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Saint Thomas Church

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Saint Thomas Church Chantry Chapel<br /> <br /> This is the gilded and polychromed wood reredos in the Chantry Chapel and is Florentine in design.
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Saint Thomas Church Chantry Chapel

This is the gilded and polychromed wood reredos in the Chantry Chapel and is Florentine in design.

churchcathedralphotoKent Beckernot my day job photographyEpiscopalAnglicanchapel

  • Saint Thomas Church<br /> <br /> Saint Thomas church was founded in 1823 with the first building completed in 1826 at Broadway and Houston. The church burned down in 1851 and was replaced. The third church was finished in 1870 at 5th Avenue and 53rd street; it also burned down. Construction on the present building started 1911 and was completed in 1914. It was designed by the architectural firm of Cram, Goodhue and Ferguson. The firm also designed Saint Bartholomew Church, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the chapel and a large part of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Princeton University Chapel, and the Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago. The church was the site of many high society weddings including Consuelo Vanderbilt to Charles Spencer-Churchill, the first cousin of Winston Churchill. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the church held an interfaith service addressed by Prime Minister Tony Blair and broadcast live through the U.K. Music is an important component of worship at Saint Thomas Church. The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys follows in the Anglican tradition of the all male choral ensemble; the Saint Thomas Choir School is the only church–affiliated boarding choir school in the U.S.<br /> <br /> I have been to Saint Thomas several times to photograph the church. Saint Thomas allows photography during quiet times as long as you respect those around you. During worship services, they do not allow photography. However, for large periods of time in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon, photography is allowed. <br /> <br /> Unlike Saint Patrick’s a few blocks away on 5th Avenue, there were not many people in the church on my visits. People don’t know what they are missing as this classic Gothic church is a wonderful, beautiful place. The church has a walking tour guide that describes the various highlights of the church and this guide is my primary source.
  • Saint Thomas Church Rose Window and Organ <br><br> The Rose Window is 25 feet in diameter and is late French Gothic. Flamboyant in design, it is similar to the west rose window of Amiens Cathedral (1221) according to the Saint Thomas guide. Below the window is the Loening-Hancock Organ. It is a mechanical or tracker two-manual instrument with pedal, 22 stops, 32 ranks, and 1,551 pipes. I have no idea what that means, but it sounds impressive. It was built in 1996 by Taylor and Boody Organbuilders of Stanton, Virginia. The highly ornamented case is influenced by 16th century Dutch organ builders according to Saint Thomas. <br><br> James Humphries Hogan (1883-1948) designed stained glass windows at Saint Thomas. He was a great stained glass artist for James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. of London from age 14 until his death in 1948. He made great windows for many of England’s churches including the 100 foot high central windows of Liverpool Cathedral. Some consider the windows at Saint Thomas to be some of the finest designs. <br><br> The firm of James Powell and Sons, also known as Whitefriars Glass, were English glassmakers and stained glass window manufacturers. The company started in the 17th century but became well known as a result of the 19th century Gothic Revival. In 1962 the company name was changed back to Whitefriars Glass Ltd. It specialized in freeform glass ware until Caithness Glass purchased the firm in 1981. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Humphries_Hogan">Wikpedia</a> for more detail. <br><br> In 2007, conservation began on the windows. It required three years and $20 million to restore the 9 million pieces of glass. The largest windows will required 4,500 man hours, the labor of one artisan for two and a half years. See the <a href="http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/about/glass">Saint Thomas website</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin">a New York Times article</a> for more detail.
  • Saint Thomas Church Great Reredos<br /> <br /> The Great Reredos is the first item that catches a visitors’ eye when entering Saint Thomas. A reredos is an altarpiece, or a screen or decoration behind the altar in a church, usually depicting religious iconography or images. It is said to be the largest reredos in the world at 80 feet high and 43 feet wide. Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston and depict the 12 Apostles, nine Hebrew prophets, Mary, John, and Christ, among others. Can you find George Washington? Extreme right, the third statue from the bottom.
