Church Of St Mary The Virgin Nyc

So, picture this: You're strolling through the concrete jungle that is New York City, when suddenly, you stumble upon a little piece of heaven. No, I'm not talking about a Starbucks (although, let's be real, that's also a miracle in this city). I'm talking about St. Mary the Virgin, an Anglican church that's been standing tall since 1849. It's like the grandma of NYC churches, but with a twist - it's got more stories than a season of Game of Thrones.

First off, let's talk about the building itself. It's a Gothic Revival masterpiece, designed by the same guy who gave us the Smithsonian Castle in D.C. Now, I'm no architect, but I like to think of it as the church equivalent of a superhero's lair. It's got those pointy towers that seem to reach for the heavens, and stained glass windows that would make a rainbow blush.

But here's where it gets interesting. This church has seen more drama than a high school musical. In the 1970s, it was a hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community when other churches wouldn't have them. It was like the Stonewall of the Anglican world. And get this, the church's choir was the first in the U.S. to perform a gay rights anthem. Talk about a choir of angels!

Now, let's talk about the church's claim to fame - the High Altar. It's not just any altar, folks. It's the one where the first Eucharist in the U.S. was celebrated. That's right, it's like the birthplace of American Anglicanism. Imagine if churches were like sports teams - this altar would be the MVP, the GOAT, the whole enchilada.

But wait, there's more! This church is also home to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. It's like the VIP lounge of churches. Why, you ask? Because it's got a ceiling painted by the same guy who did the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Yes, you heard it right. Michelangelo's spiritual cousin, Giovanni Antonio Sogliani, left his mark here. I mean, if that's not a reason to drop by, I don't know what is.

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And if all that history isn't enough to make you say "Wow, that's cool," the church also hosts a mean concert series. We're talking world-class musicians, beautiful music, and a setting that's like a real-life cathedral. It's like Netflix, but for classical music lovers. And the best part? It's free. Yes, you heard it right. Free. In New York City. I know, I can't believe it either.

So, next time you're in the Big Apple, don't just stick to the tourist traps. Take a detour to St. Mary the Virgin. It's a breath of fresh air in the concrete jungle, a piece of history in the present, and a reminder that even in a city that never sleeps, there's always time for a little peace and quiet. And who knows, you might just become a part of history yourself. After all, this church has been around for over a century. It's not going anywhere anytime soon. And neither should you, now that you know its secrets.