The church began in 1848, and was designed in the Gothic style to follow the principles of the Camden-Cambridge Society. Those principals were meant to return the Anglican Church and its churches to the religious and architectural ideals of the Middle Ages. Richard Upjohn designed the elaborate brass pulpit and Edwin Booth gave the bible. The Chapel is dedicated to Blessed George Hendric Houghton who is called the "first saint of the American Church" [Episcopal]. The south transcript has two sixteen century Flemish painted wood panels. There is a carved figure of the Good Shepherd done in 1858. Because of Puritan inhibitions it is said to be the first carving of a religious figure for a church in America.
There are several stained glass windows dedicated to and/or depicting dramatic characters and actors. The most famous is depicting Rip Van Winkle, and it's called the Joseph Jefferson Window. Joseph Jefferson was an actor noted for portraying Rip Van Winkle. In 1870 he was rebuffed by one church in arranging for the funeral of his friend George Holland, also an actor. He was told to go to the little church around the corner, where they cater to that type. Hence the name of the church and its connection to the community of actors and musicians. Both men were married; had children and very successful careers. I think the reverent meant that the little church was the place for actors.
From the Tao:
What is a good man but a bad man's teacher?
What is a bad man but a good man's job?
If you don't understand this, you will get lost,
however intelligent you are.
It is the great secret.
1 comment:
Is that Church on Broadway?
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