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The Beginning
Just months after the Civil War ended in 1865, a group of veterans, with the help of the Reverend Robert Shaw Howland, founded the Church of the Heavenly Rest as a memorial to those who had served and fallen in that terrible conflict. The first services were held in 1865 at the original location at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 45th Street. The parish was officially established in 1868. |
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A Growing Mission
As early as 1890 the church opened a soup kitchen for the poor. By 1900, the parish grew to nearly one thousand members, offering numerous parish activities and supporting a strong Sunday school. The church continued to serve its community and was known nationwide for providing meals, shelter, and job referrals to the needy during the desolate winters of 1915 and 1916. |
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The Location
In 1925, the parish acquired its present location at 90th and Fifth Avenue from Mrs. Andrew Carnegie, who lived across the street in what is now the Smithsonian National Design Museum / Cooper-Hewitt. Bertram Goodhue, a well-respected architectural firm, designed Heavenly Rest and construction began on All Saints' Day in 1926. The new church was dedicated two and one half years later, on Easter Sunday, 1929. |
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The Building
The result was a grand gothic church that combined popular Art Deco details of the time in its architecture and sculpture. The church presents a strong formidable façade within the context of its quiet, residential streetscape. Located directly across from the Engineers' Gate leading into Central Park, Heavenly Rest is a memorable landmark for many visitors of the park. Today, Heavenly Rest is an active and growing parish.
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The church is open daily for meditation and prayer. We hope you will stop in to absorb not only the building's unique beauty, but to worship with us in the presence and joy of Christ's healing power. |
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