Church of the Mediator Named One of New York’s Seven to Save - 2025-2026!
This biennial list from the Preservation League of NYS highlights the most at-risk historic places across the state
Contacts: Katy Peace, Director of Communications, Preservation League of NYS, [email protected]
https://tinyurl.com/2vbwzexv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BRONX, NY, 3/24/25 — The Preservation League of New York State is thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Church of the Mediator on our 2025-2026 Seven to Save list. The League’s Seven to Save program has been drawing attention to some of the most important at-risk historic places across New York since 1999.
“Church of the Mediator is the defining iconic building of Kingsbridge, an historic section of the Bronx,” said Stephen F. Byrns, President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. “That such an important building was never landmarked speaks to the unfortunate lack of attention to underserved areas. It is not too late to landmark it and imagine a bold new use for this building along with the addition of sensitively designed adjacent construction.”
“The League was essential to restoration efforts by Bronx Community College and Foundation on its historic campus when the Gould Memorial Library was included as a Seven to Save several years ago,” said Sherida E Paulsen, FAIA, co-chair of Save Gould Memorial Library and Chair of the Riverdale Nature Preservancy. “We hope this listing will bring similar enthusiasm and awareness to Church of the Mediator, another treasured Bronx institution.”
"Though not officially designated as such, the Church of the Mediator is an important landmark for the Kingsbridge community in the Bronx," said Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation for the Preservation League of NYS. “The grand church, referred to as 'the little cathedral of the Bronx,' has great architectural value — and represents a pervasive challenge affecting houses of worship in New York and beyond. The cost of maintaining historic churches is often too difficult for small congregations, leaving them vulnerable to deterioration and demolition. The League hopes to work with local stakeholders to find alternatives to demolition for this storied church."
The Church of the Mediator is a conspicuous and distinguished building that rises to the top in any list of un-landmarked buildings in New York. Designed by Henry Vaughn in 1910, architect of the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and several chapels at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, it is among his most significant buildings. When it was consecrated in 1927, Bishop William Thomas Manning called it "the cathedral of the Bronx."
The Church is at imminent risk of demolition. High costs of maintenance have made it difficult for the congregation to sustain their grand building. The deterioration of houses of worship is a nationwide problem. But even within New York City, there are creative examples that could guide potential redevelopment for Church of the Mediator. Current plans would demolish the church and build new housing on its lot, with a smaller church included in that development. It is the hope of local advocates that an alternative can be found to both preserve the church building and support the creation of housing at the same time.
Contacts: Katy Peace, Director of Communications, Preservation League of NYS, [email protected]
https://tinyurl.com/2vbwzexv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BRONX, NY, 3/24/25 — The Preservation League of New York State is thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Church of the Mediator on our 2025-2026 Seven to Save list. The League’s Seven to Save program has been drawing attention to some of the most important at-risk historic places across New York since 1999.
“Church of the Mediator is the defining iconic building of Kingsbridge, an historic section of the Bronx,” said Stephen F. Byrns, President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. “That such an important building was never landmarked speaks to the unfortunate lack of attention to underserved areas. It is not too late to landmark it and imagine a bold new use for this building along with the addition of sensitively designed adjacent construction.”
“The League was essential to restoration efforts by Bronx Community College and Foundation on its historic campus when the Gould Memorial Library was included as a Seven to Save several years ago,” said Sherida E Paulsen, FAIA, co-chair of Save Gould Memorial Library and Chair of the Riverdale Nature Preservancy. “We hope this listing will bring similar enthusiasm and awareness to Church of the Mediator, another treasured Bronx institution.”
"Though not officially designated as such, the Church of the Mediator is an important landmark for the Kingsbridge community in the Bronx," said Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation for the Preservation League of NYS. “The grand church, referred to as 'the little cathedral of the Bronx,' has great architectural value — and represents a pervasive challenge affecting houses of worship in New York and beyond. The cost of maintaining historic churches is often too difficult for small congregations, leaving them vulnerable to deterioration and demolition. The League hopes to work with local stakeholders to find alternatives to demolition for this storied church."
The Church of the Mediator is a conspicuous and distinguished building that rises to the top in any list of un-landmarked buildings in New York. Designed by Henry Vaughn in 1910, architect of the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and several chapels at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, it is among his most significant buildings. When it was consecrated in 1927, Bishop William Thomas Manning called it "the cathedral of the Bronx."
The Church is at imminent risk of demolition. High costs of maintenance have made it difficult for the congregation to sustain their grand building. The deterioration of houses of worship is a nationwide problem. But even within New York City, there are creative examples that could guide potential redevelopment for Church of the Mediator. Current plans would demolish the church and build new housing on its lot, with a smaller church included in that development. It is the hope of local advocates that an alternative can be found to both preserve the church building and support the creation of housing at the same time.
