Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, New York

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church has a rich history that traces back to October 23, 1898, when a new parish was established on the Upper West Side of New York City, between Central Park and the Hudson River. By next year, taking charge of overseeing the construction project was Father Michael J. Considine, whose vision was to create a church that would inspire individuals and pay homage to God through its exquisite beauty. Collaborating with architect Joseph H. McGuire, they departed from the prevailing Gothic or Romanesque styles and opted for a unique Byzantine design.

When Holy Trinity Church was dedicated on May 11, 1912, parishioners were welcomed into a magnificent edifice reminiscent of Hagia Sophia, the iconic mother church of Eastern Christians in Istanbul. Crafted with brick, terra cotta, mosaics, patterned tiles, marble, and gold leaf, the church emanates grandeur. The 66-foot-diameter dome, rising 100 feet above the floor, showcases honey-colored Guastavino tiles and features a lantern that allows natural light to filter in from above.

The interior is graced with galleries on three sides, while the largest gallery in the liturgical West End is reserved for the choir and organ. With close to 2100 pipes and a striking Royal Trumpet en chamade, the organ serves as a visual and auditory centerpiece, standing as a radiant gem within the unparalleled architectural setting of Holy Trinity.

The church's Byzantine facade is framed by two corner towers, while eight bronze doors stand beneath statues of Saint Peter and Saint John, symbolizing the convergence of the West (Rome) and the East (Ephesus). Above the entrance, in twenty-two karat gold mosaic, the Trinitarian Latin phrase "Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto" (Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit) may be seen.