The General Theological Seminary (GTS) was awarded the prestigious Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy at ceremonies held at the Seminary on Tuesday evening, April 12. The award honors institutions and organizations responsible for many of the city's finest outstanding examples of historic preservation. The Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing, Dean and President of the Seminary received a beautiful engraved glass testimonial signifying the honor from Peg Breen, President of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. "Aside from bringing much-deserved praise and recognition to the owners, architects and stewards of these great buildings," said Ms. Breen, "this annual ceremony urges all New Yorkers to come out and see New York's latest restored gems."
Honored specifically for the restoration of the roof of Hoffman Hall-the building in which the award ceremonies were held-the Seminary was among twelve other award recipients including the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the New York Botanical Garden. More than 350 attendees, leading members of the city's architectural and preservation community, filled the Seminary's historic refectory or dining hall to its capacity. The refectory's vaulted ceiling, brass chandeliers, and huge oriel window seemed the perfect historic setting for the festivities. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Hoffman Hall was created by architect Charles Coolidge Haight in 1899. In replacing the slate roof and creating exact replications of the original copper cupola, GTS and its architectural firm, Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC, were honored for what the Conservancy termed a "brilliant restoration." Work will begin this summer to transform the interior of Hoffman Hall and adjacent buildings into the new Desmond Tutu Education Center.
"Preserving our significant architectural legacy is inseparable from our educational mission to educate and form leaders for the church," said Maureen Burnley, executive vice-president of GTS, who coordinated the event for the Seminary. "The renewal and renovation of our historic properties enables us to offer the kind of programs needed to prepare today's lay and ordained ministers."
Chartered by the Episcopal Church in 1817, the General Seminary is the oldest theological seminary of the Anglican Communion. Since its founding in 1973, the New York Landmarks Conservancy has contributed to the restoration and preservation efforts of hundreds of historic buildings and awarded more than $2.5 million in loans and grants-including assistance for the Hoffman roof restoration. Named after a noted philanthropist, the awards recognize the property owners, builders, artisans, and designers who renew the beauty and utility of New York's distinctive architecture.
