Consider the year 1819. A mission near the old Grand Street Ferry run by students of the General Theological Seminary marked the beginning of St. Augustine’s Church. Former mayor Marinus Willett led the mission. It grew steadily.
By 1824, it was officially organized as a parish. Construction began around 1827 on All Saints’ Free Church. The term “Free” indicated there were no pew rentals. Manhattan schist formed the church’s sturdy walls. Stone came from the leveling of Mount Pitt, near Pitt and Grand Streets.
John Heath is credited with the design. It featured a Georgian structure and Gothic windows. The design included a double pediment and a projecting tower. In 1828, Bishop John Henry Hobart consecrated the church. Edgar Allan Poe occasionally attended services here in its early years.
Legend says two rough galleries existed. They were on either side of the organ loft. It is thought that they were for the use of slaves. However, the church was built after slavery ended in New York. St. Augustine’s Church expanded in 1848. A sanctuary and chancel were added.
In 1949, a merger occurred. St. Augustine’s Chapel of Trinity Church joined the congregation. The combined parish then used the Henry Street building. Finally, in 1976, the parish gained independence from Trinity Church.
St. Augustine’s Church achieved landmark status. New York City designated it in 1966. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Today, St. Augustine’s Church stands as a testament to history. As of 2021, it reported 46 members. The average attendance was 22. Its plate and pledge income totaled 62280 dollars. This historic church continues its mission. It serves the Lower East Side community.
Standing before St. Augustine’s Church today. It is a place where history whispers. The walls have seen generations of worshipers. Its very stones tell a story of faith. They tell a story of community. They also tell a story of perseverance. The church remains a beacon of hope. It stands tall amidst the ever-changing cityscape.