St. Paul's Chapel

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

St. Paul's Chapel in downtown Manhattan was built in 1766
St. Paul's Chapel in downtown Manhattan was built in 1766 cc licensed photo by eviltomthai

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

Fee: No

St. Paul's Chapel Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

Phone: (212) 602-0800

Official Website: St. Paul's Chapel

St. Paul's Chapel Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating St. Paul's Chapel at 209 Broadway in New York City is a historic and spiritually uplifting gem that has withstood the test of time. With a history dating back to 1766, it's Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use. Surviving the American Revolution, it witnessed the birth of a nation and provided solace in times of crisis, including after the events of September 11, 2001. Its Georgian architecture is a marvel, inside and out, exuding timeless grace. Stained glass windows and wooden pews create an atmosphere of reverence and reflection. Today, it remains a vibrant part of the community and a peaceful oasis in Lower Manhattan. St. Paul's Chapel offers solace, inspiration, and a connection to history. It embodies the values of compassion and service, making it a five-star destination for those who appreciate its enduring impact on New York City.
Kytka - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating This place is a phenomenal wonder. Both towers came down on 9/11 and thousands of windows in surrounding buildings blew out. But, this little church had one cracked window that day. Amazing, built in the 1700's and hardly any damage, Idc care what anybody says, you have to go see the building that I truly believed God protected that day. Most of your walking tours of the grounds will start at this church.
Kimberly Rowles - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Very charming church nestled between a large number of incredibly tall buildings, offers a nice but of quiet amongst the hustle and bustle. The interior is beautiful and very clean. Be aware they do have a metal detector for when you enter (as do most of the large churches/cathedrals in the city) so be prepared to empty your pockets and that sort of thing. The graveyard is worth a stroll through as well as many of the graves are well over 250+ years old
Spencer Owen - 9 months ago

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5 Star Rating Amazing this church was Divinely spared any damage during 9/11.
Mike “CrowMike” - 2 weeks ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
EWorld Trade Center2 minutes
4 or 5Fulton Street2 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.

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