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Riverside Church

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The Riverside Church<br /> <br /> This photo faces the entrance. It is two photos stitched together, top and bottom exposures.
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The Riverside Church

This photo faces the entrance. It is two photos stitched together, top and bottom exposures.

churchcathedralphotoKent Beckernot my day job photographyNew YorkRiverside

  • The Riverside Church I recently read Titan, Ron Chernow’s outstanding biography of John D. Rockefeller and it made me realize the substantial influence of the Rockefeller family on New York City. Examples of prominent New York institutions include Rockefeller University (John D. Rockefeller), Rockefeller Plaza (John D. Rockefeller Jr.), Lincoln Center (John D. Rockefeller III), World Trade Center (David Rockefeller), and Botanical Gardens (Peggy Rockefeller). Another example is The Riverside Church, an interdenominational American Baptist and United Church of Christ church conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Harry Fosdick completed in 1930. The architecture of Riverside Church was inspired by Chartres Cathedral in France; it is the tallest church in the U.S. and 24th tallest in the world. The church is home to lively political discussion with notable speakers including Martin Luther King Jr. who voiced his opposition to the Vietnam War in 1964, Bill Clinton, Secretary-General of the UN Kofi Annan, Cesar Chavez, Jesse Jackson, Reinhold Niebuhr, Desmond Tutu, Fidel Castro, and Nelson Mandela. The church provides various social services including a food bank and HIV counseling. It has family, prison, AIDS, immigrants’ rights, and anti-death penalty ministries. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverside_Church">Wikipedia</a> for more detail. According to “The Riverside Church” available at the church gift shop, the church’s story began as early as 1841 in a modest building on the lower east side. “For decades the lay members and pastors sought to be a progressive church and to enrich the spiritual life of the wider community. More and more people came to the doors. Finding more than once that a larger building was needed for the expression of its ministry, this vigorous church moved farther and farther north like the rapidly expanding city itself.“ “The Park Avenue Baptist Church provided the community a daily, year-round ministry. Over the years, members of the congregation had been struggling with the rising controversy between fundamentalism and modernism in the interpretation of the Bible.” As the minister of the church prepared for retirement, members “…became deeply interested in the inspired preaching of Harry Emerson Fosdick. Dr. Fosdick had become a key figure in this debate, as a result of his sermon of May 21, 1922 at the First Presbyterian Church in New York City, titled “Shall the Fundamentalists Win? Led by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. an active layman in the church, the membership called Dr. Fosdick in 1925. He agreed, on three conditions: First, affirmation of faith in Christ must be the only requirement for membership. Second, any Christian, regardless of denomination, seeking admission to the church, must be freely welcomed. Third, a new and larger building and a more expansive ministry should be planned in a neighborhood critical to the life of the whole city. The Park Avenue Baptist Church weighed seriously the terms of his acceptance but proved itself ready for his challenge. Dr. Fosdick and the congregation recognized a compelling need for a Protestant parish church to minister to the thousands of people drawn to Morningside Heights by Columbia University, Barnard College, Teachers College, Union Theological Seminary, the Jewish Theological Seminary, International House, and St. Luke’s Hospital. A site was chosen and plans for the new building were drawn in 1926. The building was financed primarily through the sale of properties of the church on Park Avenue and the generous donations of a few individuals, particularly John D. Rockefeller Jr., under whose leadership a building committee was established.” “The architects, Charles Collens and Henry C. Pelton, traveled through France and Spain to visit cathedrals and to assimilate the best architectural concepts of Gothic grandeur and contemporary usefulness. The Riverside Church cornerstone was laid on November 20, 1927 and within a year the enormous nave was standing.” “The church opened its doors to people of all races and nations, and sought to appeal to the needs and concerns of people of all economic backgrounds.” From Titan: “Formally dedicated in 1931, the church was an ecumenical shrine that seemed to bridge both the spiritual and temporal worlds. Instead of saintly statues lining the chancel screen, one found scientists, doctors, educators, social reformers, and political leaders, including Louis Pasteur, Hippocrates, Florence Nightingale, and Abraham Lincoln. Statues of Confucius, Buddha, Mohammed, and Moses stared down from the archivolts above the main portal, while Darwin and Einstein occupied honored niches. After a few years, the congregation was both interdenominational and interracial, with fewer than a third of the members coming from Baptist backgrounds. Once exponents of the old-time religion, the Rockefellers had now advanced into the vanguard of liberal Protestantism and were loudly denounced by conservative theologians for desecrating the true church.” Thirty years after left-wing social reformers had vilified the Rockefellers, the family, under Junior’s influence, was now being excoriated from the right. In 1935, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. who had been the principal lay donor to the Northern Baptist Church, made his last annual gift. “What gives me pause,” he said in his valedictory letter, “is the tendency inherent in denominations to emphasize the form instead of the substance, the denominational peculiarity instead of the oneness of Christian purpose.”
