Nestled in the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan, mere steps from the somber grounds of the World Trade Center, stands St. Paul’s Chapel, a proud member of Trinity Church Wall Street. This historical gem, located at 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, at the intersection of Broadway and Fulton Street, offers a unique blend of colonial history, architectural splendor, and poignant remembrance. More than just a church, St. Paul’s Chapel is a testament to New York City’s enduring spirit, having served as a beacon of hope and resilience through centuries of transformation.
Photo: Leo Sorel. An eye-level exterior shot showcases the historic St. Paul’s Chapel, highlighting its architecture and location in Lower Manhattan.
A Glimpse into History at St. Paul’s Chapel
St. Paul’s Chapel’s story began in 1766, conceived as a “chapel-of-ease” for the burgeoning congregation of Trinity Church. As the city expanded northward, Trinity Church recognized the need for a more accessible place of worship for parishioners residing further from the original Trinity Church location. Imagine 18th-century New York, where unpaved streets made the journey south to Trinity Church a significant trek. St. Paul’s offered spiritual solace closer to home.
Remarkably, St. Paul’s Chapel holds the distinction of being Manhattan’s sole surviving colonial-era church and the borough’s oldest public building in continuous use. This longevity is underscored by its miraculous survival during the Great Fire of 1776, which decimated the first Trinity Church. Local residents formed a bucket brigade, drawing water from the Hudson River to safeguard St. Paul’s, a testament to the community’s early appreciation of this sacred space.
Before the second Trinity Church was rebuilt in 1790, St. Paul’s Chapel served as a spiritual anchor for many prominent figures, including George Washington. Following his inauguration as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall on Wall Street, Washington proceeded to St. Paul’s Chapel for a service of dedication, solidifying the chapel’s place in American history.
Throughout the burgeoning industrial era and waves of immigration, St. Paul’s remained a welcoming sanctuary, extending its embrace to unhoused individuals, laborers, and diverse immigrant communities. This legacy of inclusivity continues today, with St. Paul’s hosting free concerts and cultural events, fostering a vibrant worshipping community, and welcoming over a million visitors annually. It stands as a living embodiment of New York’s diverse and resilient spirit.
The Little Chapel That Stood: St. Paul’s Chapel and 9/11
The events of September 11, 2001, etched St. Paul’s Chapel deeper into the global consciousness. Despite its proximity to the World Trade Center – a mere hundred yards – the chapel miraculously withstood the catastrophic collapse of the Twin Towers. In the aftermath, St. Paul’s transformed into an unexpected haven for thousands of recovery workers laboring at Ground Zero.
For nine grueling months, rescue crews, police officers, firefighters, and volunteers sought respite within the 235-year-old walls and surrounding churchyard of St. Paul’s. The chapel became a 24/7 sanctuary, offering weary responders a place to rest, eat, receive essential supplies, access counseling, and find spiritual solace. Volunteers from across the nation flocked to St. Paul’s, providing unwavering support and care.
St. Paul’s Chapel transcended its role as a mere rest stop; it evolved into a powerful “community of hope” amidst unimaginable devastation. Today, visitors can witness a poignant exhibition of artifacts commemorating the 9/11 recovery efforts, a powerful reminder of the chapel’s pivotal role during that period.
Key Memorials within St. Paul’s Chapel
Several poignant memorials within St. Paul’s Chapel serve as tangible reminders of its 9/11 ministry and broader historical significance:
Memorial Pew: The chapel’s original pews, once places of quiet contemplation, became surfaces for an outpouring of gratitude during the recovery period. Thousands of heartfelt letters were affixed to the pews, transforming them into unique artifacts. The wear and tear from workers’ boots and equipment further etched these pews as lasting symbols of remembrance and resilience.
Iron Memorial Cross: Forged by blacksmiths David Munn and Frederic Crist from World Trade Center remnants, this cross was a gift of gratitude from tugboat captain Scott Murray. Murray, who participated in the recovery efforts and found solace at St. Paul’s, wished to honor the chapel’s healing presence during a time of immense tragedy.
