Information
Landmark: Reformed Church of Staten IslandCity: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Reformed Church of Staten Island, Staten Island, USA New York, North America
Overview
The Reformed Church of Staten Island, founded in 1660, stands as one of New York City’s oldest congregations, its weathered stone and worn wooden pews carrying more than three centuries of history.The church first opened its doors for Dutch settlers in the area, carrying forward the Dutch Reformed tradition.Early Buildings: The first church went up in 1714, a small wooden structure shaped like a hexagon, its beams smelling faintly of fresh pine.British troops destroyed it during the American Revolutionary War, leaving only charred beams behind.They built a second church in 1717, its fresh timber still smelling of pine, but war later reduced it to rubble.In 1787, workers raised a third church, its fresh timber scent replacing the worn structures that had stood before.The church’s present building, with its weathered stone and tall arched windows, was built in 1844 and stands as the fourth structure to occupy this site.They built it in the Greek Revival style, a look that swept across the United States in the mid-1800s with its tall white columns and grand symmetry.Known for its striking architecture-tall arched windows catching the afternoon light-the building earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.The church showcases Greek Revival style, with sturdy Doric columns, a perfectly balanced facade, and a broad portico that catches the afternoon light.Materials: The foundation’s solid brick, and twin brick pilasters stand on either side of the portico like sturdy sentinels.Inside, stained glass windows of shimmering opalescent glass catch the light, showing clear traces of early Tiffany design.These windows stand as prized examples of 19th‑century church art, their colored glass catching the light in rich, jewel‑toned patterns.Inside the church stands an Austin Organ, a historic pipe organ whose deep, resonant tones fill the air and lift every hymn.The church grounds hold one of Staten Island’s oldest public cemeteries, its weathered stones etched with names from the 1600s and 1700s.Notable Staten Island residents lie at rest in the cemetery, among them veterans of both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, their weathered headstones catching the late-afternoon sun.It’s both a cherished landmark and a spot where locals pause to remember-like the weathered bench beneath the old oak.Worship and Community Role Services: Every Sunday at 11:00 AM, the church gathers for worship, following a traditional Reformed liturgy with the warm scent of polished wood lingering in the pews.All year long, the church welcomes people to a range of gatherings-Baptisms, Communion, Easter mornings bright with lilies, Christmas celebrations, Reformation Day remembrances, and services honoring military and law enforcement.It also reaches out to the wider community, hosting events like the Staten Island Summer of Shorts Film Festival to spotlight local filmmakers.You can join guided walks through the old cemetery, where weathered stones tell their stories, and sit in on talks about the area’s history and heritage.To reach more people, the church streams its services and events on its official YouTube channel, where someone miles away can still hear the choir’s opening hymn.You’ll find us at 54 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302.Call (718) 442‑7393 or visit reformedchurchsi.org for details.Step inside the old stone church or wander among its quiet cemetery paths-tours are available by appointment or on special open days.You can park nearby-look for spots along Port Richmond Avenue or Church Street, right by the convenience store.The Reformed Church of Staten Island stands as a historic and cultural landmark, echoing the island’s colonial roots, its proud architectural heritage, and generations of worshippers who’ve gathered beneath its weathered stone walls.It’s a lasting symbol of resilience, faith, and the bonds that hold a community together, weathering centuries of change like a stone church against the wind.
