St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue

View More to Do
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue Logo

At a Glance

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue is a historic and iconic landmark located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. As one of the oldest churches in the city, St. Thomas Church is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture, rich history, and world-class music program. The church features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and an awe-inspiring nave, all of which make for a memorable visit. Additionally, the church hosts a variety of concerts and performances, including their renowned choir, which has been featured on several recordings and broadcasts. St. Thomas Church also has a long and fascinating history, having been established in 1823 and serving as a hub of religious and cultural life in New York City ever since. Visitors can learn about the church's founding, its role in the city's history, and the many notable figures who have visited and worshiped there over the years. Overall, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and music, and is sure to provide a unique and memorable experience for tourists visiting New York City.

1 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Get Directions





St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue Videos

Leaflet: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Leaflet-Aug-6-Festal-Evensong-1.pdf This Festal Evensong is sung by the Choir of Saint Luke’s, Chelsea, United Kingdom; Jeremy Summerly, director. We welcome you to Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, a vibrant, growing parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at Fifth and Fifty-third. Our Mission is to worship, love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ through the Anglican tradition and our unique choral heritage. We Want to Hear from You: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/contact-us/ Support our Ministry: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/giving/

Handout: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Is-Jesus-a-historical-character-or-a-myth.pdf Our Theologian in Residence, the Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia, continues a year-long course to dive into all the main areas of theology: Faith, Scripture, Tradition, God, Christ, Salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, and the Church – always with an eye to their relevance for spirituality and for everyday life. A sterile approach to the Gospels consists in trying to determine what are the ‘facts’ and discard everything else as ‘legend’ or ‘myth’. The question is though whether ‘myths’ are necessarily untrue, misleading, or simply naïve and hence to be discarded. How much of the way we perceive the figure of George Washington, for example, is a ‘myth’? Why is this perception of America’s founding father so enduring? In her essay A Short History of Myth, Karen Armstrong argues that “Mythology is an art form that points beyond history to what is timeless in human existence, helping us to get beyond the chaotic flux of random events, and glimpse the core of reality”. In other words, not only myths are not lies, but they might give us access to a level or reality much deeper than what ‘facts’ are able to capture. This applies to the way the historical identity and message of Jesus has been handed over to us too. The Adult Education program at Saint Thomas Church offers sound Christian teaching presented with intellectual vigor, teaching that is grounded in Holy Scripture, mediated by the catholic tradition that is the inheritance of Anglicanism and set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. For more information about our theology program and to receive links for weekly Sunday Theology Talks, please contact Fr. Gioia. https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/events/sharp-faith-sunday-theology-talks-week-15-2023-08-06/

Leaflet: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Leaflet-Aug-6-Solemn-Eucharist-1.pdf This Solemn Eucharist is sung by the Choir of Saint Luke’s, Chelsea, United Kingdom; Jeremy Summerly, director. Today's sermon is preached by Fr. Gioia. We welcome you to Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, a vibrant, growing parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at Fifth and Fifty-third. Our Mission is to worship, love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ through the Anglican tradition and our unique choral heritage. We Want to Hear from You: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/contact-us/ Support our Ministry: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/giving/

Leaflet: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Leaflet-3-pm-Festal-Evensong-July-30.pdf This Festal Evensong is sung by the Saint Thomas Girl Chorister Course and the Gentlemen of the Choir; with guest music director, Jared Johnson. We welcome you to Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, a vibrant, growing parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at Fifth and Fifty-third. Our Mission is to worship, love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ through the Anglican tradition and our unique choral heritage. We Want to Hear from You: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/contact-us/ Support our Ministry: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/giving/

Handout: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Was-Jesus-really-human.pdf Our Theologian in Residence, the Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia, continues a year-long course to dive into all the main areas of theology: Faith, Scripture, Tradition, God, Christ, Salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, and the Church – always with an eye to their relevance for spirituality and for everyday life. Often theology has a tendency to think abstractly about the realities of our faith. So with Jesus, as we have seen last week: did he have a soul, a mind, a will? How did his humanity interact with his divinity, and so on. These debates were crucial and yet sometimes they did not pay enough attention to what it actually meant for Jesus to be human, be a child, grow, learn, have friends, be afraid and joyful, anxious and hopeful. Our next talk will look more closely at some of these aspects of Jesus’ life and understand how deeply he did become one of us. The Adult Education program at Saint Thomas Church offers sound Christian teaching presented with intellectual vigor, teaching that is grounded in Holy Scripture, mediated by the catholic tradition that is the inheritance of Anglicanism and set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. For more information about our theology program and to receive links for weekly Sunday Theology Talks, please contact Fr. Gioia. https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/events/sharp-faith-sunday-theology-talks-week-14-2023-07-30/

