‘A church for an underserved neighborhood.’ That’s what the West Presbyterian Church aimed to build. Let’s uncover the story of this church. It began as two houses of worship in Manhattan. The West Presbyterian Church congregation formed in 1829. In 1911, it merged with Park Presbyterian Church. Together, they became West-Park Presbyterian Church.
The first worship space stood in Greenwich Village. It was also known as the Carmine Street Presbyterian Church. This building served the congregation from 1832 to 1865. The second building was on West 42nd Street. It stood between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was used from 1865 until the merger in 1911. The building was then sold and torn down.
Proceeds from the sale funded a new church. This new church would serve an underserved neighborhood. That neighborhood was Washington Heights. The result was Fort Washington Presbyterian Church. The West Church congregation also established two mission churches. These later merged to form Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church. Today, West-Park, Fort Washington, and Good Shepherd-Faith are all active.
Thomas S Hastings was a prominent pastor. He served from 1856 to 1881. Later, he became President of Union Theological Seminary. John R Paxton also pastored the church. He served from 1882 to 1893. His sermons were popular. They attracted wealthy businessmen as members.
Before its main location, the West Church met on Sixth Avenue. This was near Amity Street now West 3rd Street. A division occurred in 1831. Eighteen members moved to a nearby location. They became known as the West Church.
The West Church incorporated in July 1831. Services were held in a room on Bleecker Street. A house of worship was built on Carmine Street. Town & Davis designed it in Greek Revival style. It was made of brick covered to look like white stone. The church measured 84 by 62 feet. It had 136 pews on the lower floor. A wooden turret topped the building. The church was dedicated in May 1832.
In 1848, New York City had many poor children. The Carmine Street Church started “Boys’ Meetings.” These were religious services for the children. The program’s success inspired others. In 1853, leaders founded the Children’s Aid Society. Charles Loring Brace of the West Church became secretary.
In 1856, Thomas S. Hastings became pastor. The congregation grew. By 1860, larger quarters were needed. Hastings moved the church to West 42nd Street. Land was cheaper there. A new chapel was built. It was designed by Foster & Babb. It was dedicated in 1862. Jacob Wrey Mould designed a new church in Victorian Gothic style. It was dedicated in 1865 on the Rutgers site.
The West Presbyterian Church achieved great success. This occurred during John R. Paxton’s time as pastor. His sermons were vigorous. They attracted many people including Jay Gould and Russell Sage. Wealthy men were associated with the church. In the early 1890s, members represented much money.
Later, Paxton’s sermons changed. He became ill. He resigned. There were rumors of substance abuse. Finally, his resignation was accepted. Anthony H Evans replaced Paxton. Leaders hoped he would bring back wealthy members.
By 1899, the church’s finances were poor. Some leaders tried to remove Evans. But he won an internal battle. In 1902, plans were announced. The church would build a parish house. The auditorium would be modernized. But nothing happened.
Commercialization led to the displacement of residents. West Presbyterian lost members. In 1911, it merged with Park Presbyterian Church. They became West-Park Presbyterian Church. A new sanctuary was planned. It would serve the Washington Heights neighborhood. It was designed by Rev Hastings’ son.
The 42nd Street property was sold. The Aeolian Company built offices and a concert hall there. The last service was in June 1911. Demolition followed. In accordance with the merger agreement, both pastors served at West-Park.
West Church adopted a nearby mission in 1866. In 1870, they began building a church for it. It was named Faith Chapel. Later, it became Faith Church. Rev Paxton started a Sunday School mission in 1886. A new mission church was built. It was named Church of the Good Shepherd. In 1943, Good Shepherd Church merged with Faith Church. They became Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church.
The legacy of the West Presbyterian Church lives on. It continues through its successor churches. Their impact on New York City remains significant.