Hungarian Reformed Church

Did you know that tucked away on Manhattan’s Upper East Side sits a charming piece of Hungary? The Hungarian Reformed Church of New York stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Hungarian-Americans. This beautiful stucco-faced brick building, completed in 1916, has been a focal point for the city’s Hungarian-American community for over a century. The Hungarian Reformed Church of New York wasn’t always located here. The congregation was originally established in 1895, holding services at Hope Chapel on 4th Street. Their first church building was located on East 7th Street. As the community grew, fueled by immigrants seeking better opportunities and later by refugees fleeing the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, a new home became necessary. In 1914, the congregation purchased land on East 69th Street. The Hungarian Reformed Church, as we see it today, was designed by a fellow Hungarian-American, Emery Roth. Roth, known for his iconic New York City apartment buildings and hotels, incorporated traditional Hungarian architectural elements into his design. The church’s exterior features stucco accented with inlaid faience tile, an overhanging roof with exposed rafter tails, and a distinctive 80-foot clay-tiled conical tower. Inside the Hungarian Reformed Church, the coffered ceiling, a hallmark of churches in eastern Hungary and Transylvania, is a true masterpiece. Each of the 322 coffers is hand-painted with Hungarian folk motifs, a beautiful tribute to the homeland. Over the years, the Hungarian Reformed Church has adapted to the changing landscape of the Upper East Side. While the Hungarian-American community may have dispersed to other boroughs and suburbs, the church continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural anchor, holding services in Hungarian every Sunday. The Hungarian Reformed Church of New York stands not only as a place of worship but as a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Hungarian-Americans in New York City.