Leaflet: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Leaflet-11-am-Festal-Eucharist-July-30.pdf This Festal Eucharist is sung by the Saint Thomas Girl Chorister Course and the Gentlemen of the Choir; with guest music director, Jared Johnson. Today's sermon is preached by Mo. Turner. We welcome you to Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, a vibrant, growing parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at Fifth and Fifty-third. Our Mission is to worship, love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ through the Anglican tradition and our unique choral heritage. We Want to Hear from You: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/contact-us/ Support our Ministry: https://www.saintthomaschurch.org/giving/

More in Midtown


More Attractions

St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue News

Julie White, Abby Mueller & More to Join The Acting Company Gala Honoring Stephen McKinley Henderson

Tony Award winner Julie White will host The Acting Company’s “Fantastic Journeys” Gala honoring Stephen McKinley Henderson. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

Bahué to Virtually Premiere 7 New Works as Part of Their Latinx Composer Miniature Challenge

Community is at the heart of Bahué's Latinx Composer Miniature Challenge. The bi-coastal duo, Aliana de la Guardia and Ariel Campos, whose mission is to advocate for and uplift Latinx artistry and culture through music, challenged Latinx composers to write miniature pieces of 60 seconds or less. Now, the dynamic new voice and percussion duo will virtually premiere seven new works, posting them at 8:30 AM on Thursdays from July 20th through August 31st on their social media and on the Bahué website.

The Western Wind Vocal Sextet to Present OF DREAMS, DESIRES, & DRAGONS: MUSIC BY WOMEN FROM HILDEGARDE TO JONI MITCHELL

The Grammy-nominated Western Wind Vocal Sextet will present 'Of Dreams, Desires & Dragons: Music by Women from Hildegarde to Joni Mitchell'on Saturday, March 19 at 7:00 PM at St. John's in the Village, 218 West 11th Street, NYC (West Village). The concert celebrates Women's History Month with a rich assortment of music by classical and modern women composers. Both live in-person and live streaming tickets are available.

Concerts At St. Thomas Opens Spring Season of PASSIONTIDE, 3/24

On Friday, March 24, 2017 at 7:30 pm Concerts at Saint Thomas opens the spring season with a dynamic program for Passiontide.

Simon Rattle to Conduct St. Thomas Choir of Men & Boys in Concert, 9/18

New York, NY - Sir Simon Rattle will conduct The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and Orchestra of St. Luke's in a special benefit concert to include Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughn Williams and Edward Elgar's Serenade for Strings on Sunday, September 18 at 7:00pm. The concert will be the last in a yearlong series of performances that have been offered at St Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in honor of Maestro John Scott who served as Organist and Director of Music for eleven years, and who died unexpectedly in August 2015.  Proceeds from the concert will be used to create a Saint Thomas Choir School scholarship to assist choristers in need which will be established in John Scott's memory.

Oakland Symphony Orchestra to Perform with Organist Jeremy David Tarrant, 3/29

The Oakland Symphony Orchestra (OSO) has added a special concert to its schedule this season as part of its spring Detroit Residency. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, the orchestra will perform in the historic Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit. The concert will feature guest organist Jeremy David Tarrant, who will perform the “Concerto for Organ in G minor,” by Francis Poulenc.

Choir of St. Mary's, Maldon, UK, Performs Free Concert at St. Barts Tdoay

The Choir of St. Mary's, Maldon, UK will perform a free impromptu concert today, August 8 at 12:30 p.m.

Choir of St. Mary's, Maldon, UK to Perform Free Concert at St. Barts, 8/8

The Choir of St. Mary's, Maldon, UK will perform a free impromptu concert on Thursday, August 8 at 12:30 p.m. The Choir of St. Mary's, Maldon is a mixed choir of adults and children which sings for weekly services for this 12th century parish in Essex in the United Kingdom. Although rooted in the rich Anglican choral tradition, the choir's repertoire is vast and includes the great continental composers from Lassus and Palestrina to Mozart and Faure. The choir tours regularly and will be in residence at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue the week they are visiting in New York City.

