One of Manhattan\u2019s most illustrious Episcopal congregations, Saint Thomas Church is best known for its glorious liturgical music and the stunning architecture of its 1913 church building, in French High Gothic style, on Fifth Avenue at Fifty-Third Street. The church\u2019s choir of men and boys, modeled on that of King\u2019s College, Cambridge, is made up of boys who attend the residential Saint Thomas Choir School and professional adult singers. On Sunday, March 28\u201d\u201dPalm Sunday\u201d\u201dthe musical highlight was Orlandus Lassus\u2019 exquisite Tristis est anima mea, which was sung as the offertory motet.<\/p>\n
Because it was Palm Sunday, the 11 a.m. service differed from the norm. It began with an elaborate procession that included children; a gospel reading; and the blessing of palms. And, as the rector, Fr. Andrew Mead, noted in his sermon, the Solemn Eucharist of the Passion that followed omitted the usual bidding prayers\u201d\u201dthat is, the prayers of intercession\u201d\u201dand ended in silence. The purpose of the silence was to signify our need to contemplate Christ\u2019s Passion as Holy Week began.<\/p>\n
Fr. Mead\u2019s sermon was shorter than usual because of the unusual length of the service, but his message was as rich in traditional doctrine and practical spirituality as his sermons always are….<\/p>\n