St. Thomas Church 1 W 53rd St - St. Thomas Church impressed me with its beautiful Gothic architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The interior is very impressive, with lovely details and stained glass. I liked that even in the middle of busy New York you can find such a quiet and spiritual place. It's perfect for a short stop and a break from the city noise. Admission was free. read more

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This church is located at the corner of 5th ave and has roots in Manhattan going back to the early 1800s. Through time and fires and other events the current church location I think goes back to the early 1900s. The style appears to be gothic and some of the ornate works is so nice. The altar and some of the stained glass is so nice that in a photo it just stands out in brilliance. The church has its own professional men's choir which I think is a rarity. read more

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A beautiful church in NYC. This is an operating church and depending on when you show up, there could be services happening here. The church is somewhat dark inside but the architecture is beautiful. I really enjoy admiring the details of the pillars, ceiling and color of the church. Once in a while they have music/concerts happening here. I do recommend dropping by for a visit. read more

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Beautiful Episcopal church located in Midtown near where we were staying. My wife wanted to attend a service here so we stopped by for their 11 am Sunday service. On Sundays after their 11 am service they even have a guided tour of the church where the guide spends about an hour telling you about the history of this beautiful structure! Just wished it wasn't snowing so that we could get a better view of that rose window! read more

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Went here with my husband for a Sunday morning service as it was the closest Episcopal church, and church in general, to our hotel. I wonder if there is a local congregation that attends or if everyone is from out of town. I couldn't tell. Anyway, this church is GORGEOUS and also happens to be one of three choir schools in the world and the only one in the US. This church is also home to the largest stone reredos in the world. This church also boasts many organs so the 11 AM service is a formal service with all of the bells and whistles. While usually during Episcopal services you sing along with the choir, the cadence or flow I guess of the songs were highly stylized for the choir so I decided to stop trying (lol) to sing and just listen. It was very cool and different than any other Anglican / Episcopal service that I've attended, and I've attended them from London to Hawaii and everywhere in between. After the 11 AM service we went on a free tour of the church with a parishioner who is a part time architecture professor at Yale (don't remember his name.) GO ON THIS TOUR! You will see so much of the church that you can't see from the pews and you'll learn a lot about the building and the people who paid for it - like Consuelo Vanderbilt, who got married here in 1895. Overall, I enjoyed my time here and will be back the next time I'm staying nearby! read more

While walking up on Fifth Avenue towards Central Park, we stopped by Saint Thomas. Today was the Feast of Candlemas which commemorates Mary and Joseph bringing the child Jesus to be presented to the Lord in the Temple. While inside the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, a choral ensemble comprising men and boys were practicing to perform music for their Anglican worship service. Incorporated on January 9, 1824, this parish church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and designed in the French High Gothic Revival. read more

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Outstanding! This is one of those church buildings that you would never expect to find in a) America, b) New York State and c) sitting in the heart of Manhattan on 5th and 53rd. I am not a very religious guy by any stretch of the imagination however, I totally appreciate that a house of worship should convey a sense of awe and mystery on the folks who go there to worship - the church of St.Thomas does exactly that. Built entirely of stone on a magnitude that I haven't imagined was ever done outside of Europe, this church defies words - you have to see it for yourself. The reredos sculpture sitting in the Apse is something to behold - as are the ceilings (95 feet straight up) and the fact that the place is built entirely of stone; with no metal frame. Toss in three awesome pipe organs and you have something that rivals St. Pats down the street, yet is totally accessible to everyone. Definitely something you should see if only to marvel at the architecture or for those of you who wish to attend a service there. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Reredos in the Apse of St. Thomas church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

Never been there but my friends been there , They said it a beautiful Church , The Church member are very friendly

I love how this church makes me feel. I have only been inside twice but no services were going on. I lit a candle and prayed and literally was overcome with emotion. I could really feel the presence of God with me in this breathtakingly beautiful church. I was raised Baptist and my boyfriend is Catholic so for years we have taken turns going to each other's church. For me, it really is not about what religion we are..its about our own personal spiritual path. This church is Anglican and since I have been back from my trip, I have tuned in to some of their services via webcast on their website. The day I went in, the organist was playing and I could have sat in that church all day. There was such a peace in my heart. I was so glad I went in before heading back out to the busy streets of NYC. This church really made an impression on me! read more

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I'm not of the same Christian Faith as that of the congregation that comes to St. Thomas Church but was here around the holiday time to enjoy a Christmas service that consisted of numerous readings and songs sung by the choir. As a holiday experience this was wonderful but since it was the hustling bustling Christmas time in NYC there was no real time to walk around the church and see what else is to be found there. The church did look lovely for this service but since I am only able to speak to its own content of this event there is not much else I can say. It was not too chilly yet but was nice to find little heaters in the pews which also had seat cushions. This angle I can get used to and hope that my own local churches adopt it. Overall this was a wonderful service and one I shall look into during the next holiday season. read more

