Could these walls talk? The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church has seen New York City evolve around it. This church stands as a testament to faith. It has a history as rich and layered as the city itself.
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church started in 1839. It began as the Eleventh Presbyterian Church. Its first location was on 4th and Avenue D. In 1872, the church moved to East 53rd and Madison Avenue. It then became Memorial Presbyterian Church. This commemorated the Old and New School branches of the denomination. The name changed again in 1886. It became Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.
But there’s more. Phillips Presbyterian Church, also important, was organized in 1844. It moved uptown in 1869. James Lenox donated a church building in 1872. This building was on the East 73rd Street site. It was designed in High Victorian Gothic style by R.H. Robertson.
In 1899, a significant event occurred. Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church merged with Phillips. The church building was then redesigned. James E. Ware, a notable architect, led the redesign in a neo-Gothic style. Today, the sanctuary seats 800 people.
Let’s jump to 1927. George Arthur Buttrick became the minister. He followed Henry Sloane Coffin. Buttrick played a role in the Trump family history. He officiated the wedding of Fred Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. This took place in the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in January 1936. The church also has connections to literature. Writer Frederick Buechner attended Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. He was ordained there in 1958.
David H. C. Read served as pastor from 1956 to 1989. His sermons were sent out each Monday. This was a subscription service. Some of his sermons were broadcast nationally. The National Council of Churches aired them. Fred R. Anderson succeeded Read.
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church has had notable members. These include Mary Boone, an art dealer. Andrew Carnegie, the famous industrialist, was also a member. Lin Yutang, a Chinese writer, found a spiritual home here. Warren Ost, founder of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, was also a member.
The building itself has interesting architectural details. James E. Ware & Son designed it in 1899. They also designed the “dumbbell plan” for tenement houses. These buildings had air shafts for ventilation. The church has a traditional rectangular shape. It features a high vaulted ceiling. Renovations in 1961 enlarged the chancel. Original features were restored in 1999. The choir pews sit behind the communion table and pulpit. An extensive balcony overlooks the space. A beautiful tapestry hangs behind the choir pews.
The church offers many activities. Their website describes them in detail. There is a focus on hunger ministries. They run a homeless shelter for men. This is done with St James Episcopal Church. They also have ministries for women and children at risk. The parish sponsors a day school. The music program is extensive. It includes several choirs and a concert series. There are multiple services each Sunday. Prayer services take place each weekday morning.
The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church stands near Central Park. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also close. The neighborhood is filled with upscale shops and restaurants. The church has a vibrant history. It continues to serve its community. Its beautiful architecture and music enhance its spiritual mission.