Greater Utica Magazine Cover – March 2021 – Grace Episcopal Church Utica NY History

The March 2021 cover of Greater Utica Magazine features the history of Grace Episcopal Church Utica NY, one of the city’s most enduring religious and architectural landmarks in Downtown Utica.

Established in 1838 as an offshoot of Trinity Church, Grace Church was formed to meet the needs of a growing Episcopal community in Utica. The early congregation initially gathered on Genesee Street before constructing a modest wooden church in 1839 at Broadway and Columbia Streets.

As Utica expanded in the mid-19th century, the parish sought a larger and more permanent structure. Prominent parishioner Alfred Munson commissioned renowned architect Richard Upjohn—best known for Trinity Church in New York City—to design the new church at the corner of Genesee and Elizabeth Streets.

Construction began with the laying of the cornerstone in 1856, and despite financial challenges, the church was completed and consecrated in 1860. The result was a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture that quickly became a defining feature of the Downtown Utica skyline.

Further enhancements followed over the years. The tower and spire were completed in 1875 under the direction of Richard M. Upjohn, and additional improvements included a parish house, expanded chancel, and stained glass windows designed by noted artist Henry Holiday. Support from influential local families, including the Munson-Williams-Proctor family, played a key role in the church’s development.

For more than 160 years, Grace Episcopal Church has remained a central institution in Utica NY history, serving both as a place of worship and as an architectural landmark that reflects the city’s cultural and civic heritage.