Imagine a space where all are welcome. That’s the Church of the Village. Its story is one of mergers social justice and radical inclusion.
The Church of the Village stands on West 13th Street. It is the result of a 2005 union. All Nations Metropolitan-Duane and Washington Square churches joined together. They formed this progressive community.
Metropolitan-Duane Church has older roots. It goes back to 1833. The First Wesleyan Chapel was founded then. It was the first “pewed” Methodist church in New York. Later it became Central Church. In 1856 a sanctuary was built. Ulysses S Grant attended this church.
In 1896 Rev Samuel Parkes Cadman arrived. The church was renamed Metropolitan Temple. Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn is named for him. The church burned down in 1928. The current building replaced it in 1932.
Duane Street Methodist Episcopal Church joined in 1939. It had been founded in 1797. The merged church became Metropolitan-Duane Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Church of the Village building is impressive. Louis E Jallade designed it in Collegiate Gothic style. It looks similar to Broadway Presbyterian Church. Jallade also designed that one.
Inside the Church of the Village once stood a magnificent organ. The Skinner Organ Company built it in 1932. It had three manuals and 29 stops. In 1994 revisions were made. Dr Hampson Sisler oversaw the work. The organ’s current status is unknown.
The Church of the Village embraces diversity. Its doors are open to all. It welcomes spiritual seekers of all backgrounds. The church actively dismantles oppression. It builds kin-dom justice.
Social justice is a key focus here. The church has a rich history of activism. This includes LGBTQIA rights eco-justice and peace work. Currently efforts focus on housing and eco-justice. The Red Door Place offers food support. It runs a food pantry and kitchen.
The Church of the Village is radically inclusive. It fights racism sexism and oppression. The church welcomes marginalized communities. It is a gay-friendly space. Their core belief is simple. “Love God and love your neighbor.”
The Church of the Village strives for financial sustainability. Leaders envision using the building’s value. They want to ensure a sustainable future. This will allow them to “dream larger.”
The United Methodist Church of the Village carries a powerful legacy. Its ancestors sparked queer liberation. They prioritized creative arts. They fought hunger and poverty. Today the church continues this vital work. It responds to community needs with urgency. The Church of the Village stands as a beacon. It shines with faith justice and love.