St. George’s Church to Host Open House

NEWBURGH – On Sunday, May 22, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, St. George’s Episcopal Church on Grand Street in Newburgh’s Historic will participate in The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House weekend.  The Open House coincides with the birthday of the Rev. John Brown, who served as Rector of St. George’s for 64 years.

St. George’s formed in 1728, and the present church building was consecrated in 1819. The construction was directed by the Rev. Brown himself, with him and members of the parish hauling over 200 loads of stone for the project!

St. George’s is a beautiful Federal-style building overlooking the Hudson River on Grand Street in Newburgh’s Historic District.  Original pews, a full pipe organ, and stunning Tiffany windows are among the features of the space.  Visitors to the church during the open house will be able to take part in guided tours, as well as see displays on the history of the church and preparations being done toward upcoming restoration work.  After seeing the church, open house guests will be invited to the Rev. Brown’s original house, just down the street from the church, for celebration and cake.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to open our doors to the public.  We will be showing people our many treasures, pointing out recent restoration projects we have done, and raising awareness about restoration work we are planning for,” said Mary Barber, warden of St. George’s.

“The timing of the Sacred Sites Open House Weekend with the Rev. John Brown’s birthday is a happy coincidence,” said the Rev. Dustin Trowbridge, Rector of St. George’s.  “I often hear from parishioners that experiencingthe beauty of St. George’s worship space for the first time made a profound impression on them, so we’re delighted at this opportunity to provide that experience to the whole community.”