Church of the Epiphany

Epiphany celebrated its 100th Anniversary the first week of 1933. The parish children had their own party on Wednesday the 4th, complete with entertainment. Friday, January 6th, a parish social was held and more than one hundred people were present at “one of the most enjoyable times” the parish had ever had. Epiphany held its Anniversary service on Sunday, January 8th. The church was full of parishioners and friends. Bishop Jones, grandson of Rev. Lot Jones was present, as were Mr. Crocker, Dr. Suter, the man who had been called to succeed Rev. Crocker, and many former curates. Bishop Manning gave the sermon. The Bishop praised Rev. Crocker for his devoted ministry to Epiphany: “The memory of his faithful loving and self-effacing ministry will not be forgotten.”

But 1933 was the height of the Depression. Epiphany struggled through the worst years of that era at its 35th Street location. Attendance dwindled, as did its income. Its financial situation was described as “most serious.” A third merger with another church was explored as a way to become financially sound, but Bishop Manning was opposed. Dr. Suter was intent on moving Epiphany away from the Murray Hill area that had changed so dramatically over the years. He received Bishop Manning’s and the Vestry’s support to move Epiphany to its present location on Manhattan’s “Far East Side” where there were no Episcopal Churches. The reality of the Depression caused the idea to be tabled for several years. Finally, a Parish meeting was held on December 19th, 1935 to discuss the idea of a move. On January 23rd, 1936 the Parish learned the plan would be put in motion on February 9th. The congregation moved out of 35th Street, put that church up for sale, and began its Uptown search. During this time the congregation worshipped at St Thomas Chapel, 230 East 60th Street, presently All Saints’ Church, until the new church was built. The vestry chose a site on the Northwest corner of 74th and York Avenue where Epiphany remains today. The area was being developed because of the burgeoning New York Hospital complex.

Rev. William T. Crocker was Rector for 29 years, from 1903 until 1933, almost one third of the then entire history of Epiphany. He celebrated the One Hundredth Anniversary of Epiphany on January 8th, 1933, and stepped down as Rector one week later. He remained involved with Epiphany as Rector Emeritus.

War II. The entranceway was completed with a gift from The Pyne family in memory of Percy Pyne and Percy R. Pyne, Jr. who had been active vestry members. In the years from 1945 until 1955 the congregation increased by 60%.

In 1955 there were twenty-five or more parish organizations, including a group making surgical dressings for home and abroad, several basketball leagues for young teenaged boys, a foreign student hospitality committee, and the Released Time School where parishioners worked with youth from the area. The number of children in the neighborhood was declining, and the parish reached out to young adults who were associated with the nearby hospitals and involved them in the life of the church.