Some individuals are fascinated by churches. Wherever they visit, they always find time to admire the architectural styles of the various religious edifices in the area. While some West Chelsea real estate for sale has actually been churches, many of them still remain in use as religious buildings. In West Chelsea and Chelsea proper, there are several churches that deserve more than a nod in their direction. In fact, the area offers several fine historic churches for your architectural consideration.
Church of the Guardian Angel (1930)
John Van Pelt designed this church situated at the northwest corner of W. 21st St. and Tenth Avenue. It is rendered in the Italian Romanesque style. It is one of the historic churches that is still an active Roman Catholic neighborhood church.
Immaculate Conception Church (1894-96)
This Roman Catholic Church was constructed as the Grace Chapel and Hospital. It was not catholic at the time but an Episcopalian mission affiliated with Broadway’s Grace Church. It became a Catholic church in 1943.
Church of the Holy Communion (1844-1850)
This former Episcopalian Church was designed by Richard Upjohn. It featured elements that were Gothic and rustic, medieval and ornate. Asymmetrical in design, it once occupied a neighborhood that was considered second-rate. Picturesque it was and saved as a landmark designation in the 1960s, it has long since ceased to function in any religious capacity. In the 1980s it was a notorious nightclub known as the Limelight.
Church of St. Francis Xavier (1882)
This Baroque edifice was created by an Irish-born immigrant architect – Patrick Charles Keely. Featuring a broken pediment and a massive portico it is a church that demands attention from within its space. This huge structure could dominate any square. Instead, you can find it on a small, rather undistinguished side street in Chelsea. It is a working church where parishioners find solace within its grand and humbling appearance.
Church of the Holy Apostles (1845–1848; 1853-1854; 1858; 1994)
The Church was designed initially by Minard Lefever, including later additions in 1853-1854. The transepts were created by Charles Babcock and the stained glass windows were by William Jay Bolton. The church has an octagonal spire. It was severely damaged by fire in 1990 but restored in 1994. It continues to act as a home to the Episcopal parish.
These are a few of the churches in and around the neighborhood known as Chelsea. If you find and purchase the right piece of West Chelsea real estate for sale, you can discover many small religious gems hidden away. You will come across them unsuspecting as you wander down some small and seemingly obscure side street.
