Middle Collegiate Church

Organized in 1628, Middle Collegiate Church is the oldest and one of the most continuously-active congregations of the Collegiate Churches of New York. In 1729, what was then known as the Middle Dutch Church established its first home on Nassau Street. The congregation subsequently moved north, initially to Lafayette and Fourth Streets, and finally to its present Second Avenue and 7th Street location, where in 1892 it erected a Gothic Revival edifice to designs by architect Samuel B. Reed. The building is constructed entirely of limestone, and is surmounted by a 130-foot spire. Its original interior included reading rooms and a gymnasium. The structure has been updated and renovated several times over the last 128 years, and boasts several stunning historic Tiffany windows as well as a Tiffany glass skylight dome.

The belfry of Middle Collegiate Church houses the New York Liberty Bell, which was cast in Amsterdam in 1729,...

Organized in 1628, Middle Collegiate Church is the oldest and one of the most continuously-active congregations of the Collegiate Churches of New York. In 1729, what was then known as the Middle Dutch Church established its first home on Nassau Street. The congregation subsequently moved north, initially to Lafayette and Fourth Streets, and finally to its present Second Avenue and 7th Street location, where in 1892 it erected a Gothic Revival edifice to designs by architect Samuel B. Reed. The building is constructed entirely of limestone, and is surmounted by a 130-foot spire. Its original interior included reading rooms and a gymnasium. The structure has been updated and renovated several times over the last 128 years, and boasts several stunning historic Tiffany windows as well as a Tiffany glass skylight dome.

The belfry of Middle Collegiate Church houses the New York Liberty Bell, which was cast in Amsterdam in 1729, the same year that the church first planted roots in the Financial District, and twenty-five years before Philadelphia’s renowned bell was fabricated. The New York Liberty Bell has chimed on numerous historic occasions, including July 9, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, and for every presidential inauguration and death since George Washington. It is annually rung on September 11th, and for other occasions significant to New York City.

Twenty-first century Middle Collegiate Church is highly regarded for inclusivity, diversity, progressive philosophy, and deep engagement in social justice work. The church has long welcomed and supported LGBTQ communities and initiatives, and has been heavily involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, human rights advocacy around immigration, detention, and family separation, as well as efforts to combat climate change.