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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Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

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For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

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Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

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SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

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Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

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Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.