Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church

Nestled amidst the upscale elegance of Madison Avenue, the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church has witnessed the ebb and flow of New York City life since its inception in 1839. Originally known as the Eleventh Presbyterian Church, its journey began humbly on 4th Street and Avenue D. The church’s move uptown in 1872 to 53rd Street and Madison Avenue, marked not just a change in location, but a renaming to Memorial Presbyterian Church. This name commemorated the union of the Old and New School branches of the Presbyterian denomination. However, by 1886, the church adopted its current name: Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. The present neo-Gothic structure, completed in 1899, stands as a testament to the vision of James E. Ware & Sons, architects who merged the existing Phillips Presbyterian Church building with a new design. The merger of Madison Avenue Presbyterian and Phillips Presbyterian Church was not without its initial difficulties. The congregations struggled to unite, facing financial hardships and a revolving door of ministers. The turning point came in 1905 with the arrival of Henry Sloane Coffin, Jr. Coffin, a charismatic young pastor with a passion for the social gospel, agreed to serve for a single dollar a year. His condition? The church leadership had to embrace his innovative approach to ministry, which included reaching out to the tenement dwellers east of the then New York Central Rail Road tracks. Coffin’s vision transformed Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. Within five years, the church was overflowing with new members. Edward S. Harkness, Coffin’s college roommate, donated a carriage house in 1910 and funds to convert it into much-needed space for the church’s growing programs. This expansion included language classes, job training, and traditional religious education, reflecting the church’s commitment to both spiritual and practical needs. The church’s influence expanded beyond its walls. Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church supported missionaries abroad, contributed to war relief efforts during World War I, and even hosted a USO center during World War II, despite Pastor George Arthur Buttrick’s publicly known pacifist views. The church also played a pivotal role in local education, establishing a day school in 1948 under Buttrick’s leadership. This commitment to community outreach continues to this day, with the church housing various programs including two overnight shelters, a feeding program, and partnerships with other organizations to serve vulnerable populations. Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church has a rich history, marked by both architectural grandeur and social impact. It stands as a reminder that even amidst the bustling city, a space for spiritual growth and community service can thrive.