Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, New York City, 1855
(Formerly Trinity Chapel)

Gracing Manhattan's historic Chelsea District, the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture. The former Trinity Chapel served as the uptown branch of Trinity Church on Wall Street, and was designed in 1851 by the celebrated architect Richard M. Upjohn. It served local Episcopalians for the next 92 years.

Around the turn of the century, the neighborhood began to change as local residents moved to more fashionable areas. Slowly but irrevocably, what was once uptown became midtown. Despite all efforts to revitalize the parish, Trinity Church opted to sell Trinity Chapel in the early 1940's. In 1943, the decision was made in favor of the area's small but dynamic Serbian congregation, who became the proud owners of this stately church to be cared for and preserved for posterity.

In June 1944 Trinity Chapel was formally consecrated as the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava. It was the first Serbian Orthodox Church on the East Coast, thus becoming the gateway church and spiritual center for the Serbian people, visiting dignitaries, and other Orthodox Christians.

More on the restoration: http://www.stsavanyc.org/english/e05/index.html

More on the history of the church: http://www.stsavanyc.org/english/e09/history.html