The centerpiece of Garden City, NY, the Cathedral of the Incarnation opened its doors on April 9, 1885. Cornelia Stewart funded the building of the Episcopal cathedral as a memorial to her husband, Alexander T. Stewart, known as "The Merchant Prince" for his successful development of department stores. When he passed away in 1876, Stewart was considered one of the three richest men in the United States, alongside Cornelius Vanderbilt and William B. Astor.
Alexander T. Stewart is also known for his role in founding Garden City in 1869. One of the first planned communities in the United States, Garden City features broad, tree lined streets and an upscale ambience.
The cathedral has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978.
The Spire of the Garden City Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, NY, built in 1885, was designed to emulate the classical Gothic style of architecture of the 13th century. This style is characterized by a sense of lightness and tall spires that soar to the sky. Visitors can sense the immensity of the spiritual heights of cathedrals built in the Gothic style, and the profusion of windows often found in these buildings seem to reflect divine light.
The cathedral's ornately decorated spire rises to a height of over 200 feet, topping the impressive building made from imposing blocks of brown sandstone.
Inside The Cathedral of the Incarnation
The imposing Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY, features soaring, pointed arches, characteristic of the Gothic style of architecture.
Ceiling at the Cathedral of the Incarnation
Visitors to the imposing Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City will notice rich details throughout the building. Looking upward, the cathedral reveals a soaring ceiling, elegantly decorated with gold leaf.
Stained Glass Windows at the Cathedral of the Incarnation
Gothic cathedrals are characterized by a profusion of windows which seem to exude otherworldly, divine light. Here, the South transept window of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY gleams with its bright colors and Biblical characters. Like all of the stained glass windows in the cathedral, it features depictions of stories that reflect aspects of the Incarnation.
The Organ at the Cathedral of the Incarnation
In addition to church music, the Cathedral of the Incarnation is also host to concerts for voice and musical instruments. The cathedral's organ was built by Casavant Frères Limitée, and was installed in the building in 1986. It is the largest pipe organ on all of Long Island, NY.
The organ currently in the Cathedral was built by the firm of Casavant Frères Limitée and was installed in 1986. With 103 ranks located in both the chancel and gallery of the Cathedral, it is the largest pipe organ on Long Island.
Getting To The Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Incar nation is located at 50 Cathedral Avenue in Garden City, NY. The phone number is (516) 746-2955.