In a city bursting with landmarks, Marble Collegiate Church in NYC stands out not just for its Romanesque Revival architecture with beautiful Gothic features, but for the history it carries within its walls. Considered one of the oldest continuous Protestant congregations in North America, it became known as “America’s Hometown Church” under Norman Vincent Peale’s ministry, prominent writer of the successful book The Power of Positive Thinking.
Even if you’re not religious, visiting this Manhattan church is a cultural experience. Yes, it is a popular place for weddings but it also boasts stained glass windows by artists like Frederick Wilson, Roy Coomber, Sarah Hall Deborah Coombs, and Nikki Vogt. Beyond its architectural features, though, Marble is also a Candlelight venue, where classical performances of renowned songs and compositions add extra warmth and charm to the centuries-old nave.
Background on Marble Collegiate Church
The church’s history starts with the first Dutch settlers in New York in the 17th century. Its congregation was founded in 1628 as the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church (now Middle Collegiate Church). It bears the name “Collegiate” because for the first 150 years, it shared ministers with four other Collegiate congregations as the city developed and grew bigger. The other name “Marble” on the other hand, comes from the striking white Tuckahoe marble used in the façade, also visible in other NYC landmarks like New York City Hall and the Washington Square Arch.
What can you do at Marble Collegiate Church?
Marble Collegiate Church has a varied cultural calendar, with events ranging from the usual services to yoga classes, arts support groups and Candlelight concerts. These intimate performances transform the church’s nave into a breathtaking setting, lit up by thousands of flickering candles as talented musicians pay tribute to music’s greatest stars. What’s more, for devotees that can’t attend prayer in person, the Marble Collegiate Church live stream is available on the church’s website.
Where is Marble Collegiate Church and how to get there?
The church is located on 1 W 29th St in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 29th Street. Given its convenient location, it’s easily reachable by a number of bus routes like M1 through M5, as well as subway lines, including 1 Train to 28th Street/7th Avenue and N and R trains to 28th Street/Broadway. Due to the daily Manhattan traffic and limited parking, driving to the church is not advisable. However, Marble offers validated parking options for visitors directly opposite the church on 29th Street and between 6th & 7th Avenues.
What denomination is Marble Collegiate Church?
Marble Collegiate Church is a Protestant church, part of the Reformed Church in America.
What church did Donald Trump attend in NYC?
Trump’s religious beliefs have always been a bit ambiguous. However, during his last presidential campaign he stated that his parents would take him to Marble Collegiate Church as a child. Although he was never an active member of the church, Trump also got married to Ivanna Trump in 1977 at Marble Collegiate, and in 1993, the church’s then-minister married the president to Marla Maples in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel.
What famous people were married at Marble Collegiate Church?
Other famous figures that chose this NYC church to say ‘I do’ include Lucille Ball and Gary Morton in 1961, Julie Nixon (daughter of Richard Nixon) and David Eisenhower (grandson of Dwight Eisenhower) in 1968, as well as Liza Minelli and David Gest in 2002.
Nearby Venues in NYC
The church is situated just five blocks south of the Empire State Building. If you’re new in town and are visiting the most emblematic building of NYC, make some time to explore the beautiful church as well. Other iconic nearby venues include Madison Square Garden and Morgan Library & Museum, both within a 10-minute walking distance.
Whether you’re a history buff or a regular Candlelight concertgoer, Marble Collegiate offers something unforgettable for everyone. The popular series is also lending its magic to other iconic venues in NYC, where beloved melodies come to life every season.