  • Saint Thomas Reredos by Bertram Goodhue, Figures Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston and depict the 12 Apostles, nine Hebrew prophets, Mary, John, and Christ, among others. The figure to the lower left hand corner is Saint Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, lower right is Saint Peter, upper left, Saint James the Great, and upper right, Saint Andrew.<br /> <br /> The carvings are from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church Reredos Statues of Christ the King (center), Blessed Virgin Mary (left), Saint John (right), Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> It is difficult to make out details of the spectacular Saint Thomas Church reredos, even from the closest pews. To provide more detail, I used a telephoto lens at 320 mm to capture the great detail of the statues. Christ the King is the center statue with the Blessed Virgin Mary on the left, and Saint John on the right.<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church Reredos Statue of Saint Paul Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> It is difficult to make out details of the spectacular Saint Thomas Church reredos, even from the closest pews. To provide more detail, I used a telephoto lens at 320 mm to capture the great detail of the statues. This is Saint Paul located in the extreme right of the reredos in the center.<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church Reredos Statue of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Philip Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> It is difficult to make out details of the spectacular Saint Thomas Church reredos, even from the closest pews. To provide more detail, I used a telephoto lens at 320 mm to capture the great detail of the statues. This is Saint Bartholomew on the left and Saint Philip on the right.<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church Reredos Statue of Saint James Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> It is difficult to make out details of the spectacular Saint Thomas Church reredos, even from the closest pews. To provide more detail, I used a telephoto lens at 320 mm to capture the great detail of the statues. This is Saint James.<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church Reredos Statue of George Washington Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> It is difficult to make out details of the spectacular Saint Thomas Church reredos, even from the closest pews. To provide more detail, I used a telephoto lens at 320 mm to capture the great detail of the statues. This is George Washington located in the extreme right of the reredos in the center.<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church Reredos Statue of Saint Peter Shaped by Lee Lawrie<br /> <br /> It is difficult to make out details of the spectacular Saint Thomas Church reredos, even from the closest pews. To provide more detail, I used a telephoto lens at 320 mm to capture the great detail of the statues. This is Saint Peter.<br /> <br /> Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was responsible for the theme and figures and won the American Institute of Architects’ gold medal in 1925 for this effort. Sculptor Lee Lawrie shaped the figures' appearances, reflecting the individual personalities. Goodhue designed the church with Ralph Adams Cram. The carvings were executed in Boston from Dunville stone from Downsville, Wisconsin. When illuminated, the stone assumes the cast of ivory, according to "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church."
  • Saint Thomas Church World War I Memorial by Lee Lawrie <br><br> At the top is the Archangel Michael, who drives his lance into the dragon. Below is relief of American soldiers going from America (represented by Saint Thomas Church) to France (represented by Rheims Catheral). The names on the wall are parishioners who served in the war. The names in gold at the top are those who gave their lives. The colored shields on the stone above the door are the branches of the armed services. On the door are the shields of the Allied Nations. Information from "A Walking Tour of Saint Thomas Church." <br><br> Lee Lawrie (1877-1963) was one of the foremost architectural sculptors and a key figure in the American art scene preceding World War II, according to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Lawrie ">Wikipedia. </a> He produced over 300 commissions in styles ranging from Modern Gothic, Beaux-Arts Classicism and finally into Moderne or Art Deco. He worked on details on the Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln, Nebraska and some of the architectural sculpture and, his most prominent work, the free-standing bronze Atlas (installed 1937) at New York City's Rockefeller Center. <br><br> Lawrie collaborated with architects Ralph Adams Cram and Bertram Goodhue that brought him widespread acclaim as one of the greatest architectural sculptors in America. Lawrie continued to work with Goodhue after the breakup of the Cram, Goodhue firm in 1914. After Goodhue’s premature death in 1924, Lawrie continued to work with his successors. Lawrie's collaborations with Goodhue are arguably the most highly developed example of architectural sculpture in American architectural history according to Wikipedia. <br><br> After Goodhue's death, Lawrie went on to produce important and highly visible work under Raymond Hood at Rockefeller Center in New York City, which included the Atlas in collaboration with Rene Paul Chambellan. The statue is 45 feet tall with a 15-foot figure of Atlas supporting an armillary sphere. Above the entrance to 30 Rockeller Plaza is Lawrie’s Wisdom, an Art Deco piece and one of the most visible works in the complex. Other Lawrie works include: <br><br> • Allegorical relief panels called Courage, Patriotism and Wisdom over the entry doors to United States Senate chamber • Nebraska State Capital Building • L.A. Public Library • Louisiana State Capital Building • Peace Memorial at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania • Statue of George Washington, National Cathedral, Washington, D.C • Harkness Memorial Tower at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut • National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the bronze doors of the John Adams Building at the Library of Congress Annex, both in Washington, D.C • Designed sculptures for the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial in Brittany, France executed by Jean Juge of Paris and the French sculptor, Augustine Beggi.
