St. Paul's Chapel

New York, United States

St. Paul's Chapel, built in 1766, it is the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan, and one of the nation's finest examples of Late Georgian church architecture.

A chapel of the Parish of Trinity Church, St. Paul's was built on land granted by Anne, Queen of Great Britain. Construction on the building's main body began in 1764 and was completed in 1766. The church's spire was added between 1794 and 1796.

Built of Manhattan mica-schist with brownstone quoins, St. Paul's has the classical portico, boxy proportions and domestic details that are characteristic of Georgian churches including James Gibbs' St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The church's octagonal spire rises from a square base and is topped by a replica of the Athenian Choragic Monument of Lysicrates (c. 335 BC). Inside, the chapel's simple elegant hall has the pale colors, flat ceiling and cut glass chandeliers reminiscent of contemporary domestic interiors.

The church has historically been attributed to Thomas McBean, a Scottish architect and student of James Gibbs. Recent documentation published by historian John Fitzhugh Millar suggests architect Peter Harrison may have instead been responsible for the structure's design. Master craftsman and furniture maker Andrew Gautier produced the church's interior fixtures.

Upon completion in 1766, the church was the tallest building in New York City. It stood in a field some distance from the growing port city to the south and was built as a 'chapel-of-ease' for parishioners who thought the mother church inconvenient to access.

On the Broadway side of the chapel's exterior is an oak statue of the church's namesake, Saint Paul, carved by an unknown sculptor and installed in 1790. Below the east window is the monument to Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, who died at the Battle of Quebec (1775) during the American Revolutionary War.

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Details

Founded: 1764-1766
Category: Religious sites in United States

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Arosha Weerakkody (2 months ago)
Visiting St. Paul’s Chapel near the World Trade Center is a poignant experience that beautifully blends history and tranquility. This historic church, known as the “Little Chapel that Stood,” served as a place of refuge and support for first responders during and after the 9/11 attacks. Inside, the chapel is serene, with memorials and artifacts that honor those affected by the tragedy. The architecture is stunning, and the peaceful ambiance provides a moment of reflection amid the bustling city. It’s a meaningful stop for anyone wanting to pay their respects and learn more about the resilience of New York City in the face of adversity.
Victoria Lengei (3 months ago)
I found the cemetery very nice. There are some small plaques with short life stories of certain people resting here.
Nicole Wright (3 months ago)
St. Paul’s Chapel is a great addition to find a moment of peace and quiet in New York. If you are doing a 9/11 tour of different places it’s a must stop by. There wasn’t a wait to walk into the chapel, and the people at the door were super friendly. There wasn’t a time limit to be in the building. I spent about 15 minutes relaxing and checking out the displays they had. Next time I hope I’m available when they have a service to check it out.
Néstor Reyes (7 months ago)
The St. Paul's Chapel, located in New York City, is a true architectural and spiritual treasure. Its Gothic design, which evokes the greatness of European cathedrals, contrasts with the bustle of the city that surrounds it, creating a space of serenity and reflection in the midst of urban hustle and bustle. The interior of the chapel is equally impressive, with its high vaulted ceilings, colorful stained glass windows and an atmosphere of devotion that invites contemplation. In addition to its architectural beauty, the Chapel of St. Paul is known for its rich history and its role as the center of the community for more than 150 years. The religious services that are held here are welcoming and inclusive, attracting people from all beliefs and backgrounds. In addition to religious ceremonies, the chapel also hosts a variety of cultural and musical events that enrich the life of the community. In short, the St. Paul's Chapel is a unique place in the heart of New York, where architectural beauty is combined with spirituality and community, creating an experience worth experiencing.
Danny Veiga (13 months ago)
St. Paul’s Chapel, part of the Trinity Wall Street parish, is an enduring gem of Manhattan, nestled comfortably in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. It stands as the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan and a living testament to New York City’s rich history. Affectionately known as "The Little Chapel That Stood," St. Paul’s gained a new chapter in its storied life following the events of September 11, 2001. Remarkably unscathed as the Twin Towers fell nearby, it served as a sanctuary and relief center for the tireless workers at Ground Zero. Within its hallowed walls, rescue workers found solace and strength, its pews lined with boots of the weary, its floors a bed for the briefest of respites. The chapel’s interior, graced with colonial elegance, reflects centuries of American faith and resilience. It is where George Washington worshiped on his Inauguration Day, a fact memorialized by his pew still present within the chapel, and where countless New Yorkers have found peace in the midst of the bustling city. Today, St. Paul's Chapel continues to be a beacon of hope and a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the city. Visitors are embraced by its serenity and moved by the exhibits that recount its role in the city’s darkest and brightest days. It is a place where history is palpable, and the present can commune with the past.
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