St. Paul's Chapel
St. Paul's Chapel is New York's oldest public building in continuous use

New York's oldest public building in continuous use, St. Paul's Chapel, opened in 1766 and is still an active part of Trinity Church. Completed in 1766, the Georgian chapel was spared from the fire that consumed lower Manhattan that same year by the heroic efforts by a bucket brigade.
In the aftermath of the fire, St. Paul's Chapel served as a refuge and relief center for hundreds of homeless New Yorkers, a role it reprised 225 years later in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Memorials and items sent to encourage the rescue workers during New York City's darkest days are still on display in an interactive exhibit.
While New York was the nation's capital from 1788 to 1790, St. Paul's congregation included George Washington and many of the founding fathers who were drawn to the intimate chapel. Visitors to St. Paul's Chapel can see Washington's original church pew and an exquisite 18th century oil painting of the Great Seal of the United States.
Surrounding St. Paul's Chapel, a churchyard with pre-Revolutionary War graves and memorials to Revolutionary War heroes. Interments ceased in the beginning of the 19th century and recently underwent a restoration in 2002 to remove damaging debris that blanketed the cemetery following September 11, 2001. The Bell of Hope, a gift from St. Paul's sister church in London was installed following the restoration to commemorate the events at the World Trade Center and the parish's mission work.
Today, St. Paul's Chapel is an active part of the Trinity Church parish holding daily mass, concerts lectures welcoming visitors from all backgrounds. The practice of daily Prayers for Peace and Reconciliation rose out of the community's need for healing in the aftermath of 9/11 and continues daily at midday.
Nearby attractions include Trinity Church and the Financial District.
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: St. Paul's Chapel
Fee: NoClosed Now
Regular Hours:
- Monday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Category: Churches
Address:
209 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 602-0800
Reviews
Scott L. May-27-2018
I guess I never fully realized that this chapel was the original structure built in 1766. After the 911 tower attacks, this chapel, which survived... Read More
Edward D. Dec-11-2018
This church is definitely worth a visit, since it's the oldest church in NYC, having been built in 1766. George Washington worshipped here during the 2... Read More
Giacomo C. Nov-02-2018
The church is cute, but what drives most people here (except for locals worshippers) are the testimonials of countless citizens who volunteered their energy... Read More
Accommodations near St. Paul's Chapel :
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
E | World Trade Center | 2 minutes |
4 or 5 | Fulton Street | 2 minutes |
How to get to St. Paul's Chapel by Subway
Take the E train to the World Trade Center, head southwest on Vessey Street, turn left on Church Street, turn right on Broadway or take a 4 or 5 train to Fulton Street, walk north on Broadway.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Photo Gallery
-
Interior of St Pauls Chapel in New York City cc licensed photo by Vincent Desjardins Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: A. Duarte - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bilderkombinat berlin - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Pat Bianculli - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Charlie Phillips - cc license via Flickr