The Cathedral of St. John the Divine

As a VENUE: Host an event…

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a 131-year-old global landmark and the largest gothic cathedral in the world. The Cathedral’s distinctive architecture, with its detailed facade, great bronze doors, and grand staircase, towers over Amsterdam Avenue and extends a full avenue block east to Morningside Drive. The Cathedral and its surrounding gardens and buildings form a 11.3-acre complex collectively referred to as the Close. Every area within The Cathedral and surrounding gardens delights and inspires. The Cathedral welcomes inquiries about use of its capacious and dramatic spaces for corporate and not-for-profit events and facility rentals. While the Cathedral primarily serves its diverse communities, its history, architecture, and capability to seat more guests than many Broadway theaters makes it a highly desirable New York City event and performance venue, with guest count capacities ranging from 100 to 800 for seated dinners and up to 2,500 for receptions. When not in use for its own programming, the Cathedral is pleased to consider requests for public and private events. Nine unique spaces are offered:

• Nave and Crossing: The entire Church measures a record-breaking 601 feet in length and its ceiling soars 124 feet high. The Nave and the Crossing together make up the largest available space to rent for a * fundraising gala * wedding reception * live performance, or * funeral.
  • * Seated Dinner: 800 Guests * Cocktail Reception: 2,500 Guests * Theater Style: 1,500 Guests
• Crossing Only: At approximately 10,000 square feet, the Crossing sits under the largest freestanding dome designed by Rafael Guastavino. The Crossing is the perfect space for a * graduation ceremony * seated dinner with speakers, and * live performances.
  • * Seated Dinner: 450 Guests * Cocktail Reception: 850 Guests * Theater Style: 600 Guests
• Ambulatory: The Ambulatory is entered through elaborately wrought steel gateways, 30 feet high, in the archways on either side of the great arch of the Choir.
• Chapels: The chapels of St. Columba, St. Saviour, St. Martin, and St. Ambrose may accommodate between 25 and 60 guests, depending on the set up of the space. Organ music is available in these chapels via our portative organ.
  • * Seated Dinner: 25 Guests * Cocktail Reception: 60 Guests * Theater Style: 45 Guests
• Chapel of St. James: A perfect intimate chapel for a * wedding ceremony * reception, or * conference.
  • * Seated Dinner: 70 Guests * Cocktail Reception: 125 Guests * Theater Style: 97 Guests
• The Great Choir: The Great Choir is 170 feet x 56 feet. The Choir Stalls, rising in four tiers on either side of the Choir proper, are of carved American oak. The Great Choir area can be used as a * stage for performances or for a * wedding ceremony.
  • Pew Seating: 100 Guests * Pew & Chairs: 250 Guests
• Synod Hall: Available as the quintessential * wedding reception * venue for cocktails * seated dinners, and * dancing. Synod Hall is a neo-Gothic styled building just steps from the Cathedral. In addition to wedding receptions, it is perfect for a * fundraising gala * a birthday or * anniversary celebration, or an * off-site meeting.
  • 250 Guests
• Cathedral House: Completed in 1914, these rooms are used regularly for board and conference meetings. A perfect off-site location for your team with views of the Cathedral Gardens and architecture to make your meeting feel like a retreat.
  • 50 Guests
• Outdoor Spaces on the Close: The Close features numerous carefully tended landscapes such as the * Pulpit Green * the Biblical Garden and the*  Rose Garden. With stunning sculptures and fountains, these lush outdoor spaces offer a dramatic background for photo sessions and outdoor events.
  • No Capacity Limit

Support The Cathedral of St. John the Divine… by simply booking your next special occasion here:

https://www.stjohndivine.org/about/space-rental

As a SHOP: Discover unique merchandise…

The Cathedral Shop specializes in unique items from independent artisans, local and women-owned small businesses, and fair trade enterprises. Every purchase supports economic, social, and environmental causes in our community and across the globe. Each of our products is chosen with care and with the highest regard to fair labor practices and sustainability. Come visit us in person to explore our full range of products that include: * Books * T-Shirts * Tote Bags * Water Bottles *  Keychains * Window Clings * Christmas Ornaments, and * Temporary Tattoos. The Shop is open daily and is located near the Visitor Center. Our online shop offers a selection of signature Cathedral items. Your purchase helps support our many, robust programs and services. (U.S. Shipping Only)

