Chinatown in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The First Chinese Presbyterian Church
New York City Designated Landmark
The architectural significance of this church, built in 1817 on land donated by Colonel Henry Rutgers, a Revolutionary War patriot, is its introduction, at an early date, of Gothic design as seen in its pointed-arch windows and doorways. First owned by the Dutch Reformed Church and later the Presbyterian Church, this building was known for years as the Sea and Land Church because it served local seamen. In 1951, it was shared by the First Chinese Presbyterian Church and recently, the New York Presbytery donated the building to this congregation as a memorial to the Christian dedication of the Chinese community.
Plaque provided by the New York Community Trust, 1974
Erected 1974 by New York Community Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 40° 42.793′ N, 73° 59.677′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Chinatown. Marker is on Market Street near Henry Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61 Henry Street, New York NY 10002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Eldridge Street Synagogue (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Five Points Mission" / "五方冒" (about 700 feet away); Windows On The Bowery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barnum's First Big Bamboozle (approx. 0.2 miles away); High and Low Art (approx. 0.2 miles away); Birthplace of Modern Tattooing! (approx. 0.2 miles away); NYC’s Oldest Brick House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gateway to Old Chinatown (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . . The 1819 Church of Sea and Land -- No. 61 Henry Street. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.