St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery

St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery is a historic Episcopal Church located in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The church has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, with ties to notable figures such as Peter Stuyvesant, William Beekman, and Alexander Hamilton. It has been a part of the Diocese of New York since its inception and has been associated with various Anglican institutions, including the General Theological Seminary and Trinity Church. The church's history is also connected to the American Revolution, with George Washington and other founding fathers attending services there.

● History

The history of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery dates back to 1711, when it was founded by Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch West India Company's director-general, and a group of Dutch Reformed colonists. The church's early years were marked by its association with the Dutch Reformed Church and its connection to the New Amsterdam colony. In 1793, the church became part of the Episcopal Church, with Samuel Provoost, the Bishop of New York, playing a key role in its transition. The church has also been associated with notable events, including the New York City draft riots and the American Civil War, with Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant attending services there. The church's history is also tied to the women's suffrage movement, with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony speaking at the church.

● Architecture

The architecture of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery is a unique blend of Georgian and Gothic Revival styles, with influences from Dutch Colonial and Federal styles. The church's design is attributed to John McComb Jr., a prominent New York City architect, who also designed other notable buildings, including the Old City Hall and the Hamilton Grange. The church's steeple is a notable feature, with its design inspired by the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in London. The church's interior features a pipe organ built by Ernest M. Skinner, a renowned organ builder, and a collection of stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge. The church's architecture is also notable for its use of brownstone, a type of sandstone commonly used in New York City buildings, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York Public Library.

● Ministry and Programs

The ministry and programs of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery are diverse and far-reaching, with a focus on social justice and community outreach. The church is a member of the Episcopal Church's Diocese of New York and is associated with various Episcopal institutions, including the General Theological Seminary and the Episcopal Divinity School. The church's programs include a food bank and a soup kitchen, which serve the local East Village community, as well as a youth program and a music program, which feature performances by notable musicians, including Leonard Bernstein and Duke Ellington. The church is also a popular venue for weddings and funerals, with notable services including the funeral of Allen Ginsberg and the wedding of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

● Notable People

St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery has been associated with numerous notable people throughout its history, including Peter Stuyvesant, William Beekman, and Alexander Hamilton. The church's pulpit has been occupied by notable clergy, including Samuel Provoost, the Bishop of New York, and Harry Emerson Fosdick, a prominent Baptist minister. The church has also been a popular venue for concerts and performances, with notable performers including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Patti Smith. The church's congregation has included notable figures, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, and Emma Lazarus, who are all buried in the church's cemetery. The church has also been associated with notable artists, including Keith Haring, who created a mural on the church's bathroom wall, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, who often attended services at the church.

● Preservation Efforts

The preservation efforts of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery are ongoing, with a focus on maintaining the church's historic architecture and interior. The church has been designated as a New York City landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church's preservation society works to raise funds and awareness for the church's preservation, with support from notable organizations, including the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The church's preservation efforts are also supported by notable individuals, including Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Taylor Mead, who have all been involved in efforts to preserve the church's historic neighborhood. The church's preservation is also tied to the preservation of the surrounding East Village neighborhood, with efforts to preserve the Tenement Museum and the Lower East Side's historic synagogues, including the Eldridge Street Synagogue and the Bialystoker Synagogue.

Category:Episcopal churches in New York City