Third Reformed Presbyterian Church

Tucked away amidst the bustling streets of New York City, the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church whispers tales of faith, division, and resilience. The very existence of this church speaks volumes about the dynamic nature of religious communities in the 19th century. The Third Reformed Presbyterian Church wasn’t always “third.” It began as part of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of New York City, organized in 1797. This original congregation, rooted in the Scottish Presbyterian tradition, held firm to their beliefs, even when it meant breaking from the established Church of Scotland in 1690. As New York City grew, so did its Presbyterian population. In 1830, a group of members further uptown formed the Second Reformed Presbyterian congregation. Then, in 1848, another division occurred, giving rise to the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church. This split wasn’t about doctrinal differences but rather a reflection of the city’s expanding geography and the desire for more localized worship. Initially, both the Second and Third congregations shared the same church building on Waverly Street. This shared space highlights the close ties that remained even after the division. A fascinating detail emerges regarding their shared cemetery on 41st Street. Although used by both congregations, no burial records exist. We don’t know who was laid to rest there, how many were interred, or even their names. This lost history, buried beneath the city’s relentless development, adds a layer of intrigue to the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church’s story. In 1856, the remains from the 41st Street cemetery were moved to Machpelah Cemetery in New Jersey. Just two years later, the land was sold and redeveloped. Today, the very spot where members of the Second and Third Reformed Presbyterian congregations were once buried lies beneath the ramps of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. This bus terminal, a hub of constant motion and transit, stands as a stark contrast to the quiet resting place it replaced. The story of the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church is one of adaptation and perseverance. From its origins as part of a small, dissenting group to its establishment as a separate entity in a rapidly changing city, it reflects the evolving religious landscape of 19th-century New York.