St George’s Episcopal Church

St. George’s is a place I have frequented several times for fundraiser events, but not their church services. Each time I come, I feel a warm sense of belonging because the people are very friendly and easy-​going. Definitely a good place to go if you’re religious or just want to be a community do-​gooder and support great causes!

So you have St. George’s…
Who?
Believe me, if I knew, I would have started the review with a history. But I don’t have a FRIGGIN’ clue! I thought he was the guy who slayed a dragon, and he was no saint! PETA would be after him!
But anyways…
Down a curvy castle-​like stairway down from the first floor to the basement leads to a hidden chapel (okay, it’s not so hidden, there was a BIG sign).
And in this chapel, St. George’s becomes no more. It’s St. Ann’s. St. Ann’s Church for the Deaf, actually.
Cool? NOW, I can give you the brief explanation of its importance…
— First religious deaf congregation in the country — pretty impressive, eh?
— Founded by Gallaudet. THE Gallaudet. The guy the ONLY deaf university in the country is named after. Yeah, THAT university in Washington, DC.
So this St. Ann’s Church of the Deaf has a lot of history. And it’s still holding services. Being a deaf congregation, and seemingly largely forgotten in the history books, the attendees are small in number (about 20 people at times).
But they’re super-​friendly, diverse, and open-​minded. They’re welcoming, eager, and wiling to help each other out. The size makes it more suitable for sharing conversations while they are being led by a Reverend from Paraguay that signs ASL.
Only in New York.