NoMad in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Church of the Transfiguration

Designated Landmark, New York City

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 1, 2008

1. Church of the Transfiguration plaque

Inscription. This building, known as “The Little Church Around The Corner”, was built between 1849 and 1861 in the Gothic Revival style of English county parishes. The entrance gate, known as a Lych gate, was designed in 1896 by architect Frederick Withers. Also known as the “Actors’ Church”, it was given its popular name in 1870 by actor Joseph Jeffries because of its traditional hospitality to theater people who were often not welcome in many other religious institutions. Among the actors who worshipped here were Edwin Booth and Sarah Bernhardt.

Erected 1989 by New York Landmark Preservation Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 40° 44.713′ N, 73° 59.16′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in NoMad. It is on East 29th Street west of Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 East 29th Street, New York NY 10016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Church of the Transfiguration

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(here, next to this marker); Lychgate Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Little Church Around the Corner" (within shouting distance of this marker); Marble Collegiate Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, DD., LL.D. (about 300 feet away); American Academy of Dramatic Arts (about 400 feet away); The New York Life Building (about 700 feet away); Tin Pan Alley (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Church of the Transfiguration image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 1, 2008

2. Church of the Transfiguration

1 East 29th Street.

A Brief History of The Little Church signage image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, April 20, 2025

3. A Brief History of The Little Church signage

Founded in October 1848, The Church of the Transfiguration is one of the most famous Episcopal parishes in the United States. For 165 years, The Church of the Transfiguration has been known for its inclusivity—welcoming individuals from all races, classes, sexual orientations, and other backgrounds. Established on what was then the outskirts of New York City, the church today is a visible worshipping community near the geographic center of Manhattan.

The Church of the Transfiguration was founded by the Rev. George Hendric Houghton, sometimes called the first Saint of the American Church, who served as its rector for 49 years. In his ministry to those in need, he sheltered escaped slaves as part of the Underground Railroad and African-American families during the Draft Riots of the Civil War and welcomed members of the theater profession, something not common at the time.

Our motto is Fides Opera, which is Latin for “Faith and Works.” This motto embodies The Church of the Transfiguration’s historic commitment to putting our faith into action to serve our community.

The Church of the Transfiguration is often called “The Little Church Around The Corner.” The nickname dates back to 1870, when Joseph Jefferson—famous for his portrayal of Rip Van Winkle on stage—had requested a funeral at another church for his fellow actor and friend, George Holland. Upon learning that the deceased had been an actor, the priest refused. At the time, many considered actors to be unworthy of Christian burial. After some prodding by Jefferson, the priest suggested that “There is a little church around the corner where it might be done.” Jefferson responded, “Then I say to you, sir, God bless the little church around the corner.”

To this day, The Church of the Transfiguration maintains close ties to the theater. The church has served as the national headquarters of the Episcopal Actors’ Guild since its founding in 1923. The church itself was designated a United States Landmark for Church and Theater in 1973.

Our historic buildings and lovely garden have drawn couples from all over the world to be married here. These couples are members of the “Little Family,” and many have continued to stay in touch with us over the years. Continuing its long tradition of inclusiveness, The Little Church celebrated the first same-sex wedding in the Diocese of New York in July 2012.

We invite you to join us for the prayer, service, and fellowship that are the foundation of our church.

National Historic Landmark sign for the church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 16, 2023

4. National Historic Landmark sign for the church

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on April 20, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 4. submitted on June 18, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.