23 Churches in NEW YORK (Beautiful, Spiritual & Calm)

Churches depict a visual symbol that informs the faith of a particular religion.

They are also tourist attraction sites for locals and tourists in almost every city because of their architecture and calm atmosphere.

Although New York is known for being a city with many skyscrapers and gorgeous buildings, it is also home to thousands of churches.

These churches offer a deep insight into the history and cultures within the city.

They also provide a getaway from the bustle of the city by offering an avenue for reflection and respite. 

Many of these churches are centuries old and architecturally gorgeous, with paintings, sculptures, and beautiful landscapes. 

Here are 23 churches of different denominations you must check out whether you are looking for communion with God or to appreciate its beauty and history.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Castles in New York.

Churches in Brooklyn, New York.

1. Epiphany Church

Homepage of Epiphany Church website / epiphanybk.com
Homepage of Epiphany Church website / epiphanybk.com

The fact that Brooklyn is one of the biggest cities in New York makes it a mission field, and the Epiphany Church truly represents it well.

It is a multi-ethnic church that offers locals a great avenue to learn about God in a chaotic city like New York.

The church was planted in 2016 by Pastor Brandon Watts and his family in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

There are people of different socio-economic makeup, ethnic groups, and families.

Professionals, singles, married couples, Brooklyn natives, and visitors come to Epiphany Church to serve Jesus.

If you want a place to start your religious journey, consider visiting Epiphany Church.

However, if you already have a place of worship but want to explore different preaching and atmosphere, Epiphany Church is for you.

Address: 960 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States

2. First Evangelical Free Church

Homepage of First Evangelical Free Church website / firstfreebrooklyn.org
Homepage of First Evangelical Free Church website / firstfreebrooklyn.org

This church has been serving locals on Bay Bridge since 1897.

The church is behind a building on Bay Bridge and a short walk from the Bay Bridge Avenue Station and the Alpine Theatre.

Worship at this church embodied faith, love, and hope.

It has its roots in empowering communities and families through faith in the gospel.

They have sessions of prayers, songs, confessions, words, and the Lord’s supper.

Apart from holding services in English which is the practice in most churches in New York, they also interpret in Chinese.

The church is warm and welcoming to its members, and you can stay for Sunday lunch to meet moment interact with other members.

Check out their YouTube channel, where they hold online services, in case you want to know what worship there feels like.  

Address: 6501 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, United States

3. First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn

Exterior view of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn / Wikipedia / Beyond My Ken
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presbyterian_Church_(Brooklyn)#/media/File:First_Presbyterian_Church_Brooklyn_Heights_from_south.jpg
Exterior view of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn / Wikipedia / Beyond My Ken

William B. Olmsted designed the beautiful church building in a Gothic revival style.

Founded in 1822, the church is a historic site for both locals and tourists in Brooklyn.

The church became known for its revolutionary activities during the American Revolutionary War.

A dominant architectural design of the church is the 120-foot clock tower and pointed arch-glass windows.

The church’s original location was on Cranberry Street, where they celebrate Brooklyn’s official incorporation as a city.

Later, when the church saw the need to expand, it moved to its present location on Henry Street in the Brooklyn Heights district.

This move happened after Plymouth Church purchased the old building.

Sermons in the church encourage racial harmony, ecumenism, and internationalism.

The church is a warm and receptive community where you can learn about God and discover yourself.

So why not take a leap of faith?

Address: 124 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

4. Park Slope Community Church

Homepage of Park Slope Community Church website / parkslope.church
Homepage of Park Slope Community Church website / parkslope.church

The church is in Northwest Brooklyn between Park Slope, Greenwood, and Gowanus.

It is a South Baptist Church that serves a congregation of different races, ages, and groups.

Park Slope Community Church strives to put the deep knowledge of God in the heart of its members.

They also encourage fellowship and love amongst one another.

The church’s building is at the edge of the street and has a staircase wall between the entrance and the garden.

Park Slope aims for a close and friendly community by providing a youth center for kids and youths to interact and encourage one another in the faith.

They also have different prayer and bible study groups if you want to be part of one.

Language options during service include English, Russian, and Spanish.

Join them on Sundays by 10:30 am, whether physically or online.

Address: 251 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States

5. Forefront Church Brooklyn

Worship session at Forefront Church / Flickr / Forefront Church NYC 
Link: https://flic.kr/p/7RMgTB
Worship session at Forefront Church / Flickr / Forefront Church NYC

An interdenominational church that strives to represent a just and generous expression of Christianity in New York.

The church welcomes you with open arms regardless of ethnicity, identity, age, orientation, and tradition.

Visitors and worshippers here have praised this church’s music, profound sermons, and warm reception.

The atmosphere here is not moody or stuck up.

Everyone is friendly, even though the message is about Christ.

They have a community for small groups, kids, and teenagers.

Join one of the small groups where you get to meet and chat with people in your area and share stories over drinks and dinner.

You can also join other family-centered events and bring your kids to connect with others.

Services are held every Sunday by 11 am both online and in person.

 You can also view past recordings and live streams.

Address: 509 Atlantic Ave, The Roulette, NY 11217, United States

6. Plymouth Church

Exterior view of Plymouth Church / Wikipedia / Jim.Henderson 
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_Church_(Brooklyn)#/media/File:Plymouth_Congregationalist_Ch_snow_jeh.jpg
Exterior view of Plymouth Church / Wikipedia / Jim.Henderson

The church’s history dates back to 1847 when 21 people founded it and named Henry Ward Beecher its first pastor.

Even Abraham Lincoln worshiped here once or twice.

For tourists, this place is not one to miss out on your list of must-visit sites in Brooklyn Heights.

