The New York Altar Guild
A philanthropic organization serving the needs of churches and institutions throughout the Anglican Communion by providing vestments and altar furnishings.
Statement of Purpose
The New York Altar Guild has been dedicated for over 100 years to providing for the altar needs of parishes, chapels, missions and related institutions in the Diocese of New York, and the wider Anglican Communion beyond. Our objective is to meet the needs of churches so that all persons may worship in dignity and beauty.
We have a threefold ministry: our reserve closet and purchasing program, our annual workshop, and our annual grants program. Through our reserve closet and purchasing program, we help churches acquire both gently used and new items needed for their sacristy and chancel. At our annual workshop we provide an opportunity for fellowship and learning for all who are interested in altar guild ministry. Our annual grants program helps churches fund minor refurbishing projects. We’d love for you to learn more about each!
Ministry
History
The New York Altar Guild was founded in 1903 to serve the chapels of prisons, children’s homes and hospitals. The original group of indomitable women struggled against city bureaucracy in their efforts to establish suitable places of worship in such institutions. The work soon extended beyond Diocesan boundaries in response to appeals from a variety of churches and church organizations, missions in this country and elsewhere, and even to transatlantic passenger ships. The group continues to respond to a wide variety of church needs. We celebrated our 110th Anniversary in November 2013.
Membership
The New York Altar Guild welcomes new members, men and women, who share our vision and want to support our work. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at noon on Zoom, September through May, excluding December. Our annual meeting is held at the House of the Redeemer on the second Thursday of March beginning at 10:30am.
Individual Lifetime Membership available at $750.
Phone: 845-677-6401
Reserve Closet maintained at The House of Redeemer 7 East 95th Street New York, NY 10128
Board of Directors
Officers
Virginia Lief, President
The Rev. Deacon Jean Marie Angelo, 1st V. President
Henry R. Garner, Jr., 2nd V. President
Charlotte Barnard, Recording Secretary
Ann M. Vitale, Assisting Recording Secretary
Barbara N. Lindsley, Corresponding Secretary
David Holkeboer, Treasurer
Lois E. Butler, Assistant Treasurer
Board Members
Margaret German
The Rev. Molly Jane Layton
Timothy M. Lively
Patricia Ranson
Cheryl Hoist
Member Emerita
Karen L. Sisk