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Opened in 1766, St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest public building in continuous use – a place where George Washington worshiped and 9/11 recovery workers received round-the-clock care. St. Paul’s is a center for worship and the arts, a community of reconciliation, and a place of pilgrimage for all people. Click here for directions and hours.
A New Chapel for a Growing City
In 1766, Trinity Church built St. Paul’s Chapel to reach parishioners living “uptown.” The Chapel is the only colonial-era church remaining in Manhattan. Today, St. Paul’s is still a part of the Parish of Trinity Church, which is located south of the Chapel on Broadway at Wall Street.
An 18th century drawing of what St. Paul’s looked like before the city grew around it. »
St. Paul’s Chapel Today
St. Paul’s Chapel serves as an active Episcopal worship space. In addition to Sunday services, prayers for peace are said daily and visitors are invited to take part in services. The chapel also hosts concerts, community sing-alongs, labyrinth walks, visiting choirs, organ recitals, and other events.
« A worship service at St. Paul’s.
The Little Chapel That Stood
On September 11, 2001, St. Paul’s Chapel escaped destruction when the World Trade Center buildings collapsed across the street. Although the churchyard and church were filled with debris and dust, there was no physical damage to the building.
St. Paul’s Chapel on September 11, 2001. »
A Pilgrimage Site
From September 2001to May 2002, St. Paul’s Chapel opened its doors to firefighters, construction workers, police officers, and others for meals, beds, counseling, and prayer. Medical personnel massage therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and musicians transformed the chapel into a place of peace, rest, and reconciliation.
« People from all over the world sent cards, letters, drawings, flags, and other memorials to St. Paul’s.
Memorials to 9/11
St. Paul’s Chapel plays a vital role in telling the 9/11 story. More than one million people visit annually to learn about the ministry that took place at the Chapel. Photos, cards, drawings, banners, flags, and other items sent to encourage rescue workers or as memorials can still be seen.
Impromptu altars with photos of and notes to missing people and rescue workers stand in St. Paul’s. »
A Historic Churchyard
St. Paul’s is surrounded by a churchyard with unique gravestones and memorials, some from Revolutionary War days. Another highlight is the Bell of Hope, given as a gift by its sister church St. Mary-le-Bow in London in September 2002, to commemorate 9/11 and the Chapel’s mission work.
« The churchyard surrounding St. Paul’s Chapel is a place of peace and memorials.