Ars Lyrica Houston Presents Handel's ACIS AND GALATEA at The Hobby Center Tonight

Grammy-nominated early music ensemble Ars Lyrica Houston presents a staged version of G.F. Handel's pastoral masterpiece Acis and Galatea tonight, March 10th at The Hobby Center, with additional performances in Austin, and Bryan, Texas.

Ars Lyrica Houston to Present Handel's ACIS AND GALATEA at The Hobby Center, 3/10

Grammy-nominated early music ensemble Ars Lyrica Houston presents a staged version of G.F. Handel's pastoral masterpiece Acis and Galatea on March 10th at The Hobby Center, with additional performances in Austin, and Bryan, Texas.

The San Francisco Early Music Society Presents Musica Pacifica, 11/30-12/2

The San Francisco Early Music Society announces its annual Christmas concert performed by the Bay Area's Musica Pacifica. The distinguished chamber ensemble offers a festive tour of Christmas music from 18th-century England, France, Germany, and Italy. Special guests Clara Rottsolk, soprano, and Washington McClain, oboe, join the core group of Judith Linsenberg, recorder, Elizabeth Blumenstock, violin, Charles Sherman, harpsichord, and Josh Lee, cello and gamba. Their program will include traditional English carols, French noëls from Corrette and Charpentier, H.I.F. Biber's 'Nativity' Sonata from his famous set of 15 Mystery (or Rosary) Sonatas, Antonio Vivaldi's vivacious chamber concerto La Pastorella, and sacred sonatas and arias from Handel, Telemann, and Bach.

Ars Lyrica Houston Releases All-Domenico Scarlatti Recording

The Grammy-nominated early music ensemble Ars Lyrica Houston today releases Domenico Scarlatti's La Dirindina, its newest recording on the Sono Luminus label. The title piece, a musical farce, features mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, baritone Brian Shircliffe and tenor Joseph Gaines with the Ars Lyrica ensemble, conducted by its artistic director, harpsichordist Matthew Dirst. Scarlatti's cantata, Pur nel Sonno is the companion piece, featuring soprano Celine Ricci; and Dirst partners with Richard Savino on two of Scarlatti's virtuosic sonatas for mandolin and harpsichord to complete the recording.

Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bart's Continues 7/22

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music continues on Sunday, July 22 at 11 am with a service honoring the memory of Gerre Hancock and featuring his music.

New York Polyphony's 'Renaissance Valentine' at Miller Theatre, 2/12

This season's Early Music concerts began with a smashing sold-out performance by perennial favorites, The Tallis Scholars, with a beautiful program centered around the Magnificat. The series continues in 2012 with three more Early Music concerts, two in Midtown Manhattan at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin(affectionately known as Smoky Mary's) and one uptown at The American Academy of Arts & Letters.

New York Polyphony's 'Renaissance Valentine' at Miller Theatre, 2/12

This season's Early Music concerts began with a smashing sold-out performance by perennial favorites, The Tallis Scholars, with a beautiful program centered around the Magnificat. The series continues in 2012 with three more Early Music concerts, two in Midtown Manhattan at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin(affectionately known as Smoky Mary's) and one uptown at The American Academy of Arts & Letters.


St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue

The closest subway stops to St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue at 1 W 53rd St in New York City are:

1. Fifth Avenue/53rd Street Station (E, M lines): This station is located just a few steps away from St. Thomas Church. You can take the E or M train to get there. For subway updates and schedules, you can visit the official MTA website [here](http://www.mta.info/).

2. 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center Station (B, D, F, M lines): This station is also nearby, just a short walk from St. Thomas Church. You can take the B, D, F, or M train to reach this station.

While you're in the area, there are plenty of other attractions and things to do nearby. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Rockefeller Center: Just a stone's throw away from St. Thomas Church, Rockefeller Center is a must-visit destination. Take a stroll through the iconic plaza, visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for stunning views of the city, or catch a show at Radio City Music Hall. You can find more information about Rockefeller Center [here](https://www.rockefellercenter.com/).

2. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Located a short walk from St. Thomas Church, MoMA is one of the world's leading museums of modern and contemporary art. Explore its vast collection of masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. Check out their website [here](https://www.moma.org/) for current exhibitions and ticket information.

