
Copyright Kenn Shapiro, all rights reserved. May not be used, sold, or reproduced without written permission.
Built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1921, the tiny Union Church of Pocantico Hills—an architectural beauty even then—was rendered even more remarkable by the addition in 1954 of a stained glass window by Henri Matisse (completed just before his death), and by the further addition during the 1960s of nine stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. To appreciate the artistic majesty of the windows, one must be inside the church looking out, but photography is not permitted within the structure. Still, while this rainy-day exterior shot does not do justice to the three Chagall windows depicted, it does (I hope) offer a glimpse into the beauty of the building’s Late Gothic Revival style. Photographed in Pocantico Hills, New York, August 2, 2014. Higher resolution versions of this photo can be viewed at 500px.com.
Even from the outside one gets an appreciation of the beauty of this building, and its peaceful environment. Great shot!
Thank you so much—I was trying to capture the beauty and the atmosphere, and your kind comment helps me believe I might have succeeded. 🙂
Beautiful little pocket of peace and serenity.
Thank you, Pat—that’s precisely the in-person ambience of the place.
OK, next time I cross the Tappan Zee bridge, I know where my rest stop is going to be!
It’s just minutes away from Tarrytown. Don’t miss it!
I know this church, and it is truly so beautiful.
Really wonderful photograph of it, Kenn.
Thank you, Lisa. Having been there, you know that the view of the windows from the inside is a very rare treat.
This is a terrific photo! I spent a lot of time looking at it because it draws you in. It is one of those rare photos that draws you in and makes you wish you were there. The luminosity of the foliage against the backdrop of the stone building just pops. Thank you for posting!
Thank you, Ken—so glad you like it!
Beautiful image, Kenn. Love how you captured this building. Thank you. Love, Amy
Thank you, Amy—I got lucky with the rain, which helped to bring out the rich hues within the stones.
But, that is the whole secret of photography, isn’t, Kenn? Working WITH Mother Nature? (smile) Love, Amy
🙂