Haven’t you noticed the impressive bell tower? It marks the Broadway Presbyterian Church. This church stands proudly on the corner of Broadway and 114th Street. It faces Columbia University in Morningside Heights.
Broadway Presbyterian Church has a rich history. It goes back to 1822. Ten founding members started the congregation in Greenwich Village. In 1825, it became the Bleecker Street Presbyterian Church.
The congregation moved in the 1850s. They built a new church at Fourth Avenue and 22nd Street. It was then renamed Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church. In 1910, they bought land on 114th Street. Two years later, they laid the cornerstone for the Broadway Presbyterian Church.
The first service in this building was on November 10 1912. The church has a Neo-Gothic style. It is covered with Manhattan slate and limestone. Louis E. Jallade designed it. He later used it as a model for another church.
Broadway Presbyterian Church strives to be a spiritual center. It welcomes students new residents and seekers. They join long-time members each week. People come to find friends refreshment and faith.
Broadway Presbyterian Church was founded in 1825. This was when the area was the frontier of New York City. A passion for theological and social issues marks its history. The Presbyterian Church USA has roots in Scotland and Swiss Calvinism.
Since 1912, the people of Broadway Presbyterian Church have worshipped here. Over the last century, it has become a vibrant and inclusive community. Throughout the week, hundreds seek help here. They seek food medical care and shelter. The Nursery School prepares children for learning. The student group explores faith.
In December 1822, a pastor proposed a Sabbath School. It was on the edge of the wilderness now Greenwich Village. The church started with 10 members. They aimed to reform a neighborhood. It was full of people reduced to beggary and wretchedness. By 1825, it was chartered as Bleecker Street Presbyterian Church.
In the 1850s, the church moved uptown. It became the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. Howard Crosby led it in the 1860s. Crosby was influential. He was in the church the city and the denomination. Crosby Street in Lower Manhattan bears his name. Crosby’s Society for the Prevention of Crime stopped alcohol sales temporarily. From 1870-1881, Crosby was Chancellor at New York University.
In 1910, the congregation bought property on 114th Street. The first service was on November 10 1912. Dr. Walter Buchanan was pastor from 1899-1934. He maintained a hard line during the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy.
In 1974, Broadway called its first female clergy person. It was the Rev. Abigail Evans. She served as Associate Minister for University Work. New ministries were born. One was the Broadway Presbyterian Cooperative Nursery School.
In 1982, the church started the Community Lunch Program. It collaborated with Union Seminary and Columbia University students. In the early 1990s, it became Broadway Community. It provides for the homeless and poor.
The Rev. Carl Rosenblum became pastor in 1983. He guided the church into growth. In 1994, Rosenblum came out as gay. Some members left. Others supported him. The church affirmed his pastorship.
Today, Broadway Presbyterian Church welcomes all. It welcomes people regardless of background. It is a progressive community. The church believes the Bible is the foundation of faith. It strives for justice loving-kindness humility and joy.