The name for the Pearly Gates Playground is derived from Christian tradition as the entranceway through which souls travel to reach their god after death. The gates of heaven are said to be guarded by Saint Peter, one of the founders of the Christian Church. The playground is named the Pearly Gates, because of its location on St. Peter’s Avenue.
Nearly all of the information known about Saint Peter’s life is recorded in the Christian Bible’s New Testament. Born Simeon of Bethsaida, it is said he lived with his family in a small town off Lake Genesareth at the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee, where he married and raised a family. Entering into a fishing partnership with his brother, Andrew, and their friends, James and John, the fishermen eventually befriended and became disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave Simeon the name Peter and, with the words “upon this rock I will build my church,” he placed upon Peter the responsibility of leading the apostles after Jesus’ death. Following Jesus’ death, Peter traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean region. Eventually settling in Rome, he was executed by the Romans some time between 58 and 64 C.E. The Roman Catholic Church regards Peter as their first Pope. Later Christian tradition attributed the duty of greeting the souls of the faithful at the Gates of Heaven to Saint Peter.
St. Peter’s Avenue in the Bronx was known as Union Avenue until the late 1800s, when it was renamed for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The Pearly Gates playground, located on Tratman Street and St. Peter’s Avenue, looks far different today than it was originally designed. First planned to include a wading pool, slides and see-saws, the playground opened in 1952 under the joint operation of Parks and the Board of Education. Presently the playground contains colorful play equipment, spray showers, swings, camel and bear animal art, handball and basketball courts, and a red brick comfort station. The playground fence is surrounded by pin oaks (quercus palustris).
The park was originally called the Westchester Playground until 1998, when Parks Commissioner Henry Stern renamed the site The Pearly Gates. In 1998 City Council Member Madeline Provenzano allocated $94,000 in funds to improve on the playground.
FAQs
The name for the Pearly Gates Playground is derived from Christian tradition as the entranceway through which souls travel to reach their god after death. The gates of heaven are said to be guarded by Saint Peter, one of the founders of the Christian Church.
What is the meaning of the pearly gates of heaven? ›
Pearly gates is an informal name for the gateway to Heaven according to some Christian denominations. It is inspired by the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:21: "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."
Who opened the Gates of heaven? ›
Christ opened the gates of heaven for those in Abraham's bosom when he descended into hell after his death.
Which angel is the gatekeeper of heaven? ›
Hadraniel (or Hadrianiel among other variant spellings), whose name means "majesty [or greatness] of God", is an angel in Jewish Angelology assigned as gatekeeper at the second gate in heaven.
Who has the keys to heaven? ›
In the Gospel of Matthew 16:19, Jesus says to Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on Earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth shall be loosed in heaven." Saint Peter is often depicted in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox paintings and other artwork as ...
What does God say about pearls? ›
Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a merchant who had a supply of merchandise and found a pearl. That merchant was prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself. So also with you, seek his treasure that is unfailing, that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys."
What is the origin of the pearly gate? ›
The idea came from the Bible. The scripture is found in the book of Revelation when Heaven comes to Earth. Revelation 21:21-22 (NLT) 21 The twelve gates were made of pearls--each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.
What does God look like? ›
God looks like nothing we could comprehend
According to Got Questions, the Bible refers to God as something that people can't fully understand. For example, John 4:24 says God is a spirit, and as Exodus 33:20 points out, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Is heaven a real place, yes or no? ›
Yes, according to many, heaven is real, just as real as the earth we stand on. Its existence is affirmed in numerous religious scriptures and through countless personal testimonies. Individuals frequently talk about having peak, transcendent, or heavenly experiences.
Where did Jesus go when he died? ›
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Who guards the gate of paradise? ›
In popular culture the entrance to heaven is often depicted as a set of pearly gates, usually being carefully guarded by an angelic Saint Peter. These depictions can usually be traced back to some interpretations of different verses in the New Testament.
Who guarded the entrance to Jesus tomb? ›
Matthew 27:65–66
| Matthew 27:65-66 |
|---|
| ← 27:64 28:1 → |
| "Tomb is secured by the Roman guard". Biblical illustrations by Jim Padgett |
| Book | Gospel of Matthew |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
Cherubim were placed east of the garden, "and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way of the tree of life".
Who guards the Tree of Life? ›
After the fall of man, "lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever", cherubim and a flaming sword are placed at the east end of the Garden to guard the way to the tree of life.
