New York 2016 - Trinity Church

Trinity Church is located on Broadway near the intersection of Wall Street., 400 metres south of the World Trade Centre.

New York
Trinity Church Broadway

The original Trinity Church was built in 1698, and was destroyed in the Great New York City Fire of 1776. A replacement was consecrated in 1790, however this was structure was weakened by severe storms in the winter of 1838-39, and pulled down. The current church was constructed in 1846, and it's 86m (260ft) spire was the tallest building in New York till 1890.

When the World Trade Centre was attacked on 9th September 2001 and the Twin Towers collapsed, the church was undamaged apart from a few broken windows, despite it's proximity of the WTC.



The church became a place of shelter for the rescue workers at Ground Zero, a place they could rest, be fed and seek comfort. Volunteers manned the church to provide the facilities. Inside the church banners and messages from all over world were sent in support of the Ground Zero workers.

Sanctuary at Ground Zero

The rescue workers would sleep on the pews within the church. exhausted by the work and conditions many would rest in their work clothes, the boots and heavy equipment leaving scratch marks on the pews. The marks were left as a reminder of those involved in the Ground Zero rescue efforts.

The Pews at St. Paul's Chapel - National September 11 Memorial

To remember those lost on 9/11 and to recognise the part played by Trinity Church in supporting those at Ground Zero,  the church has a simple memorial chapel.    

 

New York
Trinity Church 9/11 Chapel Altar

New York
Trinity Church 9/11 Chapel Exhibit