Grace Church, which was designed by America’s then pre-eminent church architect, Richard Upjohn, and has stood at what is now 254 Hicks Street (corner of Grace Court, between Joralemon and Remsen) since 1848, is about to undergo an extensive renovation that will close its sanctuary (photo; services will be held in the upstairs Guild Hall during the renovation) for a year, starting after the Easter services at the end of March. To mark this occasion, and to give all members of the community an opportunity to view the sanctuary before it is closed, the clergy and vestry of Grace will host an open house and tea on this coming Sunday, March 24, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be guided tours of the interior and a talk about the magnificent stained glass windows, some by Tiffany; organ music by Paul Olson; and an opportunity to see a model of the interior’s planned restoration. Refreshments will be served.

In the words of Grace’s Wardens and Rector:

Throughout its long history, Grace Church has served the wider community in Brooklyn Heights and beyond as well as its parishioners, whether through Grace Church School, the 85 year old pre-school, by making space available for community groups to meet, and through our many outreach activities. We view Grace Church as a community landmark and resource as well as a spiritual home for our many parishioners.

Please be our guests on March 24th to learn more about our plans to restore this beloved community landmark. We look forward to seeing you.

The event is free and all are invited.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/56448

Paul Richard Olson has completed twenty years’ service as Organist and Choirmaster at Grace Church, as well as Music Specialist at Grace Church School (he is shown in the photo giving an introductory lesson on the church’s Austin Organ). Today, there was a celebratory brunch in the church’s Guild Hall to mark the occasion. As a special honor to Paul, the hymnist Jacque B. Jones, a member of Plymouth Church, wrote the lyrics to a new hymn, “As Starlight Warms to Daybreak,” which she set to a Swedish melody in recognition of Paul’s Scandinavian heritage. There’s a video of the assembled multitude singing the hymn after the jump.

Piano accompaniment was provided by Craig Whitney, retired New York Times editor and Grace Church parishioner, as well as author of All the Stops: the Glorious Pipe Organ and its American Masters, a must read for fans of the King of Instruments.

Photo: Grace Church; video by Martso.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49527