Imagine Psalms as battlegrounds. The Second Presbyterian Church began in 1756. It started with a disagreement over which version of the Psalms to use. This disagreement caused a split from the First Presbyterian Church. The new group became known as the Scotch Presbyterian Church.
The Second Presbyterian Church’s story is one of constant movement and evolution. In 1768, the congregation erected a building on Cedar Street. They stayed there for almost 70 years. In 1837, they moved to a stone Greek Revival building on Grand Street. This building even included a gallery for persons of color.
Later, in 1852, the building was sold to the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The Second Presbyterian Church continued its northward journey. It moved to 53 West 14th Street. By the end of the 19th century, the area around 14th Street became a busy commercial hub. So the church moved again, this time to a corner plot across from Central Park on West 96th Street.
An imposing Romanesque building was constructed between 1893 and 1894. William H. Hume & Son designed it. But the story doesn’t end there.
During the real estate boom of the 1920s, the Second Presbyterian Church saw an opportunity. They replaced their 25-year-old building with a new skyscraper church. Rosario Candela designed this building in 1928-29. The result was a unique combination. It had a 16-story apartment tower with a Central Park West address. It also had a church sanctuary and classroom space at its base.
The Second Presbyterian Church has always been a place of community. Rev. John Mason welcomed Katie Ferguson, a 15-year-old black girl, to communion. In 1789, she became the first black member. She later started New York’s first Sabbath School for poor children.
The Austin-Konzelman organ is a highlight. At its dedication in 1930, it was one of the largest organs in New York City. It was partially rebuilt in 1978. Today, the organ has 45 ranks and 2268 pipes.
Today, Second Presbyterian remains active. It is an open and affirming congregation. It is part of the Presbyterian Church. It welcomes all for worship on Sundays. It continues to evolve. It embraces its rich history.