 For
decades, people had dreamed of a center for Protestant and Orthodox communions
in America. They envisioned this building as a tangible symbol of growing unity
and of joint service in Christian enterprises better done together than separately.
After years of persevering effort by dedicated workers, this inspired dream is
now a reality. Many denominations who do not have offices in the Center nonetheless
participate through their membership in the interdenominational agencies which
the Center houses.
Groundbreaking
ceremonies for The Interchurch Center were held on
November 17, 1957. After a worship service in James Memorial Chapel of Union
Theological Seminary, the congregation moved in procession to the Center site
where, under an architectural rendering of what the new building would one day
be, the first soil was turned.
Less than a year
later, on October 12, 1958, The President of the United States laid the cornerstone
for The Interchurch Center. A crowd of more than 30,000 gathered to watch the
ceremony as the autumn breeze waved the banners of 37 Protestant and Eastern
Orthodox communions.
National leaders
of denominational and inter-denominational agencies, representatives of the
Morningside Heights community and of the New York churches took part in the
colorful ceremony.
 In
his address, President Eisenhower described the cornerstone as symbolizing a
"prime support of our faith, the Truth that sets men free." A sealed
copper box within the cornerstone contains documents and records of importance.
Historical papers review the previous steps toward unity taken through several
generations up to 1958: the uniting of denominations; the establishment of local,
state, national and world councils of churches; the increase of mutual understanding
in matters of faith and order; the enlargement of the areas of common witness
and influence for the Gospel of Christ; the united ministry of compassion and
service to the victims of natural disaster and of man's inhumanity to man; and
the strengthened fellowship of Christians transcending class, race and nation,
loyal to one Lord. The steel framework of the Center had already risen to 15
stories at the time of the cornerstone laying.
On May 29, 1960,
the completed edifice was dedicated in a moving ceremony that marked the official
opening of a new chapter in the movement for a greater unity among the churches
of the United States -THE INTERCHURCH CENTER.
John D. Rockefeller,
Jr. through the Sealantic Fund, made available the entire block of land upon
which the $20,000,000 structure now stands, gave $2,000,000 toward the building
fund and another $575,000 for the limestone exterior. Over $1,000,000 more was
provided by foundations and interested friends for the Chapel, lounge Treasure
Room, lobbies and meeting rooms. A first mortgage loan of $12,650,000 was provided
by the New York Life Insurance Company, to be repaid from rental income over
a thirty year period. Churches and other agencies completed the financing by
investing $4,500,000 in second mortgage bonds and by contributing $500,000 as
a working capital fund. Those participating in this financing are: American
Baptist Convention in America (two agencies), National Council of Churches of
Christ, Reformed Church in America, Sealantic Fund, Inc., United Board for Christian
Higher Education, United Lutheran Church in America, and the United Presbyterian
Church in the U. S. A.
Acknowledging the
vision, devotion and work of those who contributed to this unique achievement-those
who had the imagination to conceive the project, those whose generous gifts
made it possible, the architects, builders and craftsmen who transformed the
vision into reality-the act of dedicating the Interchurch Center to the glory
of God also served as a rededication of individuals to His service.
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