Consider this: the year is 1913. Fort Washington Presbyterian Church emerges. It is not just a building. It is the result of unity. West Presbyterian and Park Presbyterian Churches joined together. Their shared vision led to this very spot.
The old West Church sold for a significant sum. It was $1,100,000. These funds were used to create Fort Washington Presbyterian Church. It was meant to serve the Washington Heights area. This part of Upper Manhattan carries historical weight. It is named after Fort Washington. The fort stood during the American Revolution. It defended the area between 181st and 186th Streets.
Fort Washington Presbyterian’s affiliation shifted. Until 1923, it remained tied to West Park Presbyterian. Over time, the neighborhood changed. A large Puerto Rican and Dominican population grew here. Since 1948, Spanish-language services have been part of the church.
A shift occurred in 1982. Fort Washington Presbyterian disbanded. The building found a new purpose. It was given to the Hispanic congregation. Today, it is known as Iglesia Presbiteriana Fort Washington Heights.
The architecture speaks volumes. Thomas Hastings designed the neo-Georgian building. Hastings was part of Carrère & Hastings. He had designed a similar building before. In 1904, he designed the First Church of Christ, Scientist. It was located on Central Park West at 96th Street. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized its beauty. In May 2009, they designated Fort Washington Presbyterian as a landmark.
Note the Doric entrance portico. Four monumental stone columns stand tall. The tower is unusually lofty. Classical motifs embellish it. Buff-colored brick is laid in Flemish bond. Indiana limestone trims the design. It creates a Georgian feel.
Let’s talk about the Austin organ. It’s Opus 457 from 1914. The organ features electro-pneumatic action. It boasts 3 manuals and 23 registers. There are 21 stops and 21 ranks. The Great Organ has 61 notes. The Swell Organ also has 61 notes. The Choir Organ adds another 61 notes. The Pedal Organ has 32 notes.
Fort Washington Presbyterian Church has history. It has architectural significance. It represents community evolution. The story continues through Iglesia Presbiteriana Fort Washington Heights. It stands as a testament to change and continuity. It received recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.