Trinity Church New York City.com : Profile

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The first parish and one of the oldest churches in the City of New York, Trinity Church dates back to before the American Revolutionary War. In 1697, Trinity received its charter and land grant from the English King William III; the annual rent set b... more

The first parish and one of the oldest churches in the City of New York, Trinity Church dates back to before the American Revolutionary War. In 1697, Trinity received its charter and land grant from the English King William III; the annual rent set by the Crown was "one peppercorne." Through the ensuing 300 years, Trinity decreased its landholdings, donating or selling nearly 96%. Nevertheless, the Parish remains one of the largest commercial realtors in the city. It has also played an important role in New York City’s history. It was at St. Paul’s Chapel, for instance, a chapel of the Parish of Trinity Church, that George Washington attended a service and worshipped after his inauguration as the first President of the United States. When the present Trinity Church was consecrated on Ascension Day in 1846, its soaring Neo-Gothic spire, surmounted by a gilded cross, dominated the lower Manhattan skyline, serving for many decades as a welcoming beacon for ships sailing into New York Harbor. A registered national landmark, though skyscrapers have risen all around it, this majestic sacred building still commands a special place in the life of downtown New York. The Church is als... more

The first parish and one of the oldest churches in the City of New York, Trinity Church dates back to before the American Revolutionary War. In 1697, Trinity received its charter and land grant from the English King William III; the annual rent set by the Crown was "one peppercorne." Through the ensuing 300 years, Trinity decreased its landholdings, donating or selling nearly 96%. Nevertheless, the Parish remains one of the largest commercial realtors in the city. It has also played an important role in New York City’s history. It was at St. Paul’s Chapel, for instance, a chapel of the Parish of Trinity Church, that George Washington attended a service and worshipped after his inauguration as the first President of the United States.

When the present Trinity Church was consecrated on Ascension Day in 1846, its soaring Neo-Gothic spire, surmounted by a gilded cross, dominated the lower Manhattan skyline, serving for many decades as a welcoming beacon for ships sailing into New York Harbor. A registered national landmark, though skyscrapers have risen all around it, this majestic sacred building still commands a special place in the life of downtown New York.

The Church is also not the only Real Estate Trinity owns. Trinity Real Estate, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trinity Church happens to be one of New York's largest landlords. The relationship between Trinity Church and New York Real Estate dates to the early 18th century, when Queen Anne of England ceded a large tract of land in lower Manhattan to the parish. As the owner, leasing agent and manager of approximately six million square feet in 23 buildings in the Hudson Square area, Trinity has played, and will continue to play, a leading role in developing downtown Manhattan.

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Financial District Description

Trinity Church is located in the Financial District neighborhood of Manhattan. The financial hub of the United States, the seat of New York City government, and home to some of New York's oldest buildings, the Financial District has an illustrious history. 17th century settlers began building here, and given the many seafarers of the time, boats could be conveniently docked at one of the slips right near the settlements of wooden homes. Right nearby, in the heart of the district is Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in 1789, also the meeting site for the First Congress. New York City was both the capital of the United States and New York State at the time.

The street names reflect the district's fascinating history: Fulton Street, named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat; Maiden Lane, originally called Magde Platje in Dutch; Beaver Street, recalling the once-significant beaver pelt trade, etc.

The area today houses some great economic powerhouses, including the headquarters of major banks, the New York Stock Exchange, in addition to the World Financial Center. Contrasts are extraordinary, from old two- and three-story old brick buildings near South Street Seaport to the nearby modern mega-skyscrapers. Some of the numerous other attractions include Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington bid farewell to his troops (also, they have a museum!); the newly-landscaped City Hall Park; the Museum of the American Indian and the US Custom House at Bowling Green; Trinity Church, the first parish church in New York City and the resting place of Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton, among others; War Of 1812 strong hold Castle Clinton; the Staten Island-bound South Ferry; Battery Park; and the Federal Reserve Bank. Sadly, the biggest attraction since 9/11 has been the former World Trade Center site, although, thankfully, construction has finally filled the long-standing gouge in Lower Manhattan's face, and the stunning 9/11 Memorial and its attendant museum are welcome signs of a healing city. And, of course, soaring a symbolic 1,776 feet over the memorial is the new 1 World Trade Center!

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