The Bicentennial Exhibition

Over its 200-year history, this parish has come to be recognized as a major civic and cultural institution of New York City, beyond its role as a house of worship, hosting significant weddings, funerals, and special services. From its unique Choir School (the only one remaining in the United States) to its outreach to the poor and the marginalized, it remains a gift to the people of New York. Open every day of the year, what is arguably one of the most beautiful churches in North America, remains an oasis of prayer and a place of welcome for all.

– The Rev. Canon Carl F. Turner, Rector

Hours of Operation

Barring special events and curtailed hours for the church the exhibition will be open during the following times:

About the Exhibition

This professionally-curated exhibition traces the history of the parish through the building, decoration, and consecration of four church buildings, two at Broadway and Houston Street and two in the present location at Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, each of which was hailed in its time as an important contribution to Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.

The exhibition features documents and photographs that follow the parish as it moved from downtown to midtown. The display cases showcase the architecture, décor, music, liturgy, and service, some with eye-catching silver liturgical objects and embroidered vestments that have been donated to the parish over the decades.

The vitrine dedicated to the world-renowned music programming of the parish highlights moments incluidng the premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s requiem at the Church and Jesse Norman’s performance with the choir of men and boys. The exhibition concludes with a vitrine dedicated to the future of the parish, with inspiring words from the rector that underscore how, through advances in technology, the mission of Saint Thomas Church now serves worshippers around the world via the webcasts and continued global outreach.

Co-Curators

Francis X. Blouin, Saint Thomas Archivist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan

Inge Reist, Director Emerita of the Center for the History of Collecting at the Frick Art Reference Library and Frick Collection

Exhibition designed by Thinc Design and Firm6.

Notable Dates for the History of Saint Thomas

October 12, 1823 First church service in a room at Broome street and Broadway

July 27, 1824 Laying of the Cornerstone of the first church, Broadway and Houston St.

March 2, 1851 Fire destroys the first church

April 3, 1852 Consecration of the second church, Broadway and Houston Street.

April 29, 1866 Last service in the second church after decision to move uptown

October 6, 1870 First service in the third church (architect Richard Upjohn)

August 8, 1905 Fire destroys third church

October 4, 1913 First service in the fourth church (architect Ralph Adams Cram)

April 25, 1916 Consecration of the fourth church

March 3, 1919 Saint Thomas Choir School opens

November 19, 1956 Arents Memorial Organ dedicated

October 7, 2018 Dedication of the Miller-Scott Organ (7,069 pipes)

November 1, 2020 First video livestream service

We are thrilled to invite the community and art enthusiasts to witness the grandeur of Saint Thomas at 200. This exhibition displays the essence of worship at Saint Thomas, which is a coming together of all the arts in the glory of God. Through our bicentennial celebration, the church opens its doors to share its treasures with the world.

– Professor Blouin, Co-Curator

Resources