Where is West End Collegiate Church located?

The church is located at 245 W 77th Street on West End Avenue in Manhattan's Upper West Side.

What are the worship hours?

Sunday worship is held at 11:00 a.m. Additionally, there is a chapel gathering every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. that includes an agape meal.

What is the history of the church?

The church traces its origins back to 1628, when Dutch settlers worshiped in a loft above a gristmill in New Amsterdam. The current building was constructed between 1891 and 1892.

Is the building historically significant?

Yes, the building is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was designated a New York City Landmark in 1967. It is also part of the West End-Collegiate Historic District.

What is it known for?

It is known as part of the oldest continually worshipping church in the country. Visitors can see three original millstones from the early 1600s on the premises.

What should I check before going?

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

West End Collegiate Church in New York City

West End Collegiate Church

A historic Upper West Side landmark tracing its roots to 1628 New Amsterdam, this sanctuary houses rare 17th-century millstones and serves as a cornerstone of Dutch Reformed heritage in New York City.

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What to know

West End Collegiate Church stands at the corner of West End Avenue and 77th Street on Manhattan's Upper West Side. While the current building was constructed between 1891 and 1892, the congregation's history is far older, tracing its origins back to 1628. In the early days of New Amsterdam, Dutch settlers gathered for worship in a loft located above a gristmill before establishing their first permanent church in 1642. Visitors to the site can encounter tangible links to this colonial past. The church possesses three original millstones dating from the early 1600s, which are available for viewing. This deep lineage is reflected in its leadership; the current pastor, Rev. William Critzman, who joined in 2018, serves as the 58th Senior Minister of the Collegiate Protestant Dutch Reformed Church in the City of New York. Recognized for its architectural and historical value, the building was designated a New York City Landmark in 1967 and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It is a central piece of the West End-Collegiate Historic District, which showcases the architectural evolution of the Upper West Side. Beyond its history, the church remains a vibrant community hub. It hosts Sunday worship at 11:00 a.m. and holds Tuesday chapel gatherings at 4:00 p.m. that include an agape meal for neighbors in need. Recently, in January 2024, the church expanded its community reach by signing a lease with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to share the facility during temple remodeling.

Visitor tips

Visit on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. if you wish to experience a traditional worship service.
Check for seasonal community events, such as the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper or Halloween costume parties.
Attend the Tuesday 4:00 p.m. chapel gathering to learn more about their community agape meals.

Nearby context

Located at 245 W 77th Street, the church is a primary anchor of the West End-Collegiate Historic District, reflecting the residential and architectural growth of the Upper West Side.

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