Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue

Bicentennial Weekend

Celebrating Two Hundred Years of God’s Love in the Heart of New York

October 12 – 15, 2023

October 12, 2023 will mark the bicentennial of the first meeting of Saint Thomas Church. From that first meeting in a humble room at Broome Street and Broadway to its current location in a French Gothic masterpiece at the heart of midtown Manhattan, Saint Thomas has been an integral part of New York’s spiritual and cultural communities for two hundred years.

In commemoration of this milestone event, Saint Thomas Church has planned a four-day schedule of events that celebrates its sustained commitment to community, liturgical and musical excellence, and Christian values.

The Bicentennial Weekend

The Bicentennial Weekend will be a reflection of the church’s rich history and a celebration of its enduring mission. The four-day weekend begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with a celebratory Orchestral Eucharist to commemorate the founding of the parish. On Friday evening, Concerts at Saint Thomas offers a free concert exploring the wealth of music written for Saint Thomas and its world-famous Choir of Men and Boys. Saturday will see a Black-Tie Gala fundraiser, with the inaugural Vestry Medal of Honor being awarded to G. William Haas. The weekend will finish with fanfare on Sunday, with two choral services and an organ recital on the historic Taylor & Boody organ.

Thursday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Procession and Solemn Eucharist to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Founding of the Parish

Sermon by the Right Reverend Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop of New York

Music by the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and Orchestra

Followed by a Champagne Reception

Friday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Saint Thomas at 200: A Musical Legacy

Concert with the Choir of Men and Boys with Saint Thomas Brass (free admission)

Saturday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Bicentennial Black-Tie Gala at the University Club

Honoring G. William Haas with the inaugural presentation of the Vestry Medal of Honor

Music by the Boys of the Saint Thomas Choir and the Glenn Crytzer Orchestra

Sunday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m.

Procession and Solemn Eucharist

Sermon by the Rev. Andrew Mead, Rector Emeritus

Followed by Brunch Reception

Sunday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Organ Recital on the Taylor & Boody Organ by Nicolas Haigh, Assistant Organist (manually-pumped)

Sunday, October 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Solemn Evensong and Te Deum

Sermon by The Sub-Dean of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace, The Rev. Canon Paul Wright LVO