A majestic building stands before you. This is Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church in Harlem. It’s more than just a church. It’s a living testament to resilience. It’s a story etched in brick and stone.
Founded in 1809 by free African Americans. This congregation worshipped initially at Trinity Church Wall Street. They formed the Free African Church of St Philip. Imagine the courage it took. To establish a place of worship in a time of deep racial division. Their first location was in the infamous Five Points neighborhood. This was a notoriously rough area.
They laid the first foundation stone in 1819. Their first rector Reverend Peter Williams Jr was a pivotal figure. He was a leading abolitionist. He was also the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. He served from 1826 to 1840. He was one of three Black men on the American Anti-Slavery Society’s first executive committee. Think about the significance of that.
The church faced numerous challenges. Their early buildings on Centre Street suffered fire damage. They were also vandalized by white mobs. During the 1863 New York City draft riots. The church was used as a barracks. It suffered significant damage at the hands of the police and militia.
As Harlem grew the congregation relocated uptown. By 1886 they were on 25th Street. They later sold that property for a substantial sum. They used that money to purchase their current site in Harlem. This area was previously restricted to white residents only. A significant milestone. Their move marked a powerful statement. This powerful statement was against racial segregation.
The current building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. Designed by Vertner Woodson Tandy and George Washington Foster. Tandy was the first African-American architect licensed in New York State. Foster was among the first licensed in New Jersey. They built the church between 1910 and 1911.
Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church became a New York City Landmark in 1993. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This church is not merely a place of worship. It’s a symbol of enduring faith. A testament to the strength of the Black community in Harlem. A legacy that continues to inspire.