Unitarian Church of All Souls

Established in 1819, the Unitarian Church of All Souls has a captivating history. It began with a simple invitation. Lucy Channing Russell invited friends to her home to hear her brother, William Ellery Channing, speak. This gathering sparked the creation of New York City’s first Unitarian Universalist congregation. The Unitarian Church of All Souls first occupied a building on Chambers Street in 1820. It later moved to Broadway in 1845, renaming itself the Church of the Divine Unity. The congregation adopted the name “All Souls” in 1855 upon dedicating their striking Fourth Avenue building. This building, with its red and white brick bands, earned the nicknames “Holy Zebra” and “Beefsteak Church”. The church’s final move brought it to its current Lexington Avenue location in 1932. This Neo-colonial style building, designed by Hobart Upjohn, stands as a testament to the congregation’s enduring presence. Throughout its history, the Unitarian Church of All Souls has attracted prominent figures. Members like Peter Cooper, Herman Melville, and William Cullen Bryant contributed to the church’s vibrant intellectual life. The church has also been a platform for influential ministers. Henry Whitney Bellows served for over four decades. Forrest Church, a prolific author and theologian, led the congregation for nearly thirty years. The Unitarian Church of All Souls continues to be a hub for social reform and spiritual exploration in the heart of Manhattan. It stands as a reminder of the power of community, open dialogue, and social action.