What clients say about Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York (NY)
We didn’t attend a service. In fact, there was only one other person visiting the sanctuary. I was amazed by the architecture on the outside, but the inside was just as stunning, complete with creaky wooden floors that added to its charm.
Music is good. Always good to see people of color in these choirs. Choir could sound stronger on fortes. Thought the coffee hour was supposed to be a time of ministry and outreach but it seems people only talk to who they know, even the clergy. More like a high society cocktail party.
Historic building! Even more important, it is an active church community! Service(s) on Sunday, community groups, employment group, human needs center, etc...
Today, Friday 3 November 2023, is the last day of the last bazaar of the Women’s Association of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church @ 7 West 55 Street. Doors are open from 10-5 and everything is priced to go quickly. All proceeds go to the benevolences of the Women’s Association…
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian Church located at 7 West 55th Street in Manhattan, New York City. It was established in 1808 and has been a significant institution in New York City for over two centuries. The current building, designed by architect Charles Collens, was completed in 1911 and is situated on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street. It1808 and is known for its iconic Gothic Revival architecture and rich history.
The church has a long tradition of social activism, dating back to the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, it was known as a center for progressive theology and attracted prominent figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, who attended services there with his wife, Zelda.
Today, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church continues to be an active community of worshippers and social justice advocates. It offers a variety of programs and services, including worship services, Bible studies, children's programs, and community outreach initiatives. The church is also known for its music program, which includes a renowned choir and a variety of musical events throughout the year.
A very welcoming and inclusive church. Avoids divisive and polarizing topics. The senior pastor is a wonderful speaker and keeps you engaged.
If I had one very small criticism, it's that there's a little too much from the choir. While excellent, the congregation can become a little disengaged. Perhaps substitute a bit of that for an extra hymn?
The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church is a haven for Christian Encouragement and Enlightenment! GOD’s Serendipity took me there. May CHRIST JESUS forever bless FAPC!!!
The church building dates from 1875 and is a magnificent structure. The people are fantastic and the sermons are uplifting and bible based. I relocated to the city four years ago with my job, and although I travel alot I make a point of getting to a service anytime I am in town. Please note, the picture was pre-covid.
Dec 25 2019. Only Church we could find offering free worship. They made us so welcome it was a pleasure to be there. Some “ churches” wanted $20 entry fee. It was a wonderful service thanks to all concerned.
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) church in New York City. The church, on Fifth Avenue at 7 West 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, has approximately 2,200 members and is one of the larger PCUSA congregations. The church, founded in 1808 as the Cedar Street Presbyterian Church, has been at this site since 1875.
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (FAPC) has long been noted for its high standards in preaching and music and has been at the forefront of many movements, from the development of the Sunday school in the 19th century to its current leadership in homeless advocacy. In 2001, the church successfully sued the City of New York for the right to shelter homeless individuals on its front steps.
In 1884, the joint funerals of the mother of President Theodore Roosevelt and of his first wife, Alice, were held here. In 1910, the church's historic sanctuary was the site of the wedding of TR's son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., an event attended by the former President, and 500 of his former Rough Riders. It was also the site of the 1965 recording of A Concert of Sacred Music by Duke Ellington and his orchestra, broadcast nationally by CBS television in 1966, and of dance legend Frankie Manning's "rollicking three-hour memorial service" in 2009.
Architecturally and historically, “Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church is famed for its sloping auditorium, its fine acoustics, its old gas brackets and reflectors. Instrumental in founding Princeton Theological Seminary, Presbyterian Hospital (now New York Presbyterian Hospital) and many a mission church, this grand house of God is often called the Cathedral of Presbyterianism.”
In 1873, the congregation purchased the undeveloped site at Fifth Avenue and 55th Street for $350,000 for construction of a new sanctuary. Church leaders believed that the recently established Central Park would be a natural barrier against business and factory expansion. With its steeple rising 286 feet high, the church was the tallest building in Manhattan when it was dedicated in 1875.
Thank you to this Church who brought Christ and the Presbyterian belief in Cebu, Philippines for more than a 100 years- Church is in Honored of your member namely. Matilda Bradford.
Forever grateful and thankful
Went for a Deacon workshop plus other workshops that were there last Saturday was a little hot and crowded in the basement rooms but overall the workshops and service was supurve there was a lady dancing to one of the Hymns we sang she was great
Can't speak to the services but this church is really beautiful. There are lots of tourists that visit but you can still find a quite area to just reflect or pray.
Attended the Christmas Mass and it was a surreal experience. The hour long Mass was spectacular and the choir singing was super. The whole church was dark with plastic candle lights st the end when everyone sang silent nights. Simply a wonderful, spiritual experience. One should attend if you are around the city during Christmas
This has been my church home for many years, it's like an amazing love affair, I am always anxious to be there, it has the hugs, food for thought messages, old and new friends always happy you are there, something that would appeal to anyone looking for a place to belong, all are welcome. We have four of the most amazing Pastors, we are so full of love, happiness, peace, joy belonging. Come and visit, we are waiting for you!
Went there during Open House NY for a organ tour and a clock tower tour. The organ tour was way beyond my expectations! We got to hear and watch the organ from the very close. Definitely worth going!
A caring, inviting, diverse and stimulating faith-based community. They offer many opportunities to serve the community through their outstanding Outreach programs.
Love the church. the sermons are very touching and inspring. they have volunteer events that are great opportunity to join. Very open and accepting all. Their homeless shelter also well organized.
I've been coming here ever since I can remember. This place is amazing. Its so beautiful and has such a great service. Every sunday is amazing. Make sure you check it out just to see the design. The pastors are also great to . Make sure you bring you friends and family
Sunday corporate worship at FAPC offers a traditional service with unconventional elements, especially on special liturgical days like Pentecost when tongues of fire descend from the sanctuary's ceiling. Stories (personal, literary, Biblical, pop culture) woven into the sermons can elicit both my tears and laughter in the same 20 minutes. The sermons, like the adult ed classes taught by pastors, community and faith leaders, well known authors and scholars, always offer me something to think about. FAPC has a large, diverse congregation that plays together (softball, brunches, theater, etc.) and serves together, like the 60 volunteers who help prepare and serve the annual Christmas dinner for 120+ of our homeless neighbors. FAPC is a safe place to be no matter where you are in your life or in your faith journey. If you expect to be in NY for just a short time, it is easy to plug into a small group to help connect Bible study with your life or show up whenever you can for a service opportunity, like helping prepare or deliver meals for 30-some homebound seniors every Saturday. Now that I have made NY my permanent home, I have found that FAPC offers countless opportunities, especially with the hungry and homeless, to hear with my heart and find and share God's unconditional love.
I've been coming to this church for several years now. I came in through the very strong young adult ministry which is full of 20/30-something professionals from around NYC. That's something it seems many churches simply don't have.
One of the other things I love about it is the diversity both in members and in thought. You can find some very liberal and some very conservative members that somehow get along very well. The theology is definitely more on the progressive side as we have 2 female pastors and openly welcome the LGBT community. The services are very traditional with organ music and a full choir. But the sermons vary from academic and thought-provoking to enlightening and energizing, depending on which of our 4 pastors is preaching. It's also nice to be in a place that has a regular attendance of 700-1000 each Sunday.
Finally, I appreciate that we practice what we preach (literally) and have a 12 bed homeless shelter in the church and a long-term relationship with the Bowery Mission here in NYC.
the preacher was boring, and in a place like new york you can definitely find more exciting/engaging preaching. claimed to be diverse, but about 90% of the people sitting around me were white. the inside of the place is huge but there weren't many people in attendance. overall, a pretty lame experience.
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