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 is dedicated to providing for the altar needs of the Cathedral, parishes, chapels, missions, and related institutions throughout the Diocese of New York, nationally and internationally, contributing to the support of ecclesiastical services of the wider Episcopal Church. Our objective is to assure that all persons can worship in dignity and beauty.
Activities
Although domiciled in New York City, we operate independently from the Diocese and from the Altar Guild Association of the Diocese of New York. Our focus is local, national and worldwide, meeting the expressed needs of churches and institutions everywhere.
The New York Altar Guild maintains a Reserve Closet at the House of the Redeemer, 7 East 95th Street, New York City. We welcome, receive and store donations of suitable ecclesiastical items in good condition for redistribution, providing new life for them in a great variety of settings. We subsequently fill requests from parishes, missions and related institutions by providing for them vestments, linens, and Eucharistic and Altar furnishings. Call the Guild at 845-677-6401 or e-mail
nyaltarguild@aol.com to donate or request needed items.
Recent assistance has been provided to parishes, organizations and correctional facilities in the Diocese of New York, and churches in the Caribbean, Tanganyika and Ghana.. We have forged an exciting relationship with the Rev. Canon Andrew White, so-called “Vicar of Baghdad”, and have provided vestments and altar hangings for St. George’s Church in the heart of that war-torn city.
History
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 105th Anniversary in November 2008.
Membership
The New York Altar Guild welcomes new members, baptized men and women, who share our vision and want to support our work. Meetings are held October through May, excluding December, at the House of the Redeemer, 7 East 95th Street, New York City. The New York Altar Guild has been incorporated as a non-profit entity, and all contributions are tax deductible.
Membership dues levels include Annual Individual ($40), Annual Patron ($75), and Annual Associate Altar Guild ($50 - $75). Individual Lifetime Memberships are available at $750.
Newsletter
The New York Altar Guild hopes to initiate an electronic newsletter. To be on the mailing list, send an email to nyaltarguild@aol.com with NYAG Newsletter in the subject line.
The New York Altar Guild
Mailing address: The New York Altar Guild
PO Box 881, Millbrook NY 12545
845-677-6401
e-Mail: nyaltarguild@aol.com
Reserve Closet maintained at
The House of the Redeemer
7 East 95th Street
New York, NY 10128
Chaplain
Sister Ann Whitaker, S.S.M.
Board of Directors
Officers
Barbara N. Lindsley, President
Patricia Ranson, 1st V. President
Jean C. Grainger, 2nd V. President
Sally Johnston, Recording Secretary
Sarah L. Jones, Assistant Recording Secretary
Charlotte Barnard, Corresponding Secretary
Patricia Mayfield, Treasurer
Lois E. Butler, Assist. Treasurer
Margaret R. Moses, Reserve Supplies
Mary Van Schaick, Reserve Supplies
Board Members
Charlotte Barnard
Charlotte Bowden
The Rev. Deacon Eliza Davies
Minita A. Finger
Margaret German
Sarah L. Jones
Mai D. Harper
Karen Sisk
Monica L. Stewart
Minita A. Finger, Honorary Member
