Visit St. Ann & the Holy Trinity With Respect

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 157 Montague Street is a living landmark in Brooklyn Heights, serving as both an active Episcopal parish and the pro-cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. For visitors interested in architecture, stained glass, or local history, the church offers a rare opportunity to experience a major Gothic Revival building and a significant collection of early American stained glass, while also requiring thoughtful respect for its ongoing religious and community life.

Nonmembers are welcome to visit during designated Open Sanctuary hours, currently listed as Wednesdays from noon to 6pm, but it is essential to approach the space as a functioning house of worship. This means observing quiet conduct, refraining from treating services or community programs as tourist attractions, and being mindful of the church’s primary role as a spiritual and communal center.

When and How to Visit

According to the church’s official site, St. Ann & the Holy Trinity opens its sanctuary to the public on Wednesdays from noon to 6pm, followed by a Eucharist service. These Open Sanctuary hours are intended for quiet reflection, personal prayer, and appreciation of the building’s architecture and stained glass. Schedules can change, so it is important to check the church’s website or contact staff before planning a visit. Sunday worship and other services are primarily for parishioners and those seeking to participate in religious life, not for sightseeing.

Respectful Conduct Inside the Church

Visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout their time in the sanctuary. Conversations should be kept to a minimum and conducted in hushed tones. It is not appropriate to approach or interrupt clergy, staff, or parishioners engaged in worship, prayer, or pastoral activities. Community programs and services are not tourist exhibits and should not be treated as such.

Photography and Dress

Photography policies may vary and are not explicitly detailed on the church’s official site. It is best to ask a staff member or posted signage for permission before taking any photos, especially during services or when others are present. While there is no formal dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and avoid attire that might be distracting or disrespectful in a sacred space.

Donations and Supporting Preservation

There is no required admission fee for visiting during Open Sanctuary hours, but voluntary donations are appreciated. Contributions help support the church’s ongoing preservation, community programs, and maintenance of its historic architecture and stained glass. Donation boxes or information about giving are typically available near the entrance.

Children and Families

Children are welcome during Open Sanctuary hours, provided they are supervised and able to maintain the quiet atmosphere expected in the sanctuary. Families should prepare children in advance for the need to be calm and respectful, especially when others are present for prayer or reflection.

Architecture and Stained Glass Highlights

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity is recognized by the New York Landmarks Conservancy as a major work of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Minard LaFever and opened in 1847. The church’s most notable artistic feature is its suite of stained-glass windows by William Jay Bolton, considered among the earliest significant examples of American stained glass. Visitors can appreciate the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate woodwork characteristic of the Gothic Revival style, as well as the vibrant colors and biblical scenes depicted in the windows. Not all areas of the church may be accessible, and some features may be best viewed from a distance.

Accessibility and Planning Your Visit

Accessibility details are not specified on the church’s official site. Those with mobility concerns or other needs should contact the church directly before visiting to confirm access arrangements. Because schedules and open hours can change, it is always wise to check the church’s website or call ahead on the day of your visit. Cultural events, concerts, or special programs may require tickets and have different visitor guidelines.

Before you go

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity welcomes visitors during specific open hours, but it remains first and foremost a place of worship and community. Plan ahead, confirm current schedules and accessibility, and approach your visit with respect for the congregation and the building’s ongoing role in Brooklyn Heights.