Step inside one of New York’s last remaining Gilded Age treasures. Completed in 1875, the church predates the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1878) and Plaza Hotel (1907). The stunning ceiling of this Victorian Gothic masterwork rises six stories above the floor. The 1,800-seat Sanctuary contains no iconography (in keeping with early Presbyterian austerity) and no right angles; the curvature of the balcony and pews draws all eyes to the impressive pulpit. Extensive, handcarved woodwork (Kimbel & Cabus of New York) and resplendent stained glass windows (John C. Spence of Montreal) are original. The windows are a rarity, representative of the brief Aeshetic Movement that pre-dated the Tiffany period.

Today we are a member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbytery of New York City. We invite you to read about our history and architecture of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church using the following links:

• A Brief History
• Our Art & Architecture
• The Clock Tower
• Click here for a video tour of The Mighty Austin
• Explore Five Facts about us.

The original clockworks, high inside the south tower of the church, are still in good working order more than 140 years since they were installed. The clock is not electrified and must be wound by hand once a week. Manufactured by E. Howard & Co., ours is one of just two manually operated tower clocks built by the Boston clock maker that is still in operation in New York City.

The organ case, covered in golden pipes, rises three stories. We are most proud of our “The Mighty Austin,” the 7,000-pipe sanctuary organ. Learn the history and mechanics of this impressive instrument.

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