  • The Riverside Church Chancel Screen<br /> <br /> From a Riverside Church pamphlet:<br /> <br /> "The chancel screen is carved in white French Caen stone, filling seven arches above and behind the choir. The delicate tracery of this screen supports eighty figures of men and women who, through the ages, have been leading examples of specific aspects of the life of Christ. In each arch, a statue of Jesus is at the center. Moving from left to right, the panels contain figures in Physicians, Teachers, Prophets, Humanitarians, Missionaries, Reformers, and Lovers of Beauty. Included among them are Abraham Lincoln, Booker T. Washington, Florence Nightingale, Louis Pasteur, David Livingston, Martin Luther, Saint Francis, Socrates and man other historical and Biblical figures, This chancel screen and most of the stone carving at Riverside was done by the Piccirilli Brothers, working from their studio in New York City.<br /> <br /> With the exception of the chancel screen described above, most of the stone in the Nave is Indian limestone.” “Native American oak is used throughout The Riverside Church. It is crafted into pews and here, in the chancel, it is intricately carved. The choir stalls, each unique, include numerous figures found in the Psalms. The oak railing before the choir stalls on the right is titled, “I will sing unto the Lord” and is inspired by Psalm 104. The wood carving in the church was crated by a team of Norwegian artists working in New York City.”
  • The Riverside Church<br /> <br /> This photo faces the entrance. It is two photos stitched together, top and bottom exposures.
  • The Riverside Church Chancel Screen<br /> <br /> From a Riverside Church pamphlet:<br /> <br /> "The chancel screen is carved in white French Caen stone, filling seven arches above and behind the choir. The delicate tracery of this screen supports eighty figures of men and women who, through the ages, have been leading examples of specific aspects of the life of Christ. In each arch, a statue of Jesus is at the center. Moving from left to right, the panels contain figures in Physicians, Teachers, Prophets, Humanitarians, Missionaries, Reformers, and Lovers of Beauty. Included among them are Abraham Lincoln, Booker T. Washington, Florence Nightingale, Louis Pasteur, David Livingston, Martin Luther, Saint Francis, Socrates and man other historical and Biblical figures, This chancel screen and most of the stone carving at Riverside was done by the Piccirilli Brothers, working from their studio in New York City."<br /> <br /> The statue at the top center of the photograph is Christ the Humanitarian. To the left of Christ (facing the photo) is Valentin Hauy (1745-1822, founder of the first school for the blind) and Abraham Lincoln is the similar sized statue to the left. The small stature to Lincoln’s left is Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) and Samuel Chapman Armstrong (1839-1893, American educator and commissioned officer in the Union Army during the Civil War). Under Lincoln is a statue of John Howard (1726-1790, educator and prison reformer). To Christ’s right is a statue of Ann Judson (1789-1826, one of the first female American foreign missionaries) with The Family Doctor to the right of Judson. Small statues around The Family Doctor are Walter Reed (left, 1851-1902, Army physician) and Edward Jenner (right, 1749-1823, pioneer of smallpox vaccine). Below The Family Doctor is William Booth (1829-1912, founder of The Salvation Army). Below Christ is The Good Samaritan.
  • Jamb Statues at The Riverside Church
  • The Riverside Church Narthex Stained Glass Windows<br /> <br /> From "The Riverside Church":<br /> <br /> “In the narthex are the only original Renaissance windows in the church. The two 16th century Flemish windows are from a church probably threatened or destroyed during the French Revolution. Later the English inscriptions were added. The two windows illustrate events, miracles, and parables in the life of Christ.”
  • The Riverside Church Narthex Stained Glass Windows<br /> <br /> From "The Riverside Church":<br /> <br /> “In the narthex are the only original Renaissance windows in the church. The two 16th century Flemish windows are from a church probably threatened or destroyed during the French Revolution. Later the English inscriptions were added. The two windows illustrate events, miracles, and parables in the life of Christ.”
  • The Riverside Church Narthex Stained Glass Windows<br /> <br /> From "The Riverside Church":<br /> <br /> “In the narthex are the only original Renaissance windows in the church. The two 16th century Flemish windows are from a church probably threatened or destroyed during the French Revolution. Later the English inscriptions were added. The two windows illustrate events, miracles, and parables in the life of Christ.”
  • The Riverside Church International Stained Glass Window<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from International Window at The Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from International Window at The Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • The Riverside Church Humanity Stained Glass Window<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from Humanity Window at The Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from Humanity Window at The Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from Humanity Window at Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Riverside Church Scholars Stained Glass Window<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from Scholars Window at Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from Scholars Window at Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Panel from Scholars Window at Riverside Church<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
  • Riverside Church Music Stained Glass Window<br /> <br /> Stained glass windows at Riverside Church are in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral in France and made in the U.S. and France. Many subjects of the aisle windows relate directly to modern history, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, treated in the Gothic spirit. Other windows celebrate the accomplishments of Aristotle, Socrates, John Calvin, and Roger Williams. I haven’t been able to find the names of the artists that created the windows.<br /> <br /> There are ten aisle windows with the west aisle windows representing the following themes: Agriculture, Reformers, Bible, State, and Builders with the east windows representing International, Humanity, Scholars, Music, and Children. The aisle clerestory windows (upper windows) symbolize the communication of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, according to the church publication I referenced in the first photo.
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