Could a church find a home in a former Presbyterian sanctuary? The Strangers Home Church of God stands as a testament to change and adaptation. This fascinating church has a unique history intertwined with the Mercer Street Presbyterian Church building.
The Strangers Home Church of God wasn’t always here. Its story begins with the Mercer Street Presbyterian Church, established in 1835. This congregation thrived, hosting notable figures like Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. The church even witnessed the founding of Union Theological Seminary, whose commencement ceremonies were held within its walls. However, in 1870, Mercer Street Presbyterian Church merged with First Presbyterian Church. The building was sold.
Enter Reverend Charles Force Deems and his Church of the Strangers. This non-denominational congregation welcomed anyone who embraced the Apostles’ Creed. Deems, a friend of the Vanderbilts, was offered the former Mercer Street building as a gift from Cornelius Vanderbilt himself. This generous act allowed the Church of the Strangers to relocate in 1870. The church’s unique name reflected Deems’s inclusive vision, a haven for those feeling like “strangers” in the city. It became a prominent gathering place for New York’s elite, hosting figures like Horace Greeley and Peter Cooper.
The church also played a role in Vanderbilt family history. Commodore Vanderbilt’s funeral was held at the Church of the Strangers in 1877. Later, the funeral of his “discarded son,” Cornelius Jeremiah Vanderbilt, also took place here in 1882. Followed by the funeral of Frank Armstrong Vanderbilt, Commodore Vanderbilt’s wife, in 1885. These events solidified the connection between the Vanderbilt family and this place of worship.
Reverend Deems continued leading his flock until his death in 1893. His own funeral was held in the church he helped establish. The Church of the Strangers held its final service at the Mercer Street location in 1898 before moving to 57th Street. The building was demolished in 1901. While the original building is gone, the legacy of the Strangers Home Church of God continues. It is a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of faith and community in New York City.