Saint Martins Episcopal Church

Gazing up at Saint Martins Episcopal Church, can you hear the echoes of history resonating within its Romanesque Revival walls? This architectural gem, located on Malcolm X Boulevard, stands as a testament to the resilience of its congregation. Originally built between 1887 and 1889 as Holy Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church of Harlem, Saint Martins Episcopal Church has weathered not one, but two devastating fires. The most recent fire, in 1939, left only the stone walls standing. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, the church was rebuilt each time, its grandeur undiminished. In the late 1940s, the congregation commissioned a magnificent 42-bell carillon, installed in the tower in 1949. This majestic instrument, crafted in the Netherlands, is the second largest in New York City, second only to the carillon at Riverside Church. Imagine the soaring melodies cascading from the tower each June during the Mount Morris Park Historic House Tour. Beyond its spiritual role, Saint Martins Episcopal Church has also played a vital part in the community’s secular life. The St. Martin’s Federal Credit Union, founded in 1937 by Reverend John H. Johnson, stands as the oldest church-affiliated credit union. It provided a crucial lifeline for African-Americans, enabling them to obtain mortgages and acquire property in a segregated society. The church’s commitment to empowerment and community upliftment continues to resonate today. Saint Martins Episcopal Church is more than just a building; it is a symbol of perseverance, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the power of community.