The Church of the Mediator prays for preservation

A grandiose house of worship towers over the hustle and bustle of Kingsbridge. Inside its walls, the Episcopalian Church of the Mediator dazzles with kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows, intricate terracotta carvings and a deeply storied past.

But the sanctuary has seen better days. Outstanding debts and a dwindling congregation – with shrinking funds to match – have left its pristine Neo-Gothic interior in profound disrepair. Efforts to earn the church landmark status have proved unsuccessful, but a new ray of hope is on the horizon. The Preservation League of New York State is stepping in to advocate for the sacred space, affectionately dubbed the “Little Cathedral in the Bronx.”

The organization’s biennial “Seven to Save” program highlights seven historically and culturally significant sites declared to be at-risk. Threats range from demolition and deterioration to long-term vacancies. This year, the Church of the Mediator at 260 W. 231st St., is among those chosen to be saved for future generations to enjoy. 

“It’s really about asking the question, ‘what do the locals envision?’” Caitlin Meives explained, the league’s director of preservation. “‘How can we support them and their efforts?’ It’s not us parachuting into a community and saying, ‘Hey, you need to save this,’ It’s about supporting local people and their community.”

The program provides access to various resources, including preservation grants and a larger platform to raise awareness – bringing it one step closer to being crowned an official historical landmark.

The Mediator’s roots go back more than a century, when the nearest Episcopal church was a lengthy horse-drawn journey away. By the mid-1800s, a growing Episcopalian community in Kingsbridge – then part of Yonkers – sought to establish its own house of worship closer to home. 

In 1855, construction began on the new church – made possible by a generous land donation from Judge James R. Whiting, famous for prosecuting John C. Colt in the notorious murder case of Samuel Adams. 

Completed in 1857, the original building was a humble wood-framed structure, far from the stately stone building seen today. By the end of the 19th century, a growing congregation prompted the need for a larger sanctuary. Construction on the modern-day Church of the Mediator began south of the wooden church in 1906 and by 1908 the former house of worship was demolished.

“History of the Church of the Mediator, Kingsbridge, New York,” published in 1921 by Reverend James Campbell writes the church’s founders —notably Augustus Van Cortlandt and William Ogden Giles – secured the plan for a cathedral “of stone, Gothic in treatment,” reminiscent of the churches in England.

“A lot of love went into the construction and design of the church,” Carol Burrell said, a vestry and congregation member for decades. “They wanted it to be so beautiful so people of all kinds would come here and be inspired.”

To bring the vision to life, the parish commissioned renowned architect Henry Vaughn – whose illustrious portfolio includes portions of the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and the Washington National Cathedral. 

Famed for his mastery of Neo-Gothic Revivalism, the 400-foot-tall Church of the Mediator is characterized by its peaked roof and imposing stone façade, methodically lined with arched windows.

It was completed in 1914 but was not consecrated until 1927, after paying off 72 years of debt. The New York Times chronicled the consecration, noting that the space was “packed to the doors by the largest congregation in its history.” 

Despite its size, the house of worship offers a sense of intimacy. The intricate stained-glass windows project radiant hues throughout, creating an almost ephemeral glow.

Vaughn is not the only famed artist contributing to the church’s design. Behind the altar, George Tinworth’s terracotta panels depict the disciples—but with a hidden detail.

“Many people don’t notice you can count 12 [figures], but there should be 11 because Judas isn’t included,” Dorothy Smith explained, a 96-year-old parishioner for more than 50 years. “The artist put himself, kneeling in front.”

The windows are also unique, notably the one above the entry. The stained-glass portrays five figures, including Booker T. Washington, a leader in the Black community, and Jane Adams, a trailblazer in the women's rights movement.

“The [founders] wanted to have that spirit of supporting the community and even though many of them were wealthy, they believed a church couldn’t just be for the rich,” Burrell said. “It had to serve whoever came through its doors.”

Other windows portray saints and symbolism of the everyday American  – with inscriptions like, “Joseph, hardworking carpenter” and “Martha, devoted homemaker.”

Early church members also honored their own with donations in memory of loved ones, like the window honoring a Jane Smith.

The most prized possession in the church, are two authentic Tiffany windows installed in “Mary’s Chapel,” off to the side of the main altar. Dr. James Douglas donated the works as a tribute to his daughter Lily, who died at the age of 28. Glass design giant, Louis Comfort Tiffany, personally oversaw the installation.

But now, this historic church is facing the threat of closure and possibly, demolition. Decades of water damage have taken their toll, some from persistent roof leaks, others from rain seeping through the stone exterior. The relentless force of water has stripped away plaster, exposing large patches of brick and warping the wood in its path.

“I don’t want anyone to think that we weren’t trying or that we ignored it,” Burrell said. “So much of our hands are tied. Even if we had 500 people here and they could give two pennies every Sunday, it still wouldn’t be enough for repairs.”

The estimated price tag to renovate the church’s infrastructure is up to $20 million, on top of the more than $600,000 the Mediator owes to the Diocese.

The steep cost covers critical repairs, such as bringing the building up to code, securing it against water damage and modernizing the plumbing and mechanical systems, the Episcopal Diocese of New York told The Press in 2022.

As the goal post keeps moving further, some members have given up hope and moved to new parishes altogether.

“People did get frustrated and said, ‘This is too much,’” Burell said teary-eyed. “Or ‘I don't want to come to church and be thinking about money and fixing things.” 

As it stands – without the funds for a full renovation – the church is now seeking a developer to sell the property to, with a specific vision for the future of the grounds. 

If preservation proves impossible, the congregation hopes to see the space repurposed for the community, as affordable housing, a community center or as a resource for disabled veterans.

The loss of the Church of the Mediator would be a significant blow to the community, marking the end of an era that has stood the test of time for more than a century.