Picture this a grand old building standing tall amidst the bustling city. This is the First Christian Church in New York City. Its history is a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of faith perseverance and community.
The First Christian Church in New York City wasn’t always here in this location. It began its journey way back in 1810. A group of immigrants established a congregation. They were influenced by the teachings of Robert Sandeman. They broke away from the Ebenezer Baptist Church. They were sometimes called Scotch Baptists. The early congregation met in Sullivan Street. Two elders William Ovington and Henry Errett signed the first letters. Henry was the father of Isaac Errett a future leader of the Restoration Movement.
The early years of the First Christian Church saw a blend of unity and division. The church was established independently of the Campbells’ and Stone’s work. However it soon became part of their reform movement. In 1820 Walter Scott a prominent evangelist visited for three months. He was drawn to the church by Henry Errett’s writings on baptism. Alexander Campbell himself visited in 1831. He found the church divided. He worked to bring unity. He also preached to larger audiences at Tammany Hall and Concert Hall.
For many years the church moved locations. The first building it owned was purchased in 1850 on West 17th Street. The church was outspoken against slavery during the Civil War. A women’s group the Dorcas Society helped wounded soldiers. Near the end of the 19th century the church experienced internal struggles. This mirrored the national divisions in the Restoration Movement. The church split. Some became Churches of Christ others Disciples of Christ.
After this difficult period small groups met in homes. They eventually joined forces. In 1920 several families including the Johnsons from England and the McKees and Boones from Georgia formed the Manhattan Church of Christ. It was a new beginning for the Restoration Movement in New York. They initially met in Woods Memorial Chapel on West 69th Street. Morgan Carter was their first minister. The church continued to grow and change. It moved several more times. It finally settled in its current location on East 80th Street in 1941 thanks to significant support from the Hillsboro Church of Christ in Nashville Tennessee.
Today the First Christian Church stands as a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of community. It’s a beacon of hope in the heart of a busy city. The stories within its walls are a reminder of the journey of faith and the power of unity in overcoming adversity. It stands as a living symbol of the ongoing legacy of the Restoration Movement.