Remember a time when Washington Heights was a suburb. Fort Washington Collegiate Church emerged in 1908 as an outreach of West End Collegiate Church. Now, it stands as a testament to faith and community.
Fort Washington Collegiate Church is at Magaw Place and 181st Street. It is a Country Gothic building designed by Nelson and Van Wagenen. The church became a full member of the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in 1916. Marble Collegiate, Middle Collegiate, and West End Collegiate Churches are also members.
This church embraced other congregations. Hamilton Grange Reformed Church joined. Former members of the Harlem Reformed Dutch Church also became part of Fort Washington Collegiate.
But there is more to Fort Washington Collegiate Church than its architecture and history. The land beneath our feet was once part of James Gordon Bennett’s estate. He was the publisher of the New York Herald. His son inherited the property.
Let me tell you about the church’s early days. In 1907, a survey revealed many Protestant families lacked church homes. The West End Collegiate Church responded. They leased a house near Broadway and 180th Street. This became the first Parish House.
The church grew quickly. Archibald F. Parker became the pastor. A Woman’s Guild formed. Men assisted Reverend Parker to support the ministry.
The ministry needed more space. In 1908, they rented a store at Broadway and 178th Street. Reverend Parker resigned soon after. Abraham John Muste took over in 1909. He became the first pastor.
Fort Washington Collegiate Church has a history of community service. It hosts Cub Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. They offer a Thanksgiving Dinner and a Christmas Party. They run programs for youth. There is also a Wednesday Play Group for toddlers. The church holds worship services at Isabella Geriatric Center. They operate a Food Pantry.
The church joined the United Church of Christ in 2017. Reverend Dr. Damaris D. Whittaker became the first woman to lead the church.
Two memorial plaques adorn the Parish House wall. One honors Colonel Robert Magaw. He commanded Fort Washington. The other honors Peter Minuit and King William III.
The Reformed Church has colonial roots. Jonas Michaelus led the first service in 1628. There were 50 communicants.
In 1909, Fort Washington Collegiate Church was built in the style of an English church. The grounds have manicured gardens. A Celtic cross is above the entrance.
Many ministers have served here. Abraham John Muste was the first pastor. Daniel Poling served in the 1960s and 70s. His brother died heroically in World War II.
The Fort Washington Collegiate Church has been a beacon of faith and service for over a century. Its doors are open to all.