  • Saint Thomas Church World War I Memorial by Lee Lawrie <br><br> At the top is the Archangel Michael, who drives his lance into the dragon. Below is relief of American soldiers going from America (represented by Saint Thomas Church) to France (represented by Rheims Catheral). According to a Latin to English translator I found on the web, Quis Ut Deus means "Anyone to God." <br><br> Lee Lawrie (1877-1963) was one of the foremost architectural sculptors and a key figure in the American art scene preceding World War II, according to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Lawrie ">Wikipedia. </a> He produced over 300 commissions in styles ranging from Modern Gothic, Beaux-Arts Classicism and finally into Moderne or Art Deco. He worked on details on the Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln, Nebraska and some of the architectural sculpture and, his most prominent work, the free-standing bronze Atlas (installed 1937) at New York City's Rockefeller Center. <br><br> Lawrie collaborated with architects Ralph Adams Cram and Bertram Goodhue that brought him widespread acclaim as one of the greatest architectural sculptors in America. Lawrie continued to work with Goodhue after the breakup of the Cram, Goodhue firm in 1914. After Goodhue’s premature death in 1924, Lawrie continued to work with his successors. Lawrie's collaborations with Goodhue are arguably the most highly developed example of architectural sculpture in American architectural history according to Wikipedia. <br><br> After Goodhue's death, Lawrie went on to produce important and highly visible work under Raymond Hood at Rockefeller Center in New York City, which included the Atlas in collaboration with Rene Paul Chambellan. The statue is 45 feet tall with a 15-foot figure of Atlas supporting an armillary sphere. Above the entrance to 30 Rockeller Plaza is Lawrie’s Wisdom, an Art Deco piece and one of the most visible works in the complex. <br><br> Other Lawrie works include: <br><br> • Allegorical relief panels called Courage, Patriotism and Wisdom over the entry doors to United States Senate chamber • Nebraska State Capital Building • L.A. Public Library • Louisiana State Capital Building • Peace Memorial at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania • Statue of George Washington, National Cathedral, Washington, D.C • Harkness Memorial Tower at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut • National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the bronze doors of the John Adams Building at the Library of Congress Annex, both in Washington, D.C • Designed sculptures for the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial in Brittany, France executed by Jean Juge of Paris and the French sculptor, Augustine Beggi.
  • Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue Entrance<br /> <br /> The large center trumeau statue is Saint Thomas, tympanum statue directly above is of Christ the King.
  • Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue Entrance Jamb Statues<br /> <br /> Jamb statues of Saint Peter, Andrew, and James the Great.
  • Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue Entrance Jamb Statues<br /> <br /> Jamb statues of Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Philip, and Saint Paul.
  • Meekness and Faith (1930) Stained Glass Window by James Humphries Hogan of James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. <br><br> This window is in the Chantry Chapel also known as The Lady Chapel, which is dedicated to Our Lady, Saint Mary the Virgin. There are four windows in the chapel-all in honor of women in the Scriptures. One window was completed in 1929 and the other three in 1930. This window is Meekness and Faith, which is furthest from the altar. On the left side, which represents Meekness, is Saint Helena and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary represents Faith on the right side. The four windows were made possible by donations from the Burden family. The left window says “The Glory of God and in Memory of” and the right hand side “Alice Twombly Burden Born 3 Jan. 1905 Died Feb. 6 1905”. Thanks to David Daniel at Saint Thomas for information on the windows. <br><br> James Humphries Hogan (1883-1948) designed stained glass windows at Saint Thomas including this wondow. He was a noted stained glass artist for James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. of London from age 14 until his death in 1948. He made windows for many of England’s churches including the 100 foot high central windows of Liverpool Cathedral. Some consider the windows at Saint Thomas to be some of the finest designs. <br><br> The firm of James Powell and Sons, also known as Whitefriars Glass, was an English glassmaker and stained glass window manufacturer. The company started in the 17th century but became well known as a result of the 19th century Gothic Revival. In 1962 the company name was changed back to Whitefriars Glass Ltd. It specialized in freeform glass ware until Caithness Glass purchased the firm in 1981. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Humphries_Hogan">Wikpedia</a> for more detail. <br><br> In 2007, conservation began on the windows. It required three years and $20 million to restore the 9 million pieces of glass. The largest windows each required 4,500 man hours, the labor of one artisan for two and a half years. See the <a href="http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/about/glass">Saint Thomas website</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin">a New York Times article</a> for more detail.