3. Central Park: Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, located just a few blocks north of St. Thomas Church. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, visit famous landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields, or rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse. You can find more information about Central Park [here](https://www.centralparknyc.org/).

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring this vibrant part of New York City!


What's the best way to get to St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue by bus?

The closest bus stops to St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue at 1 W 53rd St in New York City are:

1. 5th Ave/W 53 St - served by the M1, M2, M3, M4, and Q32 buses. You can check for updates on the MTA website [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m001cur.pdf) for the M1 bus, [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m002cur.pdf) for the M2 bus, [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m003cur.pdf) for the M3 bus, [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m004cur.pdf) for the M4 bus, and [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/q032cur.pdf) for the Q32 bus.

2. 6th Ave/W 53 St - served by the M5, M7, and M55 buses. You can find updates for the M5 bus [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m005cur.pdf), the M7 bus [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m007cur.pdf), and the M55 bus [here](http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m055cur.pdf).

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates closer to your visit. Enjoy your time in New York City!


How much time should I plan to spend at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue?

If you're planning to visit St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City, I recommend setting aside about 1-2 hours for your visit. This will give you enough time to explore the beautiful church, soak in its rich history, and perhaps attend a service or enjoy a musical performance if there are any scheduled during your visit. St. Thomas Church is known for its stunning architecture, magnificent stained glass windows, and its renowned choir, so taking the time to fully appreciate these aspects is well worth it. Additionally, if you're interested in learning more about the church's history, there may be guided tours available that can provide you with fascinating insights. Remember to check their website or contact them directly for any specific events or services you may want to attend during your visit.


Can I bring food and drinks into St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue?

St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, located in the heart of New York City, is a beautiful historic church that welcomes visitors from all walks of life. While the church itself does not have a specific food or drink policy, it is important to be respectful of the sacred space and the worship services that take place there.

If you are planning to visit St. Thomas Church, we recommend refraining from consuming food or drinks inside the church itself. However, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or grab a drink before or after your visit.

Just a short walk away from St. Thomas Church, you'll find a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a casual meal, or a fine dining experience, the surrounding neighborhoods offer a plethora of choices.

From trendy cafes and food trucks to renowned restaurants and bars, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. Don't forget to try some of the local specialties, such as New York-style pizza, bagels, or a classic deli sandwich.

Keep in mind that New York City is a bustling metropolis, and many restaurants can get crowded, especially during peak dining hours. It's always a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially if you have a specific restaurant in mind.

So, while St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue doesn't have a specific food or drink policy, we encourage you to enjoy the diverse culinary scene that New York City has to offer while being respectful of the church's sacred space.


Does St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue offer luggage storage?

St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City does not have a designated luggage storage policy. As a place of worship, their primary focus is on providing spiritual services and community outreach. While they may not have specific facilities for storing luggage, there are several options available nearby.

If you are looking for luggage storage solutions, there are various third-party services in the city that offer secure storage options. These services typically operate on a pay-per-item or per-hour basis, allowing you to store your bags while you explore the city. Some popular luggage storage companies in New York City include Vertoe, LuggageHero, and Schwartz Travel & Storage.

Additionally, many hotels and hostels in the city offer luggage storage facilities for their guests, even if you are not staying with them. It's worth checking with your accommodation provider to see if they can assist you with storing your luggage before or after your visit to St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue.

Remember to always check the specific policies and availability of these services before relying on them, as they may vary.


Is St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City is a wonderful destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the primary language used in the church services is English, the church welcomes people from all backgrounds and nationalities.

St. Thomas Church is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and rich history. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place for visitors to find solace and reflection.

If you are interested in attending a service at St. Thomas Church but are concerned about the language barrier, they often provide printed materials and translations of the sermon in multiple languages. Additionally, the church staff and volunteers are friendly and accommodating, and they will do their best to assist you and make you feel welcome.

Whether you are looking to attend a service, explore the church's history, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue is a worthwhile destination for visitors of all backgrounds and languages.


What ages are appropriate for St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue?

St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City welcomes visitors of all ages! While there is no specific recommended age range, the church offers a variety of programs and services that cater to different interests and age groups. Families with children can enjoy the Sunday School program, which offers engaging activities and lessons for kids. Additionally, the church hosts concerts, lectures, and other events that are suitable for adults. So whether you're a parent looking for a spiritual experience with your family or an individual seeking a place of worship, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue is a welcoming destination for all ages.


Videos