Holiday Church Tour

Presented in partnership with Most Holy Trinity-St. Mary Church & Trinity Human Service Center

All proceeds for these tours will go directly to support the food pantry and other forms of assistance offered by Trinity Human Service Center, a non-sectarian, non-profit organization that serves people in need in North Brooklyn.

Next public tour: Sunday, January 4, 2015, 2–4pm

“Francie thought it was the most beautiful church in Brooklyn.  It was made of old gray stone and had twin spires that rose cleanly into the sky, high above the tallest tenements.  Inside, the high vaulted ceilings, narrow deep-set stained-glass windows and elaborately carved altars made it a miniature cathedral.”

— A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, 1943

Discover the beautiful church and parish grounds of Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary, built in 1885 as “The German Cathedral” and described in author Betty Smith’s famous novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. This tour will venture up into the bell tower, down into the crypt to learn about the 19th century pastors who are buried there, and examine the church’s beautiful artwork and windows. Attendees will learn about the German and Irish heritage of the congregation, highlighting its early beginnings in the mid-1800s with stories of the origins of Santa Claus and Christmas trees, and learn about more recent immigrants from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Poland who have brought new traditions to the church, from Noche Buena to the Three Kings Day Parade. The tour will conclude with light refreshments of holiday cookies, tea, and hot chocolate.

View Schedule and Buy Tickets

Admission: $20/person (Click here to view schedule and purchase tickets).  Admission includes a two-hour tour of the parish grounds with your friendly and knowledgable guides, followed by refreshment.  All proceeds will be donated to the Trinity Human Service Center. 

Schedule: Sunday, January 4th, 2–4pm

Proceeds support a good cause: In the spirit of the season, this special tour will support the Trinity Human Service Center, which serves people in need in North Brooklyn with food, clothing, and social services.  The Trinity Human Service Center is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization which has a food pantry and provides case assistance, classes, and material support to people in the area.

[tabs style=”default”][tab title=”Length”]2 hours[/tab] [tab title=”Tour Location”]Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary’s Church, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Directions provided with reservation.[/tab] [tab title=”Admission”]$20/person.  Tickets must be purchased in advance for all tour attendees, including children under 5, and may be purchased online or by telephone at (347) 903-8687. Tours do sell out, so advance ticket purchase is required.  All proceeds from this tour will be donated by Turnstile Tours to the Trinity Human Service Center, a non-sectarian, non-profit organization that provides support to economically disadvantaged residents in North Brooklyn, including case assistance, food, and gifts at holiday time. [/tab][tab title=”How else can I help?”]If you would like to donate to Trinity Human Service Center beyond the price of your ticket, a donation box will be available at the end the tour.  You are also welcome to bring an unwrapped holiday gift for a child or non-perishable food items.  If you’d like to learn more about other ways you can help the Trinity Human Service Center, from donations to volunteer opportunities, please click here, or you can contact them directly at THSCenter@hotmail.com[/tab][tab title=”Accessibility”]This sanctuary of the church is fully accessible for individuals and groups who use wheelchairs, however climbing stairs is required to access the bell tower, crypt, and church basement. Please contact us for more information.[/tab][tab title=”Private Tours”]If you’d like to book a tour of the church for a private group, we offer them on a regular basis and on most days of the week.  Please contact us for more information.[/tab][/tabs]