“Imagine a church that stood as the tallest building in the United States for 23 years.” That church was Trinity Church. When completed in 1846, it dominated the New York City skyline.
Welcome to Trinity Church. This iconic structure has a rich history closely tied to New York City itself. Our journey begins with a charter granted in 1697 by King William III. This charter legally and spiritually defined Trinity Church’s existence. It established rules for the Vestry and the succession of Rectors. It even outlined the boundaries of the first land granted to the church.
Royal Governor Benjamin Fletcher leased Trinity Church a parcel of land in 1697. It was known as the King’s Farm. It stretched from today’s Fulton Street north to Christopher Street. It went from Greenwich Street east to Broadway. Queen Anne permanently granted that land to Trinity in 1705. It became the Church Farm.
Three church buildings have stood on this site. The first, built in 1698, faced west toward the Hudson River. It tragically burned down in 1776 during the Great Fire of New York. The second church opened in 1790. Heavy snow caused its roof to collapse in 1839. Architect Richard Upjohn decided to rebuild completely. The third church opened in 1846. It still stands today.
Trinity Church held the title of tallest building in the United States. This lasted until 1869. It remained the tallest in New York City until 1890. The World Building then surpassed Trinity’s 281-foot spire.
The Chapel of All Saints stands on the north side of Trinity Church. It was built in 1913. It serves as a memorial to Reverend Dr. Morgan Dix. He served as Rector for 46 years.
Trinity’s charter required a yearly rent of one peppercorn to King William III. Queen Elizabeth visited in 1976. The Rector presented her with 279 years of back rent. This came in the form of 279 peppercorns. She accepted this gesture on Trinity Church’s steps. A plaque commemorates the event.
The Soldiers Monument stands in the northeast corner of the Churchyard. It is dedicated to American soldiers who died in British captivity during the Revolutionary War.
The oldest burial in Trinity Churchyard is Richard Churcher. He died in 1681 at age 5. Trinity wasn’t founded until 1697. The North Churchyard was The Old Dutch burial ground before Trinity purchased it.
Alexander Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton are buried here. Other notable burials include Robert Fulton, Albert Gallatin, and Francis Lewis.
A 1696 patent stated that all shipwrecks and drift whales washing ashore became Trinity Church property. This was a way to support the church in its early days. The patent has never been enacted.
Trinity Church has been at the heart of New York City for over 300 years. The first Trinity Church was erected on Wall Street in 1698. It faced west toward the Hudson River. The first Trinity Church building was destroyed during the Revolutionary War in the Great Fire of 1776. The second church opened in 1790.
George Washington attended the consecration ceremony. He and members of his government were regular worshipers. Notable parishioners included John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. The third Trinity Church was consecrated on Ascension Day 1846. It is considered one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the country.
Trinity has either given away or sold portions of the original land grant from Queen Anne to aid other churches. The remaining property and investments now fund a 6 billion dollar endowment. This continues to provide for Trinity’s work. Trinity is guided by its mission to share God’s love for all people.