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Frequently Asked Questions
What Denomination is St. Bartholomew's?
When was St. Bartholomew's built? Who was the architect?
Who was St. Bartholomew?
How many members does St. Bartholomew's have?
How many people can the church seat?
What are some of the facts about the organ?
How many clergy does St. Bartholomew's have?
How does one join?
What Denomination is St. Bartholomew's?
Often we hear this question as, "This is a Catholic Church isn't it?" Or, "This is a Greek Orthodox Church isn't it?" Our architecture is that powerful.
We're an Episcopal Church.
Our denominational tradition is rooted in the Church of England, transformed and adapted to American needs after the War of Independence. What we kept was the interesting and sometimes surprising blend of Catholic sacraments and priesthood, Protestant emphasis on the Bible and the individual, and humanistic respect for reason. That blend kept the English church together in contentious times, and it still appeals to the diverse crowd of believers and seekers we attract.
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When was St. Bartholomew's built? Who was the architect?
The present church was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodue (1869-1924), and opened in 1919. The dome and much of the interior decoration was added later. The architectural style is Romanesque, and some of the decoration is Byzantine. The triple portal, pews, much of the church furniture and some of the stained glass windows were brought from the second St. Bartholomew's building at Madison Ave. and 44th St. Read more here.
Who was St. Bartholomew?
One of the Twelve Apostles. In Aramaic and Hebrew son (bar) of Tolomai. Often associated with Philip in Gospel lists of apostles, a 9th century tradition identified him with Nathanael. (Nathanael bar Tolmai). St. John's Gospel 1:44-51 refers to Nathaniel as the counterpart to Philip and St. Matthew's Gospel 10:3.
The Gospels contain no report of acts by Bartholomew, but later tradition says Bartholomew is visited "India" (a term which was used rather loosely to cover regions east of Suez) during the reign of Commodusas Roman Emperor (180-192). Other tradition has it that Bartholomew was martyred by being flayed alive. Thus the scimitar or knife is his symbol, depicted in stone, wood, paint, etc. in many places in the present church. Bartholomew is claimed as the patron Saint of Armenia, the traditional site of his martyrdom; and of cheese merchants, tanners and plasterers.
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Who was St. Bartholomew?
One of the Twelve Apostles. In Aramaic and Hebrew son (bar) of Tolomai. Often associated with Philip in Gospel lists of apostles, a 9th century tradition identified him with Nathanael. (Nathanael bar Tolmai). St. John's Gospel 1:44-51 refers to Nathaniel as the counterpart to Philip and St. Matthew's Gospel 10:3.
The Gospels contain no report of acts by Bartholomew, but later tradition says Bartholomew is visited "India" (a term which was used rather loosely to cover regions east of Suez) during the reign of Commodusas Roman Emperor (180-192). Other tradition has it that Bartholomew was martyred by being flayed alive. Thus the scimitar or knife is his symbol, depicted in stone, wood, paint, etc. in many places in the present church. Bartholomew is claimed as the patron Saint of Armenia, the traditional site of his martyrdom; and of cheese merchants, tanners and plasterers.
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How many members does St. Bartholomew's have?
This is tricky. On Sundays, we have we have five services and the church is often filled at the largest, the 11 am. We count about 3,800 baptized members recorded on our rolls. We have about 1300 households who support us by making annual financial pledges; another 800 who are givers of record. There are over 14,000 names on our mailing list.
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How many people can the church seat?
About 1300.
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What are some of the facts about the organ?
It's the largest pipe organ in New York City, with 11 divisions, 168 stops, 225 ranks and 12,422 pipes. Considered the last of the great "American classic" organs by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, it contains pipes from the original organ in the Madison Ave. building, and some as recent as the early 1970s. It is played from a five-manual console in the chancel, controlling pipes in the chancel galleries, the dome (110 ft. above the nave floor) and the west end.
There is another smaller Aeolian-Skinner organ in the Chapel that has 11 ranks and 1,044 pipes.
Details here.
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How many clergy does St. Bartholomew's have?
The rector, the vicar, four fulltime clergy, one retired priest and one deacon assigned to our Community Ministry. Read about them and our lay professional staff here.
How does one join?
There are at least as many ways "in" as there are doors, windows and people to connect with. The best way to start is to attend worship, introduce yourself, fill out a Welcome Card, and let us listen to your story. That will help you and us know the best way to proceed. We offer frequent courses, workshops and newcomer events. More on ways to connect here.
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