Westchester, N.Y. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that St. John’s Episcopal Church located in Pleasantville, New York was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. St. John’s offers many community programs and services including a twelve-step program, homeless outreach efforts, community gardens, and theater group meetings. The official designation expands opportunities for federal historic tax credits and other resources to support future preservation and development initiatives.
“Adding St. John’s Episcopal Church to the National Register of Historic Places appropriately honors this century-old church and the role it has played in Pleasantville’s history. The church is an architectural treasure and remains a beacon for those looking for religious and spiritual guidance. This designation will preserve St. John’s for current and future generations,” said Senator Schumer.
“St. John’s Episcopal Church has deep-rooted connections to Pleasantville spanning over a century. The Church opened its doors to all individuals for religious and spiritual service, and still serves the community by offering guidance and counsel to individuals in need,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I pushed for this designation because St. John’s Episcopal Church remains an iconic symbol of Pleasantville’s history; and this designation will aid in preserving this landmark for generations to come.”
The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to the National Park Service Director included below.
June 2, 2016
Mr. Jonathan B. Jarvis
Director
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
Dear Director Jarvis,
I write in support of the candidacy of St. John’s Episcopal Church for placement on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. St. John’s Episcopal Church is a historically significant site in Westchester County, with gothic design and original stained glass windows that remain architecturally important today.
Since 1853, St. John’s Episcopal Church has been an important part of the Pleasantville community. The Church’s current building was built in 1914 to meet the needs of the growing parish. St. John’s has continued this growth, opening its doors to all individuals for religious and spiritual service, study, and guidance. St. John’s also offers many community programs and is home to services including a twelve-step program, homeless outreach efforts, community gardens, and theater group meetings. The requested placement on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places will aid in preserving this landmark so that it may continue to serve the community while also remaining a historical symbol in Pleasantville.
Today, the Church’s original stained glass and gothic architecture remain in place, displaying the building’s 100-year-old beauty. Additionally, the home of St. John’s Rector is historically significant as the oldest home in Pleasantville, dating back to 1785. In 1928, notable architect Oscar Vatet, who designed several buildings that appear on the National Register, designed the Church’s parish hall. That same year, St. John’s was the site of the first European royal wedding in the United States. St. John’s Episcopal Church remains an iconic symbol of Pleasantville’s rich history and is deserving of placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator