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Mariner's Temple

A historic brownstone landmark in the Two Bridges section of Manhattan, Mariner's Temple stands on the oldest site for continuous Baptist worship in the city, dating back to 1795.

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Mariner's Temple
www.mtbc1795.org, website_hero_img_www.mtbc1795.org

Where is Mariner's Temple located?

Mariner's Temple is located at 3 Henry Street in the Two Bridges section of Manhattan, New York City. It is situated on the Lower East Side at the tip of Chinatown, north of the South Ferry and within walking distance of City Hall.

What is the history of Mariner's Temple?

The church traces its origins to 1795 as the Oliver Street Baptist Church (also known as the Oliver Street Meeting House), established thanks to the generosity of philanthropist Henry Rutgers. The current brownstone building with Ionic columns was inaugurated in 1845.

What is the church known for?

It claims to stand on the oldest site for continuous Baptist worship in Manhattan and was declared a public landmark in February 1966. Additionally, it is noted for being the first church in the United States led by a Black woman, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, who was appointed pastor in 1983.

What are the office hours?

The church office is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Can I attend worship services in person?

In-person worship services were suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 concerns, with the church instead worshipping via Facebook Live and Zoom since November 22, 2020.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Mariner's Temple is a historic Baptist church located at 3 Henry Street in the Two Bridges section of Manhattan. The site has hosted Baptist worship since 1795, beginning as the Oliver Street Meeting House thanks to the generosity of philanthropist Henry Rutgers. This location is recognized as the oldest site for continuous Baptist worship in Manhattan. The current brownstone building, characterized by its distinct Ionic columns, was inaugurated in 1845. On September 21 of that year, Rev. William R. Williams delivered a sermon titled “God’s presence in his sanctuary” to welcome the congregation back to this new edifice. Due to its architectural and historical value, the Landmarks Preservation Commission declared the building a public landmark in February 1966. Beyond its architecture, the temple has been a site of significant social milestones. In 1983, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook was appointed pastor, making her the first African-American woman in the 200-year history of the American Baptist Association to hold this position. The church is noted as the first in the United States led by a Black woman, serving a predominantly Black congregation within the heart of a bustling Chinatown. The church maintains a global spiritual legacy, once serving as the place where Swedish sea captain G.W. Schroeder was converted. Today, it remains an active member of the American Baptist Churches USA and has received formal recognition in the Congressional Record as recently as 2020.

Visitor tips

  • Admire the Ionic columns and brownstone facade from the sidewalk if the interior is closed.
  • Note that the church office is typically open 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple is located within walking distance of City Hall and the tip of Chinatown.

Nearby context

Situated on the Lower East Side, Mariner's Temple sits at the intersection of Oliver and Henry Streets. It occupies a unique cultural position at the tip of Chinatown, positioned north of the South Ferry and within walking distance of City Hall.

Sources

Evidence and links