  • Goodness and Gentleness (1930) Stained Glass Window by James Humphries Hogan of James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. <br><br> This window is in the Chantry Chapel also known as The Lady Chapel, which is dedicated to Our Lady, Saint Mary the Virgin. There are four windows in the chapel-all in honor of women in the Scriptures. One window was completed in 1929 and the other three in 1930. This window is Goodness and Gentleness. On the left side, which represents Goodness, is Saint Agnes and Saint Dorothy represents Gentleness on the right side. The four windows were made possible by donations from the Burden family. Thanks to David Daniel at Saint Thomas for information on the windows. <br><br> James Humphries Hogan (1883-1948) designed stained glass windows at Saint Thomas including this wondow. He was a noted stained glass artist for James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. of London from age 14 until his death in 1948. He made windows for many of England’s churches including the 100 foot high central windows of Liverpool Cathedral. Some consider the windows at Saint Thomas to be some of the finest designs. <br><br> The firm of James Powell and Sons, also known as Whitefriars Glass, was an English glassmaker and stained glass window manufacturer. The company started in the 17th century but became well known as a result of the 19th century Gothic Revival. In 1962 the company name was changed back to Whitefriars Glass Ltd. It specialized in freeform glass ware until Caithness Glass purchased the firm in 1981. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Humphries_Hogan">Wikpedia</a> for more detail. <br><br> In 2007, conservation began on the windows. It required three years and $20 million to restore the 9 million pieces of glass. The largest windows each required 4,500 man hours, the labor of one artisan for two and a half years. See the <a href="http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/about/glass">Saint Thomas website</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin">a New York Times article</a> for more detail.
  • Longsuffering and Peace (1930) Stained Glass Window by James Humphries Hogan of James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. <br><br> This window is in the Chantry Chapel also known as The Lady Chapel, which is dedicated to Our Lady, Saint Mary the Virgin. There are four windows in the chapel-all in honor of women in the Scriptures. One window was completed in 1929 and the other three in 1930. This window is Longsuffering and Peace. On the left side, which represents Longsuffering, is Dorca and Phebe represents Peace on the right side. The four windows were made possible by donations from the Burden family. Thanks to David Daniel at Saint Thomas for information on the windows. <br><br> James Humphries Hogan (1883-1948) designed stained glass windows at Saint Thomas including this wondow. He was a noted stained glass artist for James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. of London from age 14 until his death in 1948. He made windows for many of England’s churches including the 100 foot high central windows of Liverpool Cathedral. Some consider the windows at Saint Thomas to be some of the finest designs. <br><br> The firm of James Powell and Sons, also known as Whitefriars Glass, was an English glassmaker and stained glass window manufacturer. The company started in the 17th century but became well known as a result of the 19th century Gothic Revival. In 1962 the company name was changed back to Whitefriars Glass Ltd. It specialized in freeform glass ware until Caithness Glass purchased the firm in 1981. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Humphries_Hogan">Wikpedia</a> for more detail. <br><br> In 2007, conservation began on the windows. It required three years and $20 million to restore the 9 million pieces of glass. The largest windows each required 4,500 man hours, the labor of one artisan for two and a half years. See the <a href="http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/about/glass">Saint Thomas website</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin">a New York Times article</a> for more detail.
  • Joy and Love (1929) Stained Glass Window by James Humphries Hogan of James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. <br><br> This window is in the Chantry Chapel also known as The Lady Chapel, which is dedicated to Our Lady, Saint Mary the Virgin. There are four windows in the chapel-all in honor of women in the Scriptures. One window was completed in 1929 and the other three in 1930. This window is Joy and Love, which is closest to the altar. On the left side, which represents Joy, is Saint Elizabeth with her son John the Baptist and Saint Mary the Virgin holding Christ represents Love on the right side. The four windows were made possible by donations from the Burden family. Thanks to David Daniel at Saint Thomas for information on the windows. James Humphries Hogan (1883-1948) designed stained glass windows at Saint Thomas including this wondow. He was a noted stained glass artist for James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), Ltd. of London from age 14 until his death in 1948. He made windows for many of England’s churches including the 100 foot high central windows of Liverpool Cathedral. Some consider the windows at Saint Thomas to be some of the finest designs. The firm of James Powell and Sons, also known as Whitefriars Glass, was an English glassmaker and stained glass window manufacturer. The company started in the 17th century but became well known as a result of the 19th century Gothic Revival. In 1962 the company name was changed back to Whitefriars Glass Ltd. It specialized in freeform glass ware until Caithness Glass purchased the firm in 1981. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Humphries_Hogan">Wikpedia</a> for more detail. <br><br> In 2007, conservation began on the windows. It required three years and $20 million to restore the 9 million pieces of glass. The largest windows each required 4,500 man hours, the labor of one artisan for two and a half years. See the <a href="http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/about/glass">Saint Thomas website</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/arts/design/15stai.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin">a New York Times article</a> for more detail.
  • Saint Thomas Church Chantry Chapel<br /> <br /> This is the gilded and polychromed wood reredos in the Chantry Chapel and is Florentine in design.
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