History and architecture
Sitting proudly on a corner lot of Washington Square South, this small rectangular church, with its sharply defined gable roof, is a superb example of Italian Renaissance Eclectic architecture. Adjacent to and contiguous with the Tower (campanile) of Judson Hall, the Church completes this architectural composition which was designed by one of the city's great architectural firms.
An outstanding feature of this Church is the two story entrance doorway set between the Tower and the Church proper. Five half round steps lead gracefully up to a small platform, where one enters the Church through a pair of dark wood panelled doors, recessed within a richly decorated Italian Renaissance terra-cotta frame.
The shallow arched porch (portico) is supported by two columns. The panels (coffers) in the vault of the arch contain floral rosettes centered in ornamental panels. The low pitched tile roof adds another dimension and scale to this fine building.
The bands of superb terra-cotta ornament alternating with two courses of recessed yellow Roman brick continue in horizontal bands around the first floor of the north and east elevations.
The north facade contains three round-headed stained glass windows placed between brick pilasters and symmetrically balanced by round-headed brick panels. Below the sills are marble panels enframed in handsome terra-cotta mouldings.
Crowning this facade is a beautifully proportioned low-pitched pediment enriched by a handsomely ornate cornice. The east elevation also contains slender brick pilasters placed between seven round-headed stained glass windows, enhanced by their graceful arches sweeping along this facade in uninterrupted rhythm.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.