NEWBURGH – The New York Landmarks Conservancy has announced 16 Sacred Sites Grants totaling $178,500 awarded to historic religious properties throughout New York State including a $7,000 Sacred Sites Grant to St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh, New York to help fund an existing conditions study.
The Conservancy’s Sacred Sites program has assisted more than 750 congregations across New York State since its founding in 1986 with grants totaling some $10 million. These grants have contributed to more than $620 million in total restoration projects. The program is one of a few in the country aiding landmark religious institutions and the only one assisting an entire state.
“Religious institutions anchor their neighborhoods and provide social service and cultural programs that benefit the wider community. You don’t have to be religious at all to understand that these buildings are worth saving and maintaining,” said Peg Breen, President, The New York Landmarks Conservancy.
St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh, New York was awarded a Conservancy Grant of $7,000 to help fund an existing conditions study. An impressive masonry, three bay Doric structure, St. George’s Episcopal Church was built in 1817, although the congregation was formed in 1729. The church was enlarged in 1834 at which time the steeple was added.
Stained glass windows, two of which can be attributed to Tiffany studios, were added during the late 19th and early 20th century. St. George’s sits in the civic center of Newburgh, high above the Hudson River, surrounded by other significant houses of worship.
Committed to the community, St. George’s has remained in Newburgh. In addition to church-related activities, the church hosts a food pantry and also connects guests with other social services such as Planned Parenthood. An afterschool empowerment program, Girl Power, reaches at-risk girls in Newburgh with mentoring, and leadership skills. Voices of Hope, a choir for Newburgh area elementary children, performs throughout the school year and hosts a camp. The church also provides space for local service organizations, including Loaves and Fishes which serves over 1,000 Thanksgiving grocery bags. The Newburgh Chamber Music Society has four concerts a year at the church. The Newburgh Symphonic Chorale has two concerts a year, and the Newburgh Performing Arts Society has one recital annually. Combined, these activities serve almost 2,200 people a year.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy has led the effort to preserve and protect New York City’s architectural legacy for over 40 years. Since its founding, the Conservancy has loaned and granted more than $50 million, which has leveraged more than $1 billion in 1,550 restoration projects throughout New York, revitalizing communities, providing economic stimulus and supporting local jobs. The Conservancy has also offered countless hours of pro bono technical advice to building owners, both nonprofit organizations and individuals. The Conservancy’s work has saved more than a thousand buildings across the City and State, protecting New York’s distinctive architectural heritage for residents and visitors alike today, and for future generations. For more information, please visit www.nylandmarks.org.