The Church of the Transfiguration — Attraction in New York

I am loathe to even discuss this place because I want it for myself. I fear publicizing this place will ruin precisely the magic it holds. But, I am not greedy, so, here we go. There is NO. OTHER. PLACE. in this city that offers the absolute peace, solace, spiritual resonance and escape from the slings and arrows of daily life that The Little Church Around The Corner does. It is open to all, always. I'm Roman Catholic so the way this church is designed, the way it smells, the lighting, the iconography, everything, immediately resonates with me but in truth it is completely agnostic in terms of the respite it offers. You enter through a small garden that separates the church itself from the street and then turn left into the pews and you are instantly transported. Constructed entirely of exotic woods and crafted by hands and hearts that no longer exist in our world except in small pockets of passionate devotees, the atmosphere is serene, beautifully lit, aromatic, inviting, and completely soothing. It matters not if you are a believer or atheist or Muslim or whatever... its religion is irrelevant... it is simply just a spiritual place in every sense of the word. The city completely disappears once inside the wooden walls and there is no one there to hush you or shoo you out or disturb your contemplation or meditation. Stay as long as you wish, replenish your soul, find your center, close your eyes and connect with memories of friends, family, places, things, loves past and present, the universe, the minute but steadfast beating of your very own heart, the dreams and hopes and pain and the ecstasy of the human condition and your small but magnificent role in it. All is here for you if you breathe and listen. And it is absolutely free... you need only bring an open mind and your soul. I have spent hours here, completely alone but for the presence of angels, letting go of the shackles and chains we intentionally imprison ourselves in, shedding old, no longer useful attitudes or habits, reconnecting with that persistent, unwavering, drum beat beneath my rib cage, filling my lungs with the air of new hope, treading back out into the frightening maw of our Metropolis, armored with fresh faith. I spoke to The Father once as I was concerned that someday the church might be sold to a developer and razed. He assured me that this would never happen and I thank God for that because literally this is my Mecca. I hope you find some similar...

Perhaps this church should be more appropriately named, "the Little Church of Horrors." And there is good reason.

Ostensibly is looks open and affirming; however, scratch the veneer and you find an array of limousine liberals and right wing conservatives. For many here, the concept of social justice is the coffee hour. The place reminds me of those diner desserts, all fluff and no stuff- tasteless at best. Working seriously with the disenfranchised- who are in the midst- would serve them better. Perhaps the church's motto "Fides Opera" would then become operative. From personal experience, it would do the place better to make a preferential option for the poor instead of paying lip service. Yes, Lazarus is sitting at your gate, but you prefer to serve the rich, powerful, and socially acceptable. You bring life to Ghandi's words that Christianity is great if it were...

I visited several historical churches during my visit to NYC with my wife, and this was one of only two churches with staff who not only greeted us warmly, but went above and beyond our expectations to show us around. They were kind and welcoming in a way that only one other church exhibited. And aside from that, this little church was by far the most beautiful one we saw, with woodwork and stained glass that rivaled the beauty of even the larger churches/cathedrals. I'm so glad we had the chance to see this place and meet staff who cared enough to do more than...