Can you believe that St. Paul’s Chapel is the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan? It stands as a testament to history. Today we explore this remarkable landmark.
St. Paul’s Chapel is a chapel of Trinity Church. It is located at 209 Broadway. The chapel was built in 1766. It is one of the nation’s most renowned examples of Late Georgian church architecture.
Queen Anne of Great Britain granted the land for St. Paul’s. Construction began in 1764 and finished in 1766. The spire was added later between 1794 and 1796.
The chapel’s architecture is noteworthy. It features Manhattan mica-schist with brownstone. Its design reflects Georgian churches like St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The octagonal spire is topped by a replica of the Athenian Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Inside, you will find pale colors, a flat ceiling, and cut glass chandeliers.
Thomas McBean is often credited as the architect. However, historian John Fitzhugh Millar suggests Peter Harrison may have been responsible. Andrew Gautier, a master craftsman, produced the interior fixtures.
Upon its completion, St. Paul’s Chapel was the tallest building in New York City. It served as a chapel for those who found the main Trinity Church inconvenient.
A tulip poplar wood statue of Saint Paul once stood on the Broadway side. It was installed in 1790. To protect it from weathering, the statue was moved inside in 2016. A resin replica now stands in its place. The monument to Brigadier General Richard Montgomery is below the east window. He died at the Battle of Quebec in 1775. The spire’s first bell is inscribed with “Mears London, Fecit 1797.” A second bell was added in 1866. It celebrated the chapel’s 100th anniversary.
During the American Revolutionary War, the Hearts of Oak drilled in the chapel’s yard. Alexander Hamilton was an officer of this unit. St. Paul’s Chapel remarkably survived the Great New York City Fire of 1776.
George Washington worshipped at St. Paul’s Chapel on his Inauguration Day in 1789. He also attended services during the two years New York City served as the country’s capital. Above the former location of Washington’s box pew is an 18th-century oil painting. It depicts the Great Seal of the United States.
The chapel features monuments to Richard Montgomery and a Neo-Baroque sculpture called “Glory” by Pierre L’Enfant. Fourteen original cut glass chandeliers grace the nave and galleries.
After the September 11, 2001, attacks, St. Paul’s Chapel served as a refuge for recovery workers. For nine months, volunteers worked around the clock. They provided meals, beds, counseling, and prayer. The chapel remarkably survived without a broken window. A sycamore tree protected it from falling debris. Its root has been preserved in a bronze memorial.
The fence around the chapel became a memorial site. Visitors left flowers, photos, and other items. Rudy Giuliani gave his mayoral farewell speech at the chapel in 2001.
Today, St. Paul’s Chapel displays memorial banners and exhibits. These commemorate the events of 9/11. “Healing Hearts and Minds” features a policeman’s uniform covered in patches. The “Thread Project” showcases banners woven from around the globe.
St. Paul’s Chapel underwent a comprehensive restoration beginning in 2013. The exterior was restored. Interior renovations included removing box pews. A heating and air conditioning system was installed. The interior was repainted.
St. Paul’s Chapel remains an active part of Trinity Church. It holds services, concerts, and lectures. George Washington and other historical figures worshipped here.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960, St. Paul’s Chapel stands as a symbol of resilience. It embodies hope and community. The chapel welcomes over one million visitors each year. It is truly a beacon of hope in the heart of New York City.