Established in 1763 the New Dorp Moravian Church stands as a testament to Staten Island’s rich history. It’s the borough’s second oldest church a fact often overshadowed by its stunning grounds. The original church building from 1763 still stands at the rear of the current structure. That structure built in 1837 is a masterpiece designed by Jasper Cropsey. Cropsey later gained fame as a Hudson River School painter. A fascinating detail isn’t it? Imagine the conversations he must have had while working on the church.
The church is more than just a building. It’s a living archive. It silently reflects the lives of generations of Staten Islanders. The extensive cemetery surrounding New Dorp Moravian Church is a treasure. It’s Staten Island’s largest and most beautifully landscaped cemetery. Graves date back to 1740. The cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent Staten Islanders. The Vanderbilts are notably among them. Their mausoleum designed in 1886 by Richard Morris Hunt is a captivating sight. Hunt also designed several Vanderbilt residences. The mausoleum a copy of a Romanesque church in Arles France is partially hidden in the hillside. Only its stone facade and dome are visible. The grounds around the mausoleum were designed by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted.
The New Dorp Moravian Church hasn’t stood still through the years. Its musical heritage has evolved. In 1910 a Hook & Hastings organ was installed. This was replaced in 1956 by a rebuilt organ from Chester Raymond. The current organ a magnificent Peragallo instrument installed in 2009 boasts 40 registers and 1397 pipes. It is a testament to the church’s ongoing dedication to its community and its musical legacy. The New Dorp Moravian Church continues to be a vibrant center of faith and community. It’s a place where history echoes in every stone and every hymn sung. A place where the past present and future intertwine. This is more than a church it is a living legacy. A piece of Staten Island’s soul.