Wasn’t it just 80 years ago that several Christian groups found each other in the bustling metropolis of New York City? This is the story of Memorial West United Church a story woven from diverse backgrounds and a shared religious heritage. It all began in 1920. These small groups started meeting together in Manhattan. Their first meetings took place in Woods Memorial Chapel at 237 West 69th Street. This marked a significant anniversary in the long history of the Restoration Movement in New York City. This was a major step paralleling developments across the country.
The Manhattan Church of Christ as it became known. It wasn’t just a congregation it was a testament to the faith of those who came before. Their history reveals the gifts they received from generations of believers. It also unveils the origins of many issues they still grapple with today.
But the story goes back even further. Way back to 1810. One hundred and ninety years before the Manhattan Church of Christ was established. A group of immigrants influenced by the views of Robert Sandeman a Scottish reformer established a congregation. They broke away from the Ebenezer Baptist Church organizing a separate group sometimes called Scotch Baptists. This early church is described in a letter as the Church of Christ at New York meeting on Sullivan Street. The letter was signed by elders William Ovington and Henry Errett father of Isaac Errett who became a prominent leader of the Restoration Movement.
The early years were marked by mergers and controversies. In 1820 Walter Scott a famous evangelist visited the congregation. In 1831 Alexander Campbell came to find the church troubled by divisions. He worked to bring unity and spoke to large audiences of non-Christians and skeptics in places like Tammany Hall and Concert Hall. The church moved several times. In 1850 they bought a building at 70-72 West 17th Street. The inscription over the door read Disciples’ Meeting House. During the Civil War the church opposed slavery. A women’s group called the Dorcas Society helped wounded soldiers.
Following the Civil War deep rifts in society caused turmoil in the Restoration Movement. The New York church experienced divisions over liberalism moral standards and finances. This period saw the movement divide into Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ. In New York the Disciples side dominated. Small groups that broke away met in homes and rented spaces until 1920. The Manhattan Church of Christ was then born. It brought together families from England the South and those who left the Central Christian Church. It’s a remarkable story of persistence faith and unity in the face of challenge. A testament to the enduring spirit of Memorial West United Church.