Bertram Goodhue and the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in New York City

If you want to see gothic revival at some of its very best in North America, one need only look to the beautiful Dominican church of St. Vincent Ferrer, located in Manhattan (New York City) to see an example of the genre at its height. In the British sphere, we are accustomed to hearing of names such as G.F. Bodley, A.W.N. Pugin and Sir Ninian Comper in relation to the gothic revival movement, and in the Americas we have the likes of Ralph Adams Cram and Bertram Goodhue -- the latter of whom is the architect responsible for this particular church. 

Goodhue, who lived from 1869-1924, lest he be pigeon-holed to the gothic revival alone, it should be noted, was also involved in the Spanish colonial revival and his artistic interests went beyond architecture alone, extending into the design and publication of books and typography. He hailed from New England and following his time studying architecture, would relocate to Boston where he would come into contact with Ralph Adams Cram whom he would go on to work with for a quarter of a century under the firm that was then called "Cram, Goodhue and Ferguson" (now simply referred to as Cram and Ferguson). This firm would become one of the leaders of gothic revivalism in North America,  pursuing projects for various institutions, particularly ecclesiastical and academic one's.

At the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, Goodhue collaborated with the German born architectural sculptor, Lee Lawrie (1877-1963) whose work covered styles ranging from gothic revival, classicist and Art Deco. 

Work on the present church -- which was not the first on this site -- began after the previous structure was demolished in 1914 and construction lasted until 1918 and Goodhue himself considered the church his very best approach to gothic revival.

The interior is particularly stunning, be comprised of limestone (like the exterior) but filled not only with stained glass, but glorious woodwork, including the spectacular reredos found on the high altar and the corresponding choir stalls in the chancel. 

The high altar showing the arms of the Dominican Order

The stained glass of the church was done by Charles Jay Connick (1875-1945) whose own approach to stained glass was reminiscent of the sort one would expect to find in a place such as Chartres Cathedral. 

Located high above the separation of the chancel from the nave is the rood beam which includes a spectacular carved rood. 

Nearby and almost equally as impressive is the pulpit which is crowned by a spire that incorporates various saints. 

Not to be missed either are the various chapels found in St. Vincent Ferrer. 

The friars chapel where they recite the Divine Office. If you look closely, you will note the hanging pyx.

Polychromed angels are found atop the riddle posts going around the altar of the friars chapel

 Chapel of the Holy Name showing a depiction of the Presentation on the triptych of the altar

The Chapel of the Rosary, the reredos of which shows St. Dominic being given the Rosary by Our Lady

Detail from the Chapel of St. Patrick, showing the statue of the saint found in the reredos