The location of this exhibit on the 1964 Official Souvenir Map

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PROTESTANT AND

ORTHODOX CENTER

In this pavilion sponsored by the Protestant Council of the City of New York, many religious denominations and societies have taken space to explain their beliefs and their work, with the common theme, "Jesus Christ, the Light of the World." A court honoring Protestant and Orthodox leaders is outside the building and a 41-foot contemporary stained-glass screen on religious themes stands in the reception area. Exhibitors have individual booths in the large hall, and their presentations use a number of vivid audio and visual techniques to stress the Center's theme. The booths display a wealth of religious and artistic artifacts. Among them, the Greek Orthodox Church displays two intricate wooden panels carved over a period of 25 years by a monk of Mount Athos. During the season, a number of churches take turns acting as host for a day, welcoming visitors to the pavilion. The Center also offers a chapel, a theater, a garden, a child-care center and a lounge.

* Admission: free. The Children's Center cares for children from three to eight years old at $1.00 to $1.50 per hour per child, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Highlights 

COURT OF THE CHRISTIAN PIONEERS. Standing in an elliptical outdoor court are 34 pylons, each with a plaque giving biographical information on sectarian leaders, among them Martin Luther, St. Andrew and John Calvin. Near one end of the ellipse stands an 80-foot tower with a cross.

THE CHAPEL. The contemporary black and white chapel is for meditation and individual prayer. Throughout the Fair seasons, the sponsoring denominations periodically conduct services.

THE THEATER. Parable, a 30-minute film in pantomime, with a musical background, uses a stylized circus setting to convey in allegory several basic Christian beliefs. The film is shown several times daily in a 370-seat theater. Other films and concerts are presented from time to time.

THE CHILDREN'S CENTER. At the rear of the pavilion is a fully equipped, combined indoor and outdoor play area where children may be left under the supervision of trained personnel. The toys here include not only the traditional playthings, but also scales that demonstrate balance, and so on.

THE MUSIC GARDEN. Outside the chapel is a garden where recorded music plays. Here stands a charred cross made from the roof beams of the Coventry Cathedral, destroyed by bombs in World War II. The cross is loaned by the new Cathedral of Coventry, England.