CHURCH — History

A rich history since 1844.

Holy Apostles was founded in 1844 as the result of an outreach by Trinity Church to immigrants who worked on the Hudson River waterfront to the west of the Church’s location in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, and social activism and the desire for social justice continue to be integral to our identity as a parish.

1836
  • On Sunday, July 11th, 1836, a few devoted men and women, seeing the need of religious training among the children living north of the Village of Chelsea, gathered them into a Sunday School.
1844
  • The Church is founded by Trinity Church to serve immigrants who worked on the waterfront to the west of the Church’s location in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.
1966
  • The Church was designated a Landmark by the City of New York Landmarks Preservation Commission and is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
1977
  • Two of the first woman priests in the Diocese of New York, one openly gay, were ordained at Holy Apostles.
1982
  • We started inviting hungry people into our church to eat. Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen now serves over 1,000 meals every weekday, and all are welcome without question or qualification.
1990
  • Despite the disastrous fire which destroys the church’s roof and much of the interior, volunteers don’t miss a single day of serving meals as the church is rebuilt.
2001
  • Holy Apostles keeps its doors open and welcomes guests on 9/11 and the days following with ample volunteers coming in and serving meals.
2006
  • Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire preached to an overflow crowd on Gay Pride Sunday, and Holy Apostles has consistently advocated for the rights of all people to be treated in accordance with our baptismal vows.
2018
  • Holy Apostles revives a family tradition: Sunday Suppers, a monthly, inter-generational meal shared with community members.
Culture

A Diverse Culture

Although uniquely united in our commitment to inclusion and justice in and outside the church, the congregation is diverse in incomes, ages, careers, marital status and sexual orientation. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, there is a place for you here. We hope you will join us as we seek Christ and practice our faith together.

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