January II, 1967
Christ Church, 5030 Riverdale Avenue, Riverdale, Borough of The Bronx,
1866, architect Richard Upjohn.
Block 5833, Lot 4265
*The charm of this little Gothic Revival Church of the late sixties is evident in its architectural elements of stone and brick and other picturesque features. A work of the architect, Richard Upjohn, this up-town church is a representative example of the romantic Victorian Gothic style. The combination of local quarried stone, with the warm colorful brick, produces a pattern and texture of admirable quality. A notable feature of this building is the pierced wall belfry rising above the gable of the west elevation, which contains a pointed arch stained glass window framed with handsome stone tracery. The steep pitch of the slate covered roof cuts a sharp angle against the sky and adds to the picturesque appearance of this church. Characteristic of Upjohn’s later work is the wood framing of the entry porch and of the fine doorway.