Amidst one of the largest financial districts in the country, stands the Trinity Church on Wall Street. This Anglican Church was built in 1697, destroyed by fire in 1776, rebuilt in 1790 and completely torn down in 1839. The third church designed in medieval Gothic fashion with beautiful stained- glass windows and heavy bronze doors, was completed and consecrated in 1846.
Trinity Church survived the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 mostly intact except for the historic pipe organ that had to be replaced due to severe damages from dust and debris from the destruction.
Pictured above is a sculpture by Steve Tobin made from the main roots of a giant century-old sycamore tree at the nearby St. Paul's Chapel churchyard, which was knocked over by debris from the collapsing World Trade Towers. The bronze sculpture with the roots as the base painstakingly preserved by Tobin, with the help of an arborist, serves as a "metaphor for our unity and strength" after the 911 events.
Blazing colors and intricate designs! The architect Richard Upjohn knew nothing about stained-glass in those days and had to commission the fine craftsmen from Germany to do the work. Each piece was finely crafted and delicately shipped from Heidelberg. Exquisite!
Surrounding the church is a churchyard with monuments from American history including a tribute to martyrs of the American Revolution, Alexander Hamilton, Robert Fulton, and many more. Lined with benches, this makes a wonderful picnic spot on warm days. The American Stock Exchange elegantly stands as a backdrop. Facing the main church door is Wall Street leading to the New York Stock Exchange. Awesome!Five blocks away on Fulton Street is the smaller St. Paul's Chapel - the Episcopalian church, Georgian Classic-Revival in style opened in 1776. Standing across from the Twin Towers site, it survived the 911 tragedy, not a single pane of glass was broken and with no damage to the historic tombstones.
Yesterday I came here for the renowned Concerts at One, held on Mondays here and on Thursdays at the Trinity Church. It was the most delightful scene and the perfect relaxation for the hard-working office workers, the neighborhood residents and tourists. What a treat!
The program consisted of a piano and flute duo and concluded with a romantic cello rendition. For a suggested contribution of $2 this was priceless.
Right smack in the middle of the business district these two beautiful churches with their churchyard and gardens are a peaceful hangout for the harried city worker, a respite from the busy workday.
Who said New York City is just all concrete and skyscrapers? Feel the connection to history without the horrific sight of the destruction at Ground Zero, visit these churches instead, even if you're not a churchgoer. It is a more meaningful experience, for me it was, anyway. It took me a few years before I finally visited the WTC destruction site.
