Didn’t you notice the Neo-Gothic architecture of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church? It stands proudly in Harlem. This historic church has a rich history. It has deep roots in the African American community.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church’s story began in 1809. Free African Americans founded the congregation. They were worshiping at Trinity Church on Wall Street. They called themselves the Free African Church of St. Philip.
Initially, St. Philip’s was in the Five Points neighborhood. This area was notorious at the time. St. Philip’s is the oldest black Episcopal parish in New York City. Throughout its history, it has been very influential. This influence spanned from lower Manhattan to Harlem. Many of its members were leaders in the black community.
The first church foundation stone was laid in 1819. Rev. Peter Williams Jr. was the first rector. He served from 1826 to 1840. He was a leading abolitionist. Moreover, he was the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. Williams was on the first executive committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
In the 1820s, other church members gained financial success. They were mainly in the service industry. They joined abolitionist and reform groups. They valued education. They promoted character and respectability.
Black Episcopalians built on their church connections. Some found success in marine trades. White Episcopalians owned ships. They also served as captains. Some members became teachers and doctors. Others owned businesses like grocery stores and restaurants.
The first two church sites were on 122 Centre Street. A brick building replaced the original wood frame church in 1822. Fire had damaged the original building. It was renovated twice due to social unrest. Whites vandalized the church in 1834. During the Civil War, New York City police damaged it. They used it as a barracks during the 1863 draft riots.
As New York grew, the city expanded. New immigrants settled in older housing. Established residents moved north. St. Philip’s relocated uptown with its congregation. By 1886, it had a site on 25th Street. Around 1909, it sold this property for $600,000. It used the money to buy the current site. The site included 10 apartment buildings on West 135th Street in Harlem. Previously, this area was restricted to whites only. The reredos in the current church came from the church on 25th Street.
Like many churches, St. Philip’s had stable leadership. Rev. Hutchens C. Bishop was rector for 47 years. He served from 1886 to 1933. His son, Shelton Hale Bishop, was rector from 1933 to 1957.
The current St. Philip’s Episcopal Church building was built in 1910-1911. Tandy & Foster designed it. Vertner Woodson Tandy and George Washington Foster were the architects. Both were prominent African-American architects. Tandy was the first African-American architect licensed in New York State. Foster was among the first licensed in New Jersey. The church was built in the Neo-Gothic style.
St. Philip’s was designated a New York City Landmark in 1993. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Notable parishioners have included Thomas Jennings and Thomas Downing. His son George T. Downing, Isaiah DeGrasse, Dr. James McCune Smith, and Alexander Crummell were also members. Local teacher Susan Elizabeth Frazier was a long-term member. Other teachers placed a tablet in her honor after her death.
In the 20th century, W. E. B. Du Bois was a member. Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes also attended St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. These members were political and cultural leaders.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It also represents resilience and community. Its history reflects the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in New York City. It remains a vital institution in Harlem today.