Hark now to the saga of a church that moved not once but thrice. The Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church is a cornerstone of faith here in New York City. It has a rich and evolving history that began long ago.
The Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church’s story starts in 1837. It was initially named the Methodist Episcopal Church in Yorkville. Three circuit rider ministers founded it. They were Daniel De Vinné John Luckey and Richard Seaman. These ministers were assigned to the Harlem Mission.
Early meetings took place in homes and schoolhouses. Rev. Ira Ferris noted the difficulty in establishing a permanent society. Yorkville had a transient population then. It was a rural village around 86th Street and Third Avenue.
Rev. De Vinné organized a class and a Sunday school at Gilbert Bates’ home. This home was at Third Avenue and Eighty-Fourth Street. He also appointed a Board of Trustees. Rev. De Vinné and Rev. Dr. Richard Seaman bought four lots on 86th Street. They paid 800 dollars each. This location was across from where the present building stands. Financial assistance was expected from Yorkville residents. The Financial Panic of 1837 prevented these contributions. Rev. De Vinné’s abolitionist views also caused financial support to be withheld.
The first church building was a wooden structure purchased from a Bowery parish. It was disassembled moved uptown and reassembled on 86th Street. This structure was demolished in 1858. A new brick building was dedicated on January 30 1859.
Between 1859 and 1883 the parish grew significantly. A larger church building became necessary. The brick building was sold in 1883 to Jewish Congregation Gates of Hope. It became the Eighty-Sixth Street Temple. Lots were purchased at Park Avenue and 86th Street. This became the site of the new Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. It was dedicated on March 23 1884.
The new brownstone church accommodated over 700 members. The new Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church occupied 102 feet on Park Avenue and 108 feet on 86th Street. Growth continued until the 1920s. Membership declined and renovations were needed. The present smaller church building was erected. An apartment house at 1035 Park Avenue was also built to generate revenue for the church. Demolition of the third building began in 1924.
Henry C. Pelton designed the present building. The Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on January 9 1927. Pelton also designed the Riverside Church for Henry Emerson Fosdick. The facade was inspired by the 12th-century Church of San Abbondio in Como Italy. Timbers from the 1786 John Street Church were used in the first church building. This John Street Church was the first Methodist Church in America. One of these timbers supports the pulpit in the present building.
The Great Depression followed the financial commitment of the apartment building. Membership declined in the 1930s. The church was directed to close in 1946. A small group of members and Rev. Paul N. Otto kept the church open. The United Methodist City Society provided financial support for ten years. The apartment building was sold in 1956.
The Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church purchased a warehouse in Franconia Virginia in 1954 as an investment. The U.S. Government purchased it in 1966. The Park Avenue Methodist Church Trust was created. Income from this Trust benefits Methodism in New York City. The church’s name was legally changed to Park Avenue Methodist Church in 1948.
The Park Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church today is a testament to resilience. Its history reflects New York City’s own story of change adaptation and renewal. The church continues to be a beacon of hope and community.