St. John Divine New York: NYC's Largest Unfinished Cathedral

TLDR: Explore St. John the Divine, New York's unfinished Gothic cathedral, for its immense scale, largest rose window, unique art, and serene grounds. It's an Episcopal landmark in Morningside Heights, offering a distinctive, grand experience away from typical tourist crowds.

Having recently stepped through its massive doors, I can tell you St. John the Divine in New York City isn't just another church; it's an experience. 

This article will guide you through its fascinating history, where to find it, what makes it unique, and whether it deserves a spot on your already packed New York itinerary. Prepare to discover a place of unexpected beauty and grandeur, offering a quiet counterpoint to the city's usual rhythm.

What is the story behind St. John Divine?

Picture this: architects starting a grand vision in 1892, aiming to build something truly magnificent in New York. That's how St. John the Divine began. What started as a Byzantine-Romanesque design shifted dramatically to a French Gothic Revival style around 1911, an interesting twist that still shapes its appearance today.

It's often called "St. John the Unfinished" because, even after more than a century, construction continues. I found it quite moving to consider how many hands, and how much time, have gone into its creation. The sheer ambition behind this place is palpable. You'll notice its ongoing narrative as you move through different parts of the structure, which we'll explore further when we talk about its current state.

Where is St. John Divine?

You'll find this impressive structure nestled in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood, specifically at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, stretching between West 110th and 113th Streets. It's an Upper Manhattan landmark that stands out immediately. 

Once you step onto the grounds, take a moment to look up. You can't miss the Great Rose Window, sparkling with over 10,000 pieces of glass. It’s the largest in the United States!

Beyond the main building, you'll also encounter the unique Peace Fountain. This whimsical sculpture features the Archangel Michael embracing nine giraffes – a detail that definitely brings a smile. These outside elements give you a taste of the cathedral's less conventional side, something that extends to its interior as well.

Who is buried in St. John the Divine?

Inside the cathedral's sacred spaces, you'll find the resting places of several key figures who shaped its history. Many early Bishops of New York are interred here, including Bishop Horatio Potter, whose tomb sits near the High Altar, and his successor, Henry Codman Potter, in the Chapel of St. James. Other bishops and deans are laid to rest in the crypt below. 

But it's not just clergy. The cathedral also hosts a columbarium, open to people of various backgrounds. This is where you can find the ashes of the beloved author Madeleine L'Engle, known for "A Wrinkle in Time," and more recently, the ashes of Joan Didion, her husband John Gregory Dunne, and their daughter Quintana Roo. 

This blend of historical leaders and modern literary figures adds another layer to its identity, tying into its broader spiritual purpose which I'll discuss next.

What denomination is St. John the Divine in NYC?

St. John the Divine is an Episcopal church, serving as the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Despite its specific denomination, it proudly embraces its identity as a "house of prayer for all people," aiming to be a unifying intellectual center. You'll feel this openness as you walk through its vast spaces. 

What's particularly striking is how this grand religious building incorporates some unexpected elements. While its Gothic ambitions are clear, you might spot contemporary art, like a gold triptych by Keith Haring, or even modern figures like Abraham Lincoln and early television sets within its stained-glass windows. This mix truly makes it feel both ancient and current, an ongoing project in many ways.

Is St. John the Divine still under construction?

Yes, it absolutely is! The nickname "St. John the Unfinished" isn't just a quaint historical aside; it's a living reality. When you visit, you'll see the evidence firsthand. Major parts, such as the towers above the western facade and the southern transept, remain incomplete. Construction started in 1892 but faced many interruptions: shifts in architectural style, funding challenges, and the onset of World War II, which halted work in 1941. 

Walking around, you might even notice recent preservation efforts, like the work on the Guastavino-tiled Crossing Dome - a temporary roof from 1909 that's still standing today. This ongoing story of construction makes it one of the largest cathedrals in the world by area, despite its incomplete state, something I'll elaborate on.

What is the largest church in New York City?

Without a doubt, St. John the Divine holds the title for the largest church in New York City. Even in its "unfinished" state, its sheer size is staggering. It stretches 601 feet in length and covers a massive 121,000 square feet, making it one of the largest church buildings globally. 

When you're inside, you truly get a sense of this scale. The interior feels incredibly spacious, having hosted all sorts of events and exhibitions beyond traditional services. The design, evolving from Byzantine and Romanesque influences to primarily French Gothic, contributes to its imposing presence. That enormous Rose Window I mentioned earlier? 

Is it worth visiting St. John Divine?

I found St. John the Divine to be a captivating, if somewhat unconventional, stop on my New York trip. Its scale is genuinely breathtaking, and the "unfinished" aspect gives it a unique character you won't find in many other places. I appreciated the blend of historical art with unexpected modern touches, like the Keith Haring piece and the quirky stained-glass depictions of locomotives and even a TV. The grounds are also a lovely spot for a quiet moment, though the peacocks, once a famous sight, are no longer there as of 2023.

However, it's true that the vast interior can feel a bit cavernous to some, perhaps less intimate than a fully adorned European cathedral. There's also an admission fee for sightseeing, which might be a consideration for budget travelers. If you're an architecture buff, an art enthusiast, or someone seeking a contemplative space away from the city's usual noise, this place offers a distinct kind of grandeur. Yf you enjoy planning your sightseeing, use StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide which helps you prioritize attractions and understand their context, so you can easily decide if this unique cathedral aligns with your interests.

What else can I do in New York?

After soaking in the solemn grandeur of St. John the Divine, the surrounding Upper West Side area offers plenty more to explore. 

• Right next door, Morningside Park provides peaceful walking paths and impressive rock formations - a perfect spot for reflection. 
• Just across the street, you can wander through the historic and architecturally rich campus of Columbia University, admiring buildings like Low Memorial Library. 
• A short stroll west leads to Riverside Park and the General Grant National Memorial, the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant. 

For other cultural institutions nearby, consider visiting the American Museum of Natural History, the New-York Historical Society, or exploring the artistic offerings at the Guggenheim Museum and The Jewish Museum, all within a reasonable distance in Upper Manhattan. Also, the renowned Lincoln Center is a hub for performing arts. A stroll through Central Park also offers a delightful escape. 

To make the most of your explorations in this vibrant city, consider using an app like StoryHunt; it provides audio guides for both well-known sites and those fascinating, lesser-known spots.