St. Mary’s original church was founded in 1868 as the Episcopal parish church located at 228 West 45th Street which is now the site of the Booth Theatre. The congregation had outgrown the church by 1890.
Thomas McKee Brown took his plan for a new church to Horacio Potter, Bishop of New York. Potter suggested a church was needed near Longacre Square which was renamed Times Square in 1905. It’s construction was completed in 1895 and it’s architect was Napoleon LeBrun who used a French Gothic style.
Today the church is known for its solemn liturgies and choral and organ music. The church has gained the nickname “Smoky Mary’s” due to the amount of incense used in the services. In 1996/7 the interior was restored by J.Lawrence Jones & Associates who put in vivid colours including cobalt blue vaulting with gold stars.
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