Weekly News

It was a night that will not soon be forgotten in Garden City.

On Friday evening, May 2nd, the Cathedral of the Incarnation hosted the Moondance Gala, a stunning finale to the Moon as Sacred Mirror art residency which made regional and national press and drew over 15,000 people to the Cathedral over 3 weeks. The gala, held in benefit of the Stewart Historic Building Preservation Fund, marked the first formal dinner in the Cathedral nave since its completion in 1885—and by all accounts, it was worth the wait.

Guests arrived to find the Cathedral transformed into one of the most exquisite event spaces on Long Island. The soaring Gothic vaults were lit with custom-designed lighting that turned the ceiling into a night sky glowing with stars—an ethereal echo of the luminous moon installation that had floated overhead since Holy Week. Beneath this celestial canopy, hundreds gathered in celebration of history, hope, and a shared vision for the Cathedral’s future. The Gala was sold out weeks in advance with many Garden City residents clamoring for tickets.

The evening began in the undercroft, where guests enjoyed a refined cocktail hour accompanied by live jazz piano, mingling among candlelight and conversation with many of the Cathedral’s historic treasures on view. The energy shifted as the crowd ascended into the Nave accompanied by organ trumpet fanfare and a full band striking up the unmistakable first notes of “Moondance.” The tone was set for a grand and joyous evening of music, dancing, food, drink, and inspiration.

The Bishop of Long Island, the Right Reverend Lawrence Provenzano, opened the gala with a warm welcome and blessing, acknowledging the Cathedral’s unique role as a spiritual and civic center for all of Long Island. Bishop Provenzano spoke of the Cathedral as a place where people of all walks of life come together to experience beauty, justice, and community. The evening that followed brought that vision to life.

Remarks were offered by the Very Reverend Dr. Michael Sniffen, Dean of Long Island. Dean Sniffen reflected on the historic nature of the evening and the decade-long journey that led to this moment of revitalization. “Together,” he said, “we have worked to restore, reinvigorate, and reimagine a vibrant Cathedral for the 21st century. Over the past ten years we have accomplished over 12 million dollars of restoration and renewal work on our historic properties. Tonight, we mark not only what has been accomplished—but what lies ahead.”

In the presence of the Mayor and Trustees of the Village of Garden City, The Nassau County Executive, leaders from Adelphi University, the Garden City Historical Society, and a Congressional delegation; Dean Sniffen announced the launch of the Cathedral’s next major project: the Cathedral Forecourt and Arboretum which will complete the accessibility of the Cathedral and transform ten acres of the Cathedral Close into a landscape of gardens, prayer spaces, stroll path, new lighting, seating, an event lawn, and the now-famous Cathedral Apiary. The first stage of this project with be the Forecourt itself, which the Dean hopes to have under construction by Fall 2025.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came during remarks by Tom Poole, a close friend of the Dean and supporter of the Cathedral. Poole shared his deep affection for the Cathedral’s mission and history along with his firm belief in the Dean’s vision. He announced a leadership gift from Mary Jane and himself along with their family of $1 million to the Cathedral Forecourt and Arboretum project. Then, in a surprise announcement to all attendees, he also shared that he would personally cover the cost of the gala itself, allowing 100% of guest contributions to go directly to the preservation fund. The Poole family’s generous spirit brought the room to its feet in a standing ovation.

The night was filled with magic—from the flicker of candlelight to the warmth of old friends and new ones, from moonlight melodies to visions of a future in bloom. It was a night that honored the past 140 years of sacred community, while casting a clear and hopeful light on what is still to come.

The Dean thanked the Gala Committee including Jody Trainor, Holly Lane, Fatemah Woodward, Beth Pughe and Sarah Segal. He also thanked the Cathedral Hospitality Committee including Diana Campbell, Miriam Walls, and Karyn Stevenson. He acknowledged the primary docents and tour guides at the Cathedral including Gerry Potter, Canon Kate Salisbury, Chelsy DeHart, Rebecca Maines, and Chancellor Charles Janoff along with photographer and cathedral gallery curator, Jen Uilhein. Finally, he thanked the many cathedral volunteers and recognized the Dean’s Verger and Senior Administrative Aide, Kyle Sabo, for his remarkable work in coordinating all the details of a month-long international art residency that encompassed concerts, ticketed events, open hours and press availability, along with dozens of liturgies across Holy Week and Easter.

As the final chords played and guests lingered under the glow of a thousand stars, one thing was certain: the Moondance Gala wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was an historic moment to remember.