Grace Episcopal Church

Grace's altar window, picturing "The Trial of Christ," was created by John Bolton, who was, by profession, an architect, (a profession he later gave up to become an Episcopal clergyman). John fashioned his window after a version made by his brother, William Jay for the church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn. In 2016, this historic window was removed and restored, through grants from the Diocese, and private donations.

 

If you look upward into the rafters at Grace Church, you will see evidence of craftsmanship of a different kind---that of shipbuilding, for the church was constructed by carpenters from the nearby David Carll shipyard, now Consolidated Boatyard. David Carll was a vestryman of the church for 24 consecutive years, from 1866 to 1889. The architecture of the church is termed “Carpenter Gothic,” a popular late Victorian style.

 

In 2007 Grace Episcopal Church was named to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance. In 2008, during the replacement of the church roof, Grace's original wooden cross was removed and donated to the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum. In its place are two new handmade crosses, constructed of wood and copper, which will be enduring symbols of God's grace for generations to come.