Saint Thomas Church

Saint Thomas Church is an Episcopal structure on Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street in Manhattan, featuring limestone walls, intricate carved details, colorful stained glass, and a prominent central tower. The interior employs specialized acoustic design with sandstone surfaces that enhance sound quality for worship and musical performances.

The current building was completed in 1914 and represents the fourth structure on this site, following earlier versions destroyed by fires in 1851 and 1905. Multiple reconstructions demonstrate the congregation's commitment to maintaining an Anglican presence in Midtown Manhattan.

The church is home to a residential choir school for boys that trains young singers in Anglican musical traditions. Today, regular musical performances remain a central part of worship and community life at the site.

The building is typically open throughout the week with extended daytime hours, though weekend hours are more limited, allowing flexibility for visitors to plan their arrival. Checking in advance is wise, as hours may shift due to services or special events happening inside.

The building was designed with careful attention to acoustic properties, making it one of the earliest American churches to prioritize sound quality for musical performances. This scientific approach to worship space remains unusual and reflects the congregation's focus on choral excellence.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1913

Architects: Ralph Adams Cram

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Address: 1-3 West 53rd Street

Website: http://saintthomaschurch.org

GPS coordinates: 40.76083,-73.97611

Latest update: December 22, 2025 17:52