St. Philip's Episcopal Church (Manhattan) facts for kids
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St. Philip's Episcopal Church
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(2014)
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 210-216 West 134th Street Manhattan, New York City |
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| Built | 1910–1911 |
| Architect | Tandy & Foster: Vertner W. Tandy George W. Foster, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000933 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 25, 2008 |
St. Philip's Episcopal Church is a very old and important church in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. You can find it on West 134th Street.
This church's community started in 1809. It was founded by free African Americans who used to worship at Trinity Church, Wall Street. They called themselves the Free African Church of St. Philip.
It first stood in a neighborhood called Five Points. St. Philip's is the oldest black Episcopal church in New York City. It has been very important in the black community, both in lower Manhattan and later in Harlem. Many of its members have been leaders.
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History of St. Philip's Church
Early Church Buildings
The first stone for the church building was laid in 1819. The first leader, called a rector, was the Rev. Peter Williams, Jr.. He served from 1826 to 1840.
Reverend Williams was a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. He was the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. He also helped lead the first executive committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
In the 1820s, other men in the church also became successful. They often worked in service jobs. They joined groups that worked to end slavery and make other improvements in society. These members believed in the importance of education and good character.
Over the years, Black Episcopalians used their church connections to help each other. Some found success in shipping jobs. Others became professionals like teachers and doctors. Some even owned their own businesses, such as grocery stores or restaurants.
The first two church buildings were on Centre Street. In 1822, a brick building replaced the first wooden church, which had been damaged by fire. This brick church was repaired twice after being damaged during difficult times.
In 1834, the church was vandalized. During the American Civil War, it was damaged again. Police used it as a place for soldiers during the 1863 New York City draft riots.
Moving Uptown to Harlem
As New York City grew, people moved further north on Manhattan Island. St. Philip's Church and its members also moved uptown. By 1886, the church was on 25th Street.
Around 1909, the church sold its 25th Street property for a lot of money. With this money, they bought the land for the current church in Harlem. They also bought 10 apartment buildings on West 135th Street. This area had previously only allowed white residents.
The beautiful altar screen, called a reredos, in the current church came from the old church on 25th Street.
The church had stable leadership for many years. Reverend Hutchens C. Bishop was the rector for 47 years, from 1886 to 1933. His son, Shelton Hale Bishop, then served as rector from 1933 to 1957.
The Current Church Building
The church building you see today was designed by Vertner Woodson Tandy and George Washington Foster. They were part of the firm Tandy & Foster. Both were important African-American architects. Tandy was the first African-American architect licensed in New York State. Foster was one of the first licensed in State of New Jersey.
The church was built between 1910 and 1911. It was designed in the Neo-Gothic style, which looks like old European cathedrals.
In 1993, the church was named a New York City Landmark. In 2008, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Notable Church Members
Many famous and important people have been members of St. Philip's Church.
In the 1800s, members included:
- Thomas Jennings
- Thomas Downing (a successful restaurateur)
- His son, George T. Downing
- Isaiah DeGrasse
- Dr. James McCune Smith (a doctor and writer)
- Alexander Crummell (a scholar and minister)
In the 1900s, members included important leaders in politics and culture:
- W. E. B. Du Bois: A famous professor and thinker who wrote a lot about civil rights.
- Thurgood Marshall: A lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund who later became a Supreme Court Justice.
- Langston Hughes: A well-known poet and playwright.
See also
- List of New York City Landmarks
- National Register of Historic Places listings in New York County, New York
- Lafargue Clinic, a mental health clinic that operated in the church basement from 1946 to 1958
