Thursday, April 15, 2010

A Tour of St. John’s, Getty Square: May 1

A Tour of St. John’s, Getty Square:
The Most Interesting 19th Century Church in America


Noted architect Stephen F. Byrns maintains that St. John’s Church, Getty Square, is the most
interesting 19th century church in America, and he will make his case at a tour and lecture on
Saturday, May 1 at 4:30 PM. A wine reception follows the tour.

St. John’s was founded as a parish of the Church of England in 1693 and predates every other institution in Yonkers with the exception of Philipse Manor Hall. The American architect Edward Tuckerman Potter, hired because he submitted the only plan preserving a large part of the original 1752 church, is responsible for the striking edifice you see today. Situated in the heart of historic Yonkers, it is widely understood that the church presents opportunities for an appealing revitalized downtown.

Mr. Byrns, one time resident of Yonkers and partner at BSKS Architects in New York, currently
serves as a Landmarks Preservation Commissioner in New York, appointed by Mayor
Bloomberg. A graduate of Princeton University, where he majored in history, he played
leadership roles in Yonkers at the Park Hill Residents’ Association, Yonkers Landmarks Board,
Yonkers Planning Board, Yonkers Historical Society, Philipse Manor Hall Coalition and the
Racquet Club on Park Hill. He is also a graduate of Columbia University.

For further information or to purchase tickets, contact the church office at 914-963-3033, email
parish@stjohnsgs.org or visit www.stjohnsgs.org and click on the “Reservations for Spring
Tour” link. Advance tickets at a discounted price are available until Thursday, April 29th. Space
is limited.

All proceeds go to the continued maintenance and restoration of the church.

St. John’s Church is at One Hudson Street, between Riverdale Avenue and South Broadway in downtown Yonkers.

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