Cup of Life: Artist-in-residence Jessica Lee Ives crafted this communion chalice from steel salvaged from the World Trade Center. The chalice incorporates wood from a sycamore tree in the churchyard, which remarkably shielded St. Paul’s from debris when the towers collapsed, symbolizing protection and resilience.
Vestment of Unity: This liturgical robe, or chasuble, bears patches from firefighters, police officers, and various rescue workers who served at Ground Zero. Volunteer clergy wore this vestment during services at St. Paul’s in the months following 9/11, embodying the solidarity forged between the chapel and the recovery community.
Community of the Cross of Nails: In 2005, St. Paul’s Chapel joined this global network rooted in Coventry Cathedral, UK, which was bombed during World War II. The Community focuses on healing historical wounds, embracing diversity, and fostering justice and peace, principles deeply resonant with St. Paul’s own journey.
Memorial Altar: In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, this altar became a focal point for those seeking information about missing loved ones. Friends and family posted notes, prayer cards, and mementos, transforming the altar into a space for collective mourning and remembrance.
Architectural Gems within St. Paul’s Chapel
Beyond its historical and memorial significance, St. Paul’s Chapel boasts remarkable architectural features:
Montgomery Monument: Dominating the east porch on Broadway, this grand memorial honors General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero who perished in 1775. Montgomery is interred beneath this monument, believed to be the first Revolutionary War memorial commissioned by the Continental Congress. Crafted by French sculptor Jean Jacques Caffieri from Pyrenees marble, it stands as a testament to early American artistic ambition.
Glory Altarpiece: Designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the architect behind Washington, D.C.’s city plan, this window design addresses a practical issue: the Montgomery Monument cast a shadow on the altar window. L’Enfant’s solution depicts God’s glory on Mount Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments, executed in wood carving, bringing light and symbolic depth to the altar area.
Pulpit and Altar Rail: Believed to be original to the chapel, these features showcase exquisite craftsmanship. While often mistakenly associated with the Prince of Wales feathers, the pulpit actually features six feathers, suggesting a different, yet equally elegant, design inspiration.
Bells: St. Paul’s bells contribute to its auditory heritage. One bell, crafted in London in 1797, was installed in 1834. The second bell was made in Troy, New York, in 1866, representing both international and American bell-making traditions.
The Great Seal of the United States of America: Commissioned in 1785, predating its official adoption by Congress in 1782 (likely an error in the original text, should be adopted by Congress in 1782, commissioned before adoption), this depiction of the Great Seal is one of the earliest known. Featuring an eagle-like bird (sometimes debated as resembling a turkey), holding an olive branch and arrows, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of Many, One”), it’s a powerful symbol of national unity displayed within this historic chapel.
The Statue of St. Paul: A Symbol of Enduring Faith
For over two centuries, a statue of St. Paul graced a niche on the Broadway side of the chapel. This impressive 7’10”, 500-pound figure, carved from tulip poplar, is considered an early example of North American sculpture. To protect it from further weather damage, the original statue was moved indoors in 2016 and replaced by a 200-pound resin replica.
St. Paul, The Apostle: Inspiration for a Sanctuary
Born Saul of Tarsus, St. Paul’s transformative journey from persecutor of early Christians to devoted apostle embodies the themes of conversion and reconciliation central to St. Paul’s Chapel’s mission. Remembered as a compassionate pastor, St. Paul’s legacy inspires the chapel to be a welcoming space for all seeking spiritual nourishment, community, and a sense of purpose before engaging with the world.
St. Paul’s Chapel of Trinity Church Wall Street stands as a powerful testament to history, resilience, and faith. A visit to this remarkable site offers a profound experience, connecting visitors to pivotal moments in New York City and American history, while providing a space for reflection and contemplation in the heart of a dynamic metropolis. Plan your visit today and discover the enduring spirit of St. Paul’s Chapel.
