The New York Landmarks Conservancy will host its 15th Annual Sacred Sites Open House on May 17 & 18. This year’s theme, “Building for Eternity: Religious Architecture and Artisans,” celebrates New York State’s diverse houses of worship, inviting visitors to explore their extraordinary architecture, art, and history.

 

This is a great way to build broad community support for the ongoing preservation of historic institutions, to inspire residents to be tourists in their own backyards, and to introduce them to the history, art, and architecture of their local sacred places.

 

One of those extraordinary sites is our very own Episcopal Church of the Mediator, affectionally dubbed “The Little Cathedral of the Bronx.” This parish church in Kingsbridge was designed by Henry Vaughan, architect of the Washington National Cathedral, and chapels of the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, New York.

 

It features Tiffany windows and George Tinworth’s terracotta friezes, along with a notable window over the entry featuring Jane Addams and Booker T. Washington. Since 1855, the Mediator has served the greater northwest Bronx community as a spiritual sanctuary, a community and cultural hub, and a historical, sacred site of grandeur, grace, and community.

 

As a 170-year-old congregation, with a 111-year-old sanctuary, the Mediator is experiencing extreme physical and financial stress, as reported in The Riverdale Press on April 4.

 

Thanks to renowned architect, preservationist and local resident, Steve Byrns, president of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, and other community activists, the Mediator was recently placed on the prestigious “Seven to Save” list of most important historical sites in New York State in danger of demolition, BUT most worthy of preservation by The New York Landmarks Conservancy.

 

Making the list does not save it, however. The Church must organize itself financially and develop a viable plan for the future, BUT its active and spirited congregation is resolute to do so.

However, they need your help, individually and as part of the larger community. One important step is to attend the Sacred Sites Weekend event at the Church of the Mediator to learn more about how this institution is important to our community, whether you attend services at the church or not.

 

For 170 years, the Mediator has provided tangible and intangible benefits to the community, and is now asking for your support. Developing cultural tourism is key to the future of sacred sites, important work which provides tangible benefits not just to the congregation by helping ensure its future, but to the entire community.

 

The Church of the Mediator is no exception as it continues to host community services and programs that go well beyond its religious mission. Mr. Byrns will give two tours of the Church sanctuary, one on Saturday, May 17, and another on Sunday, May 18. For tickets and more information, visit https://nylandmarks.org/site/church-of-the-mediator-bronx-ny/.

 

Additional activities will include a small art installation and display of local painters, illustrators, and miniaturists, as well as occasional organ performances throughout the day. Opening hours on Saturday will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information and updates will be posted on Instagram via @mediatorbronx.

 

And so, please come out and witness the extraordinary: a community willing to learn more about one of its bedrock institutions and help carry it into the future with renewed vigor and strength.

 

Stephanie Coggins is a member of the Kingsbridge Historical Society and a resident of Spuyten Duyvil.

 

Editor’s Note: Bronxites are also invited to tour the landmarked, historic Bedford Park Congregational Church on Saturday, May 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., which is located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park, The Bronx. This free tour is sponsored by the NY Landmarks Conservancy, and also featured will be beautiful, over-sized, two-dimensional, crocheted creations by fiber artist, Naomi Lawrence.

 

Meanwhile, The Church of the Mediator is located at 260 West 231st Street in Kingsbridge, The Bronx.