In 1892, a distinctive Dutch-Flemish Renaissance Revival style church arose on the Upper West Side. This was the West End Collegiate Church. It joined the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, the oldest Protestant denomination with continuous organization in America. West End Collegiate Church stands at the corner of West End Avenue and 77th Street. Its story intertwines with the rapid development of the Upper West Side in the late 19th century.
The church’s history began a few years earlier. The burgeoning Upper West Side lacked sufficient churches. Many residents commuted downtown for services. Recognizing this need, the Collegiate Church formed a committee in 1890 to find a suitable location for a new church and school. They secured land on West End Avenue and 77th Street for $89,000.
Robert W. Gibson was chosen as the architect. He drew inspiration from the 17th-century Vleeshal in Haarlem, Netherlands. The West End Collegiate Church’s design stands out. It echoes the Dutch heritage of the Collegiate Church while embracing the Dutch Colonial revival popular at the time. The building features brown bricks laid in a Roman pattern, accented by buff terra cotta quoins and blockings. Terra cotta panels display the coats-of-arms of the church and past benefactors.
The interior is equally remarkable. The octagonal pulpit is carved from oak. Its panels showcase the Reformed Church’s coat-of-arms and the church’s seal. Oak pulpit chairs in Old Dutch style add to the ambiance. Three Tiffany Studios stained glass windows and one by Clara Miller Burd grace the sanctuary. These windows underwent restoration in the early 2000s.
West End Collegiate Church became a hub for Dutch refugee and relief efforts during World War II. Princess Juliana of the Netherlands even visited twice. The church has also undergone renovations and restorations. A fire in the 1980s led to significant restoration work by Hall Partnership Architects, LLP. Later, in 1999, LZA Group restored the roof and terra cotta. West End Collegiate Church is not merely a place of worship. It represents a rich tapestry of history, architectural beauty, and community service. It’s a testament to the evolving landscape of the Upper West Side and the enduring spirit of the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church.