Did you know that West Park Presbyterian Church’s story begins long before its impressive sandstone facade? Founded in 1852 as the 84th Street Presbyterian Church it first occupied a simple timber chapel. This humble beginning contrasts sharply with the grandeur of the current West Park Presbyterian Church. The church you see before you is a testament to the vision and ambition of its members.
The West Park Presbyterian Church stands proudly on the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 86th Street. Its Romanesque Revival style is instantly recognizable. Leopold Eidlitz a prominent architect designed a small brick chapel in 1884. This was later expanded. A wealthy pastor Anson Phelps Atterbury spearheaded this expansion. He wanted a church to match the growing neighborhood.
Henry Franklin Kilburn another esteemed architect designed the main sanctuary in 1889-90. He seamlessly integrated Eidlitz’s original chapel into the new design. The result is a harmonious blend of styles. The intricate brown and red sandstone of the exterior is truly stunning. The massive bell tower dominates the skyline. It’s a beautiful landmark on the Upper West Side.
The history of West Park Presbyterian Church is not without its challenges. In the 1980s the soft sandstone began to erode. Financial difficulties and declining attendance further threatened the church’s future. A controversial proposal emerged in the early 2000s. It involved replacing the church with a high-rise residential building.
This plan sparked fierce community opposition. Actors like Matt Damon Mark Ruffalo and Wendell Pierce joined the fight to save the church. The outcry highlighted the building’s significance to the neighborhood. The church even temporarily shared space with a neighboring Methodist church.
West Park Presbyterian Church found a reprieve. After a period of uncertainty the congregation withdrew their application to demolish the building. The church was designated an Individual Landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2010. It remains a cherished part of the Upper West Side’s cultural and architectural heritage. This majestic building continues to stand as a beacon of faith and community. West Park Presbyterian Church shows the resilience of a congregation and the power of community preservation.