Religion
Most of the old money elite were Episcopalian, and as individuals became wealthy from the Industrial Revolution, they often converted to the Episcopal Church. Episcopalian churches had a British feel (befitting that sect's descent from the Church of England), and were very ritualistic. Some of the old money elite were Unitarian or Quaker, and only a few were Catholic. New York City tended to be more open about religion than cities like Boston.
Read more about this topic: Victorian America
Famous quotes containing the word religion:
“If there were only one religion in England there would be danger of despotism, if there were two, they would cut each others throats, but there are thirty, and they live in peace and happiness.”
—Voltaire [François Marie Arouet] (16941778)
“The religion which is to guide and fulfill the present and coming ages, whatever else it be, must be intellectual. The scientific mind must have a faith which is science.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)
“As soon as beauty is sought, not from religion and love, but for pleasure, it degrades the seeker.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)