom were parishioners, before the rich fled the area as it changed to commercial buildings.
After this beautiful church was built around the First World War era and with New York City then in the last gasp of Tammany machine politics (which the then Republican clergy and lay persons of the Episcopal church---hard to believe now--opposed over the years) the City Democrats took revenge. The architects built this in the traditional manner, stone upon stone, no steel frame. The Dem machine made sure a new city run subway line to Queens (called the Independent line meaning free of private control) was built on 53rd street directly under the church. This caused cracks to form in the impressive stonework. The story is the church was forced at their own expense to have a few steel beams inserted at key points in the church including the altar area. Today it is all an era of good feelings and comity but you still hear the subway rumbling during services.
Thank you, John!
This is very interesting, to say the least.
I noticed that you included a take on political parties. I almost always get repercussions whenever I bring that into the conversations, but I agree with you, the landscape and overall fabric of the city has changed - not for the better. Never thought that the "E" train may have been founded upon a hidden agenda, however. That rumble is still evident throughout the numerous recordings, especially those of the great Marcel Dupre from the year,
1957. I also remember that William Self's book had highlighted the construction of a large office building immediately next door, and that considerable damage to stonework, windows and the organ resulted.
Again, thank you for this interesting piece on a wonder of our world!
Beautiful. I miss St. Thomas's so much. Does anyone know where I could see/get a copy of this complete documentary?
@SuzyBriseno
Gate of Heaven DVD can be purchased at Saint Thomas gift shop
I can't find this DVD in the gift shop on the web site.
Please update corrected information regarding credits. Thank you
A beautiful altarpiece, but the rest of the church is indeed austere. That's not a bad thing.
AMONG ALL THESE WORDS, NO MENTION OF GOD.
Ahh huh ahh huh by so right I feel like I'm going to
And...it's air-conditioned.
The USA church organ scene has traditionally been mighty generous to acclaimed organists desiring something better that that which graces the church upon their arrival.For whatever reason it appears that the once-generous donors are somewhat in short supply.The St Thomas project as it stands will be an enormous undertaking spanning 3 years and more like 9 million instead of 8 million usd's.Maybe if long enough passes someone will write a check for the balance. Then again maybe not.
Ahh huh ahh huh
Ahh HUH AHH HUH AHH HUH AHH HUH
The propaganda about a new organ is garbage. St John the Divine was rebuilt after a fire by Quimby for 1.5 million bucks. Thats all that is needed. A nice rebuild with additions of an enclosed choir and solo.The old pipes are fine and can be revoiced. Throwing out the baby with Why is Dobson always the choice of the ''expert'' consultant? Hmmmmm?Where did this ''consultant'' get all of his expertise? Would be nice to know.Dont try to find out coz its a well kept secret.Nobody will ever know.
Everything about G. Donald's "last" monumental instrument is a conspiracy. And, we will never know because those who ever did are gone from us.
Ahh huh ahh huh ahh huh
RichardForce. Is that all you've got to say, Ahh, huh, and Ahh etc.
And what does this Ahh, huh etc, mean?
Beautiful. I miss St. Thomas' so much. Does anyone know where I could see/get a copy of this complete documentary?