The reading-place is called an 'ambo'. The eagle, the symbol of St John the Evangelist, is commonly seen in such a place. This one was rescued after the fire from the lectern in the previous church.<br />
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St. John’s in the Village Episcopal Church at 224 Waverly  Place, NYC.<br />
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  www.stjvny .org.<br />
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History of the church:<br />
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The church was founded in 1853.  Fire destroyed the original classical revival style church building  in 1972.  Edgar Tafel, a colleague of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the current church sanctuary.   In  the 1800’s, St. John’s in the Village led the way  in New York City toward “free” pews.  In the 1900’s, St. John’s in the Village led the way  in New York City toward open inclusion of Gays and Lesbians in the worshiping community.   <br />
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The church currently reaches out to the West Village community  through excellent fine arts initiatives and special ministries to persons living  with AIDS.