St. Johns Pleasantville Added to National Historic Register

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — St. John's Episcopal Church in Pleasantville has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"St. John's Episcopal Church has been a distinguished and cherished landmark in our town for more than a century," said Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer. "I am delighted to see its designation as a historical site recognized on the National Register."

The church building on Sunnyside Avenue was recommended in September for the state and national register of historic places along with 22 other properties throughout New York.

"St. John's unique and majestic appearance makes it one of Pleasantville's most recognizable and revered landmarks," said State Senator Terrence Murphy. "The church is a focal point in the community, a place of worship and a hub for social activity. It deserves national recognition."

St. John's Church was established in 1853 as a mission church of Grace Church in White Plains. The congregation built its first church on Bedford Road in Pleasantville in 1885. That building now serves as the Pleasantville Community Synagogue.

Designed by local architect Charles A, Hoag, St. John's Episcopal Church was built between 1912 and 1914. The Gothic Revival church was constructed from rough-hewn granite blocks, with limestone-like cast stone trim. Musicians, a local theater group, blood drives, and a homeless-outreach program are among those that use the hall. A parish house, designed by New York City architect Oscar Vatet, was added in 1929. Constructed in a similar Gothic-Revival style to the church, it is connected to the sanctuary by a one-story covered walkway. The building was further expanded in 1972 with the addition of classroom and office wings.

"It is important to designate sites like St. John's Episcopal Church as a historical site in order to preserve its history and importance within the Pleasantville community," Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio said.

The State and National Registers are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, landscapes, objects and sites significant in the history, architecture, archaeology and culture of New York State and the nation. The registers recognize all aspects of New York's diverse history and culture. Properties selected to the registers must represent a significant historical theme, such as architecture, agriculture, industry or transportation and must be intact enough to show their association to that theme. Designated properties are usually required to be more than 50 years of age.

More than 120,000 historic buildings, structures and sites throughout New York State listed on the National Register of Historic Places, individually or as components of historic districts.

PHOTO: St. John's Episcopal Church in Pleasantville/ via State Sen. Terrence Murphy