Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava And Clergy House And Parish House

History and architecture

Justly celebrated for its fine proportions, this imposing brownstone structure is an excellent example of the large metropolitan church done in the English Gothic Revival style. It is a pleasing edifice, rugged in character, of substantial construction, and reinforced with large buttresses which give it both durability and permanence.

The lofty nave is expressed in the steep pitched slate roof and the sharp, angular gable of the south elevation facing Twenty-fifth Street. Centered in this gable wall is a large wheel window of impressive size. Directly below and flanked by buttresses, a bold and striking pointed-arch portal, accented with slender columns and graceful arches within its deep reveal, serves as the main entrance to the Cathedral. Three side entrances provide additional access to the nave. The sidewalls of the long nave are pierced by slender pointed-arch windows, nine on each side, and end in a spacious apse of seven bays, topped by an octagonal-shaped slate covered roof.

Adjacent to and contiguous with the chancel, the Clergy House completes the short leg of the L shaped plan of the ensemble. It is picturesque and charming in character with a steep pitched pyramidal roof containing a superb triangular dormer window. A pair of leaded glass, pointed-arch windows pierce the center of the sturdy buttress-supported wall. Completing the ensemble is a fine entrance door topped by an arched molding and a pointed gable.

The Parish House to the east, separated from the church by about forty feet, is a beautiful example of the English Gothic style. Completed about five years later than the Cathedral, it is more flamboyant in character and style. The high pointed-arch leaded glass windows are truly distinctive and contain fine stone tracery. One distinctive feature is the open-arched belfry rising above the gable of the south elevation. Taken together, these buildings make a remarkably homogeneous group.

Consecrated in 1855 as Trinity Chapel to serve the uptown communicants of Trinity Parish, this church, noted for the great length of its nave, was designed by Richard M. Upjohn, the most prominent church architect of his day. It was purchased by the Serbian Orthodox Church in 1945 and renamed the Cathedral of St. Sava.