Right here stands the Unitarian Church of All Souls. It’s more than just a building. It is a testament to a congregation’s enduring spirit and evolving beliefs.
All Souls began in 1819. Lucy Channing Russell invited friends to hear her brother William Ellery Channing. He was a minister from Boston. Channing spoke about Unitarian Christianity. His words inspired the formation of the First Congregational Church. This was the first Unitarian congregation in New York City.
Initially, finding a minister was tough. Few wanted to leave New England’s stability for a new congregation. William Ware became the first minister in 1821.
In 1845, the church moved. It was renamed the Church of the Divine Unity. Then in 1855, it took the name All Souls. This was the first American church to do so. Their third building was at 249 Fourth Avenue. Jacob Wrey Mould designed it. The red and white bricks earned it nicknames like “The Holy Zebra” and “The Beefsteak Church.”
Under Henry Whitney Bellows, All Souls grew. It included social reformers and cultural figures. People like Peter Cooper and Herman Melville joined. Catharine Sedgwick noted the diverse backgrounds of members. All Souls offered freedom of ethical inquiry. The church embraced religious pluralism.
In 1932, All Souls moved to its current location. It’s at 1157 Lexington Avenue. Hobart Upjohn designed it. He was Richard Upjohn’s grandson. The design is Neo-colonial with a Regency-influenced base.
Forrest Church revitalized the congregation. He served as Senior Minister for almost 30 years. In 2007, Galen Guengerich succeeded him. Church became Minister of Public Theology.
Many notable people were members. These included George Fisher Baker and William Cullen Bryant. Peter Cooper and Nathaniel Currier were also members. Herman Melville and Catharine Sedgwick were members too. Samuel Prowse Warren was an organist here from 1865 to 1868.
All Souls has a rich organ history. The first organ was built in 1827 by Thomas Appleton. It was for the First Congregational Church. Later organs included those by E. & G.G. Hook and Austin Organs. Today, the church features a Holtkamp organ. It was installed in 1989.
The present church symbolizes openness. Its crisp geometry departs from traditional Gothic styles. The tower rises from a rectangular base. It leads to a square lantern with an octagonal steeple.
All Souls has overcome challenges. In 1931, a fire destroyed the old landmark church. The congregation persevered. It built a new sanctuary.
All Souls stands as a beacon. It represents liberal religious thought and community engagement. Its history reflects New York City’s evolving social and spiritual landscape. Each stone and window tells a story of faith, freedom, and the enduring power of unity. As you leave, consider the legacy of All Souls. It is a place where diverse voices have always found a home. It is a place where the spirit of inquiry thrives.