Support The Cathedral of St. John the Divine… by simply purchasing your speciality merchandise here:

https://www.stjohndivine.org/support/the-shop

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

Philanthropy is one of the most powerful ways that we can ensure the continued vitality of beloved institutions, including the Cathedral. The Cathedral’s future, and that of the people it serves, depends on the generosity of our supporters. Each gift enables us to touch lives and nourish the minds, bodies, and souls of all who enter our doors. There are many ways to give – we hope you find the way that feels right to you!

Donation: Every Gift Makes an Impact

Your partnership and support are critical to the Cathedral’s ability to carry out its mission to be a place for all people, an instrument of unity, and a center of intellectual light. Please consider helping us plan for the future by becoming a sustaining donor with a monthly recurring donation, or consider joining our Regent Program with a general support gift of $1,000 or more. Thank you for your support!

• Specified amounts are designated or you may customize your gift. Recurring donations are encouraged. Donations can become a way to honor a loved one’s memory, to celebrate a special occasion or to acknowledge patronage. Employee matching can be facilitated.
• Check, Stock, or IRA Distribution: Please make your check payable to The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, indicating your area of support on the “Memo” line.
• Stock: Giving gifts of stock directly to the Cathedral can offer tax benefits to you while supporting our ministries. Appreciated securities are those that are worth more today than when you acquired them. You may be able to: Receive an immediate income tax deduction on the fair market value of your stock gift and avoid capital gains tax.
• IRA Distribution: You can transfer assets directly from a traditional IRA to support the Cathedral, an easy, tax-efficient way for donors to make an impact. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift up to $100,000 directly from your traditional IRA directly to the Cathedral. If you are 72 or older, you can also use this transfer to satisfy your required minimum distribution.
• Foundation Giving: Support from the foundation community has been critical to our social service, education, and arts programming. Family foundations in particular have made a meaningful impact.
• Corporate Giving: Corporate and business sponsorships help support Cathedral programs while garnering recognition in front of the Cathedral’s wide and varied audience.
• Planned Giving: The Cathedral transcends generations, carrying forward the values we hold most dear. Providing for the Cathedral and its programs through your will is a profound demonstration of your commitment to all that the Cathedral stands for. The gift you establish through your will is fully tax-deductible and will help the Cathedral to sustain its mission and programs for future generations. There are several ways to include the Cathedral in your will. You may leave a specific dollar amount or a particular property as a bequest. You may also specify a predetermined percentage of your estate or designate the remainder of your estate after providing for your heirs. All these options will reduce your estate taxes.
• Charitable Gift Annuity: Another way to provide support for the Cathedral’s mission and programs is to establish a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust. Assets transferred to a trust pay a set amount each year to non-charitable beneficiaries (for example, to you or a loved one). These payments can be made for a fixed term or for the life of the beneficiaries, after which the remaining assets are transferred to the Cathedral. Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust provides four benefits:
  • You will receive an immediate income tax deduction for the value of the remainder that will be transferred to the Cathedral upon the trust’s termination;
  • You and/or your beneficiaries will collect income from the assets for a specified period of time;
  • There will be a significant reduction in your estate taxes when the trust remainder is transferred to the Cathedral;
  • You will support the Cathedral and its social services through your generous donation.
• Life Insurance: Do you have a life insurance policy that has outlived its original purpose? By reassigning the Cathedral as a beneficiary, proceeds from the policy will support the Cathedral in the future while providing immediate tax benefits to you.
• Retirement Plan: When no longer needed, an IRA or other assets can be transferred to various types of charitable remainder trusts. A trust will provide income to a beneficiary of your choice and, later, a gift to the Cathedral. This type of gift can offer an immediate tax deduction as well as deferred income at retirement.