This is the most beautiful Church I have ever seen in my life. WOW! The details in the structure is truly breathtaking! If you are in NY you must stop in for a visit. Even if you are not attending the services, the church is open for the public to stop in and look around. I must say, you just got take a seat to take it all in! You can also light a candle and say a small prayer. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

Honestly, I didn't have this on my travel plan and didn't realize this church's existence until I walked by the beautiful doorway. Being a fan of church architecture, I was curious about this impressive church. After walking into the building, I was glad that I did not miss the beauty within. Because this is not even listed as a tourist attraction unlike St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Thomas Church has only a praying crowd. The quiet inside was certainly a huge contrast to the bustling 5th Avenue. I almost felt bad walking in, making so much noises despite my effort to silence my footsteps! In the main church, the whole space was dark except for the High Altar where all the lights were concentrated to focus all prayers at that point. Aside from the extricate gateway outside, the High Altar was perhaps the only point of attention inside and it deserved to be! Walk closely without disturbing the praying people and marvel at the meticulously and marvelously detailed artwork. Of all the churches I have been to, I don't think I have seen this level of details at this magnitude yet. St. Thomas Church lacked the wow-factor that St. Patrick's Cathedral or Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine has, but because it is not a tourist attraction (yet), expect the level of serenity that is rare in the bustling New York City. Especially if you are planning to visit the nearby MoMA, take advantage of this rare serenity to both admire the beautiful High Altar and take a breather from the city vibe. read more

Saint Thomas Church - The meticulously and marvelous detailed High Altar - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

I just love this gloriously beautiful church. Great music and friendly people. During this time of social distancing, be sure to check out the online Evensong services. The very best of traditional Anglicanism. read more

Beautiful architecture and beautiful music and environment. Stunning church. Should have come here for a full service. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

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We came to hear La Nativité Du Seigneur played by Daniel Hyde on the new Miller Scott organ. The most stunning Olivier Messiaen piece I have heard to date and the new pipe organ many years in the works exceeded our expectations. It's difficult to comprehend the finely tuned craftsmanship is must take to build an instrument of this magnitude. The impossibly sonorous voices embodied within. D. Hyde's performance was hair raisingly moving and expressive. Go and hear him before he goes back to England next fall! The building is bejeweled with vivid stained glass windows. It's not as crowded as the other churches in this neighborhood. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Reredos - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

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Got dragged here by a God-fearing ex-boyfriend on a date once for "Choral Evensong"...well let me tell you what magic that was...the men and boys in full cassoks, processing with candles and incense, pouring their hearts out in song, coupled with the deep, foreboding, feel-it-in-your-ass organ playing of John Scott (formerly of St Pauls, London...think "Feed the Birds" in Mary Poppins)...what a transcendent spiritual experience for this jaded mystic a la carte! A pity the same feelings couldn't be infused in our relationship!! Then Easter rolled around and anticipating mom's "did you go to church today?" phone call, I thought "damn it, I want to go where I will be SEEN!" Well you can't get more high-profile than the old money in this place. Within the first five minutes of the service I was in tears. What a stunning musical, theatrical, ritualistic, sensory, soul-feeding experience. Simply the best music you will hear in a church ANYWHERE in the United States. read more

Sat next to you on christmas eve, and reading 'The Hobbit' before mass. Wanted to wish you a merry christmas at the end of mass. Hearing the mens and boys choir during christmas is a moving experience-not to be missed. read more

Beautiful Anglican church with one of the best boys choir in the USA. xmas service with carols is a must see. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Interior - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

What a beautiful church!! I wandered in and felt such spiritual solace and comfort in this inspiring space. This is a gothic style church with beautiful, colorful, stained glass windows, high arching ceilings, and wood pews with red cushions. Someone was playing the organ above the doorway. There was joy and peacefulness to sit for a moment in the pew. I like this church even better than St. Patrick's. Now I know where to come when I need a few moments alone. Beautiful! The architecture is amazing as well. read more

The church is wonderful inside and out! i will not give out under 5 stars, because I will not explain to god why I gave his house low stars. Anyway, pull out your SLR and take some beautiful photos. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

Amazingly beautiful church and absolutely magnificent men and boys choir. The Carlo Tunesi organ recital is marvelous. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

Lovely building! A photographers heaven! It's funny how it's tucked in between all the high end shopping on 5th, but worth the stop. Check out the main doors! WOW! read more

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If you've just left the MoMA and are craving more culture and spiritual renewal, I highly recommend that you walk towards the corner of W 53rd Street and step inside St. Thomas Church. Its Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, breath-taking altar, and stunning organ combine for a truly historic experience in the city. My friend and I had the pleasure of listening to the J.S. Bach Organ Recital at 5:15pm this past Sunday, and it was an auditory treasure that I will not soon forget. There were not nearly enough people in the congregation for the recital, so please pay St. Thomas a visit if you are in the area on a Sunday evening. St. Thomas Church is an serendipitous find in this area of NYC that is certainly worth your time. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

