Trinity Church, New York.



 
Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views. 
Stereoscopic views of churches and religious organizations in New York City (created 1858-1925.) 

Created Date: 1858-1925 
New York Public Library Division:

NYPL Call Number: MFY Dennis Coll 91-F200


..From Life at Castle William
(and The Brooklyn Standard Union)

When the Army operated Governor’s Island as Fort Jay, a Revolutionary fortification 
of New York harbor, and long before there were military chaplains there, Trinity Parish 
had taken upon itself the ministry to the religious needs of the island’s Army residents. 

Before the advent of ferry boat service, every Sunday a priest would row the 
quarter mile from the Battery to the Island, struggling with the heavy cross 
currents of the East and Hudson Rivers. After two wooden chapels burned down, 
Trinity built a beautiful stone chapel, which they also supported with clergy, 
maintenance, and program funds. 

The Army finally brought in its own Chaplains, but the other support continued 
until the Coast Guard finally left the island. . . . Episcopal chaplains assigned 
there were considered ex-officio members of Trinity Parish. 

Trinity is arguably the most historic parish or church in the United States, having 
received a land grant from Queen Ann long before the Revolution. It is located on 
Broadway at Wall Street and includes an historic grave yard which seems delightfully 
out of place in that busy center of the financial district. Aaron Burr and Captain Cook 
are interred there. . . . 

The New York Stock Exchange is just one block down Wall Street, and the American Stock 
Exchange is located in a building owned by Trinity and just behind the church. . . . 
For years Trinity had at least nine parochial missions, which made it almost a diocese 
unto itself. . . . While it still retains a relationship with those other parishes, 
most are now independent, except for St. Paul’s, located just two blocks north on Broadway. . . .
St. Paul’s was the focal point in providing aid and solace to the workers at the 
demolished World Trade Center. 

Prior to 1883 Roman Catholic masses and other liturgical services had been held under 
the auspices of Saint Peter's Church in Barclay Street. Since then, the Island's parish 
has been affiliated with the Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary on State Street. 

The Catholic Chapel, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, was built in 1942. It is marks the 
location of the old Post Cemetery. In 1886 the remains of those whose bodies were 
interred in the cemetery were removed to the Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn. 


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