A Gothic Revival church in Brooklyn Heights is among 15 historic religious properties across the state to receive a Sacred Sites grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church and Pro-Cathedral, located at the northwest corner of Montague and Clinton streets, will receive $45,000 as part of a grant round totaling $261,500. The funding will help support restoration of the church’s tower and east facade.
The place of worship was built between 1844 and 1847 and opened its doors to parishioners in 1847. It is hailed as architect Minard Lafever’s most ambitious design and his masterpiece. The church, along with its chapel and parish house, was funded by John Bartow, a paper manufacturer.
The church’s facade is clad in brownstone, with a central tower marking the main entrance on Clinton Street. Its figural stained-glass windows, depicting the life of Christ, were created by William Jay Bolton between 1845 and 1848. They are recognized as the first stained-glass windows designed and made in North America.
Since its founding more than 50 years ago, the New York Landmarks Conservancy, a private nonprofit organization, has loaned and granted more than $62 million, leveraging almost $1 billion in restoration projects across New York and saving over 1,000 historic buildings statewide.
The Sacred Sites program, established in 1986, has pledged nearly 1,700 grants totaling over $14.2 million to more than 850 religious institutions, helping fund over $760 million in repair and restoration projects.
Additionally, the Conservancy provides pro bono technical advice to building owners, nonprofit organizations and individuals.
“Historic religious institutions are some of our most important buildings. They often represent the best of American architecture and crafts,” said Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. “We are delighted our grants will help another 15 religious institutions maintain their buildings and serve their communities.”