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I went into the church looking for a bit of heat, I heard the mass, and I felt a great inner peace, spiritual peace and tranquility that we all need, I will return when I return to NY read more

If you are planning a wedding, they have a very onerous and downright coercive practice. Before a couple can find out if they can afford a wedding at this beautiful and wonderful church, they will have to meet and get counseled by the father/priest. Seems like a not-so-nice thing to do if you end up liking the church (which we do) and the priest only to find out that its beyond your financial capability. Otherwise, service-wise and all its a great church. read more

The present St. Thomas Church is actually the fourth building in the Episopalian parish's history. Located three blocks from the more formidable St. Patrick's, it's a graceful presence surrounded by high-rise office towers in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Completed in 1913, it's constructed completely of stone in the French High Gothic style, with ornamentation of the later Flamboyant period in the windows. The wall behind the altar is characteristic of English cathedrals. Except for its length, the church is of cathedral proportions, with the nave vault rising ninety-five feet above the floor. Built according to medieval construction principles, the size, spacing, and number of columns and arches are precisely what is necessary to support the structure and give it the unique acoustical properties associated with churches built during the Middle Ages. Because much of the music presented in concert at Saint Thomas was composed for use in these churches rather than a concert hall, this is an authentic space in which it can be heard in modern times. Between the acoustics and the spectacular Gothic interior, you have an experience that borders on the - dare I say it? - religious. read more

Saint Thomas Church - Churches Near Me - New York, New York

the mens and boys choir is absolutely tops. you can't miss an opportunity to attend service. nothing like soulful music to lead you into devotion. i was once here for the national organ competition, wow. don't miss it next time it comes around to new york again. christmas can be crowded here but it is well worth it. fantastic experience. read more

itwas absoulutly divine i walked up and started eting the music fit the occasion perfectly honestly iwill go again the wine was amazing divine liketo be honest i will very much baptise my children here idc what they want to beliefve i will make them cathilic and they will love go foreverand everi will enslave them to world of the church and aggresively have intercourse with them if they dont i willthen hang to the brink of death and then takethemoff ensuring that they LOVE CHRIST read more

Definitely my new go to church for Anglo-Catholic liturgy. Fantastic space, true to the gothic form. Excellent quality organ, wonderful acoustics, and an exceptional choir. If you want a treat, check out the Rite I Mass on Sundays at 11:00 am. Remember to feed the collection plate, and show some respect as it is a house of worship. read more

Absolutely wonderful! This church and its congregation is fantastic. There is no better place to worship,period. It was a tough choice between St. Thomas and St. Bart's, but the former wins hands down. Why? Because of the Choir of Men and Boys. If ever God could sing, He would sound like them. I am a younger member, with a renewed interest in my faith, and I have been welcomed by the community with open arms. Every choral service is spellbinding, especially the 11am mass on Sunday. The angelic voices of the choristers are transformative and the whole experience is perfectly orchestrated. The vast space is rich with history of both the city and its parishioners (this was Brooke Astor's church and the pews remain filled with High Society). There exists a strong sense of tradition with a healthy dose of progressive social thought. Moreover,there is a vibrant community of out members of all ages- who clearly run the show. Rev. Mead is the perfect priest. He commands the laity not with directives, but with drops of common sense. His sermons rarely contain Soloman proclamations of boring dogma. They are perfect food for thought before brunch. Make sure you attend coffee hour after the service. It's an informal way to instantly connect with new friends that will keep you coming back. read more

My sister and I travel from Philadelphia and Cape May, each year on the last Sunday in Advent to St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. It is our Christmas gift to ourselves. We make certain that we arrive at the church 45 minutes before the 4 pm service so that we can get a good seat. We want to be sure that we can see as well as hear the choir men and boys. We are "cradle Episcopalians". I have sung in church and Oratorio choirs since my youth. The Lessons and Carol service on this last Sunday in Advent says it all to us. It speaks to our heritage, our mother was from England and this congregation is of the Anglican tradition; the architecture of the church is amazing; and the men and boys choir is superb. (I believe that this is the only choir school in the country?) This annual trip to this glorious place for this heavenly musical experience puts the star on my Christmas tree. read more

This is the most beautiful chuck that i have ever been to! Can't wait to cone back to New York to visit again!

I first visited St. Thomas in the mid 1970s and was blown away by what Church could be. Gerre Hancock was choirmaster and the music of the choir as well as the organ was breathtaking. I remember walking out of the church thinking, "I have been to Church!" I always visit NYC over a weekend so that I can attend a Mass at St. Thomas. I have never been disappointed by the experience. I was raised in a Methodist minister's home but after the influence of this wonderful place knew that one day I would be an Episcopalian. I was organist in two large Baptist Churches but after about 22 years felt as if I had served my time as church organist and resigned, In1998 I was confirmed as an Episcopalian and although had the influence of an Episcopalian Grandmother, St. Thomas is largely responsible for my move to that denomination. read more