Name: Trinity Church
Address: 89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
Telephone: (212) 602-0800
Rating: 4.6

Historic Episcopal church & cemetery where Alexander Hamilton & other early Americans are buried.

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Trinity Church was the tallest building in New York City from 1846 to 1894, dominating the skyline for nearly half a century.

Former Skyline Dominance

Trinity Church is actually the third structure to stand on the same site. The first church was built in 1698, but was destroyed in the Great New York City Fire of 1776. The second church was torn down after structural issues after 28 years.

Change of Address

The current Trinity Church is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by architect Richard Upjohn.

Architectural Style

Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is buried in the Trinity Church Cemetery.

Notable Burial

The church features three sets of massive bronze doors, each depicting scenes from the Bible and church history.

Impressive Entrances

Trinity Church is located at the head of Wall Street, a historically and financially significant location in New York City.

Prime Location

Trinity Church, a neo-Gothic architectural marvel, stands as a defiant counterpoint to the surrounding skyscrapers of Wall Street. Its brownstone facade, a deliberate choice, provides a visual anchor amidst the glass and steel. The church's bronze doors, sculpted by Richard Morris Hunt, depict biblical scenes with an American sensibility, a subtle nod to the nation's burgeoning identity during its construction. Beneath the church lies a crypt, the final resting place of notable figures like Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father whose presence adds a layer of historical gravitas. The church's spire, once the tallest structure in New York City, served as a crucial landmark for ships navigating the harbor. Interestingly, the churchyard, a tranquil green space, offers a respite from the frenetic energy of the financial district, a place where centuries-old gravestones stand in silent contrast to the modern world. The church's commitment to social justice, a core tenet of its mission, is reflected in its ongoing outreach programs, a testament to its enduring relevance beyond its architectural significance.

Introduction

Trinity Church, situated at Wall Street and Broadway, stands as a prime exemplar of Gothic Revival architecture in New York City. Designed by Richard Upjohn and completed in 1846, it is recognized as one of the first and finest Gothic Revival churches in America, directly influenced by the English Victorian Gothic Revival. Its design, particularly the flat liturgical east end, was notably effective and distinctive, contributing significantly to popularizing the Gothic style across various denominations. The church's imposing tower, pointed arches, and intricate detailing embody the essence of the Gothic Revival movement.

Trinity Church played a pivotal role in establishing Gothic as a fashionable architectural style, marking a departure from earlier Neoclassical influences. The All Saints Chapel, located to the north of the chancel, exemplifies the Gothic preference for height and darkness, enriched by the contrast between the materials used and the painted ribs and plaster of the nave. Upjohn's design adhered strictly to ecclesiological principles, reflecting a "correct" interpretation of Gothic architecture. As a landmark, Trinity Church secures its place as an enduring icon of architectural prowess, symbolizing the ever-evolving Manhattan skyline and the broader Gothic Revival movement in the United States.

Gothic Revival Architecture

The Choir of Trinity Wall Street is central to Trinity Church's identity, serving as the cornerstone of its rich music program. This professional ensemble leads liturgical music at both Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel, presenting new-music concerts in New York City, producing recordings, and undertaking international tours. The Choir of Trinity Wall Street has redefined 21st-century vocal music, earning acclaim for artistry described as "blazing with vigour…a choir from heaven".

The choir frequently collaborates with the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, an ensemble of period instrumentalists, and NOVUS NY, Trinity's contemporary music orchestra. Trinity's commitment to new music has fostered collaborations with living composers, resulting in recordings of Pulitzer Prize-winning works, including Julia Wolfe’s "Anthracite Fields," Du Yun’s "Angel’s Bone," and Ellen Reid’s "p r i s m."

Beyond regular liturgical duties, the choir performs extensively, appearing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and collaborating with renowned partners like the New York Philharmonic and the Rolling Stones. The Choir of Trinity Wall Street also maintains an active recording schedule with releases on labels such as Naxos and Decca Gold. Trinity also supports the Downtown Voices, a semi-professional choir, the Trinity Youth Chorus for young singers, and the St. Paul’s Chapel Choir, a volunteer ensemble.

Choir of Trinity Wall Street

St. Paul's Chapel, while a distinct structure, exists as part of the Parish of Trinity Church, highlighting a unique relationship where one is a subsidiary of the other. Originally conceived as a "chapel-of-ease" in 1766 for Trinity Church's expanding congregation, St. Paul's served those who found the walk to Trinity's main location inconvenient. This arrangement arose because Trinity Church, enriched by land grants from Queen Anne, chose to expand its reach through chapels rather than splitting into separate parishes.

The historical connection deepened when the original Trinity Church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776. St. Paul's Chapel then became the primary place of worship until Trinity's second building was completed in 1790, solidifying St. Paul's role as a temporary headquarters for Trinity's parishioners. Even after Trinity Church was rebuilt, both locations remained under the oversight of the Rector of Trinity parish, demonstrating a continued administrative link.

Today, St. Paul's Chapel stands as the oldest church building in Manhattan and the oldest public building in continuous use in the borough, a testament to its enduring presence within the Trinity Church framework. Despite its historical significance and architectural uniqueness, St. Paul's operates as an active part of the Parish of Trinity Church, hosting services, concerts, and lectures, reinforcing its ongoing connection to the larger Trinity community.

Trinity Church's extensive property holdings are rooted in a 1705 grant of 215 acres from Queen Anne. While the church has sold off much of this original land, it remains a major landowner in New York City, possessing 14 acres of Manhattan real estate, including 5.5 million square feet of commercial space in Hudson Square. As of 2011, the parish's annual revenue from these holdings was $158 million, with a net income of $38 million. By 2019, Trinity's investment portfolio was valued at over $6 billion, with a total equity of $8.3 billion at the end of 2018.

The church's property history includes a legal dispute over a 62-acre claim dating back to the 1780s, contested by descendants of Anneke Jans Bogardus, who alleged original title to the land. Despite numerous court challenges over six decades, the church prevailed. Trinity also owned numerous tenement houses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by revelations of the church's role as a slumlord.

More recently, Trinity Real Estate entered a joint venture, securing a majority stake in 12 buildings with 6 million square feet of commercial space and a $650 million deal with the Walt Disney Company. The church has also diversified its holdings through a partnership with Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management, generating $1.73 billion since 2015. These investments enable Trinity to provide approximately $10 million annually in grants and fund humanitarian projects.

Trinity Church

Did You Know?

Former Skyline Dominance

Change of Address

Architectural Style

Notable Burial

Highlights from Reviews

Location