Trinity Church & St. Paul's Chapel

Trinity Church

Trinity Church's long history is reflective of the history of America itself. Established in 1698, Trinity Church predates the Episcopalian faith it is now associated with. Originally built as an Anglican church, Trinity Church was a symbol of Britain's rule in the Americas and a Tory stronghold during the Revolutionary War (it is rumored that the Great New York City Fire of 1776 which destroyed the original Trinity Church on these grounds was started by Patriots, though there is no way of validating these claims). After the war and the U.S. broke with England, a change was needed in the many Anglican churches left behind in the United States. Anglican clergy were required to swear a pledge of allegiance to the British sovereign. Patriot clergy members, and those working towards ordination were unwilling to pledge loyalty to the British crown, and were denied authority from the British bishops. At an apparent impasse, the American branch of the Anglican church split from the Anglican church and became the Episcopal church. Authority for ordinations came through Scottish bishops, who as Scots never missed a chance to assert their independence from England, that chose to ordain American clergy.

The damaged church was rebuilt in 1790, and then torn down after excessive snow led the then flat roof to collapse during the winter of 1838-39. The building that is now located on these grounds is the third incarnation of the original Trinity Church and was completed in 1846. The interiors were made grander than before, and now feature beautiful and ornate stained glass.

And while Trinity Church may be old, the graveyard located on the church grounds is even old. This particular plot of land was used as a community graveyard since at least the time of the Dutch, while some people believe it may have been used as a graveyard for indigenous peoples long before that. Most gravestones in the yard hail back to the 18th-century. The oldest marked grave however, dates back to 1681 and belongs to Richard Churcher, who's resting place reminds us of the reality of the brevity of life during that time - he was only five years old.

But of all the graves in the yard, one draws more visitors than any - Alexander Hamilton. The founding father and subject of the hit musical Hamilton, is buried on the south side of the church along with his wife Eliza. Each year in January and July, a special service is held at his graveside. In past years, these events have drawn crowds rarely bigger than 12 people. But ever since Hamilton opened on Broadway, crowds upward of 50 people have attend these events.

Visitors Tips: Churchyard open daily from 8am to sunset. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 2pm, and Sunday after the 11:15am service. If those times don't work for you, download the Trinity Church Tour app (use the same app at St. Paul's Chapel) and go at your convenience. If you want to see an Episcopalian service, the 11:15 on Sunday is the one to attend. Trinity Church conducts a High Church (i.e. very traditional) service with incense, a procession, etc.

St. Paul's Chapel

The oldest church building in Manhattan, St. Paul's Chapel is part of the Parish of Trinity Church. When the original Trinity Church building was destroyed by fires in 1776, services were moved to this location. It was at this location that George Washington was inaugurated.

St. Paul's Chapel also has a deep connection to the 9/11 attacks. Located near the World Trade Center, the chapel served as a home base for rescue workers who would come here to eat and rest. Displays tied to the role the church played in the hours, days, and months after the attacks are spread throughout the church.

Visitors Tips: The church building open daily 10am to 6pm, and the churchyard is open until sunset. Sunday services are at 8am and 9:15am. No scheduled tours are available, though they can be requested by emailing tours@trinitywallstreet.com. And if that's a hassle, just use the app!