Henry Ward Beecher is said to have fought against the abolition of racial discrimination and the revolutionary war during the 80s.

Yes, the church is that old.

The quiet, serene environment and lawns surrounding the church add to the perks.

People hold events here every year.

Some include choir concerts, bible study events, Easter egg hunts, and the regular weekday and weekend church services.

If you do not intend to worship here but take a tour, Call the church historian ahead of your visit.

He would give you everything you need about the church and its role in the abolition movement.

Address: 57 Orange St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

Also see our article on Wedding Venues in New York.

Churches in Manhattan, New York.

1. Joy Manhattan Church

Homepage of Joy Manhattan Church website / joymanhattan.com
Homepage of Joy Manhattan Church website / joymanhattan.com

Joy Manhattan is all about the gospel of Christ and experiencing the power and presence of God.

The word Joy, in the name of the church, means to them what God feels when humans turn to him.

When you receive the gospel’s good news,  it becomes your joy, identity, and story.

You can visit the church in person on 31st Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue.

Sunday service holds every 11 am.

There is also a Children’s Ministry where 18 months old children can come to learn about the gospel at a young age.

Masks are only compulsory if you are in the nursery or common area.

They also hold monthly worship services at the church area, with no elaborate instruments, and all that is required is a body of united hearts.

Joy Manhattan is for all persons to attend.

Stop by for an hour or two.

Address: 25 W 31st St, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10001, United States

2. St Mary The Virgin Church

Exterior view of St Mary the Virgin Church / Wikipedia / Americasroof 
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St._Mary_the_Virgin_(Manhattan)#/media/File:Church_of_St._Mary_the_Virgin_139_West_46th_Street.jpg
Exterior view of St Mary the Virgin Church / Wikipedia / Americasroof

It is an Episcopal Anglo-Catholic Church in Manhattan, New York.

Doors of this church have been open since December 1890 for all to come, pray and worship God.

The church started for the primary purpose of renewing congregational worship amongst people.

However, the architectural design of this place of worship is beautiful.

It has even been named one of the finest gothic-inspired architecture of the late 19th century.

You can visit the church, just off Times Square, between 6th and 7th Avenue

On weekdays, they are open from 7 am to 7 pm, while on Saturdays, they are open from 10 am to 6 pm

They hold weekly Sunday services every day by 9 am.

During the week, they have morning and evening prayers, mass, solemn mass, and holy hours.

Visit the website to get more information about events held in the church on the monthly calendar.

Address: 145 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

3. Church of Jesus, Manhattan Mission Center

Regardless of sex, race, gender, or identification, the Church of Jesus welcomes you with open arms.

Everyone here is very welcoming and friendly.

You get to share conversations and experiences in group discussions with others over a table of sumptuous meals.

They have different Ministers that take you through different sermons.

You can watch the services on YouTube or subscribe to the podcast on Apple and Spotify.

If you want special prayers without revealing your identity, they can help you with that.

They also have bible study fellowships and prayer meetings. 

Every Thursday of the month, they discuss faith, race, gender, and justice to advance the church and society further.

Church of Jesus is a great place to learn about the word of God, along with brothers and sisters in faith.

Address: 18W W 33rd St 3rd Fl, New York, NY 10011, United States

4. Liberty Church Downtown

Homepage of Liberty Downtown website / libertychurch.com
Homepage of Liberty Downtown website / libertychurch.com

This church is a non-denominational church in Downtown Manhattan.

It first started in 2010 around a picnic table in Central Park

Today, they have communities worldwide and in different parts of New York City.

The church firmly believes that following Christ is the foundation of everything.

They have many values, such as loving everyone because of God’s love, building lives on the truth of God’s word, creating communities together, raising generations and Nations of disciples, and more.

At Liberty Church, they believe every person has a talent and treasure that they can use for the greater good.

They also conduct local outreach in various communities to promote justice and help those in need.

Liberty Kids exists to provide you with an experience that will transform your family into a Jesus-centred one.

Address: 55 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, United States

Also see our article on Museums in New York.

Churches in Buffalo, New York.

1. Trinity Episcopal Church

Exterior view of Trinity Episcopal Church / Wikipedia / Pubdog (talk) 
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_Episcopal_Church_(Buffalo,_New_York)#/media/File:Trinity_Episcopal_Church_Buffalo_NY_Dec_09.JPG
Exterior view of Trinity Episcopal Church / Wikipedia / Pubdog (talk)

Trinity has been a metropolitan house of prayer since 1836, with the mission to include more people in the church’s life.

The church’s vision is to encourage one another in their spiritual life, declare the love of God for everyone, heal the wounds of injustice, encourage diversity in the Christian faith, and more.

Apart from the primary purpose for which it serves, the church also holds other events on the premises.

You can hold weddings at the main sanctuary or the Christ Chapel for a more intimate celebration.

All you have to do is to deposit to secure a space and time.

Trinity is an inclusive church where no matter your society or point in your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

Office hours are on Tuesdays and Sundays between 9 am and 5 pm.

You can schedule a visit by appointment.

Address: 371 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States

2. Unitarian Universalist Church

Outside view of Unitarian Universalist Church / Wikimedia Commons / Mink918 
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Unitarian_Universalist_Church_of_Buffalo.jpg
Outside view of Unitarian Universalist Church / Wikimedia Commons / Mink918

If you are looking for a nurturing and diverse religious community to be a part of in Buffalo, consider this church.

The church is on the National Register of Historic Places list as the very first Unitarian Church of Buffalo.

Edward Austin Kent designed the gorgeous historic building in 1906.

The building has a Gothic style and seats up to 400 at a time.

It also has a hammer beam of about 10 feet above the floor.  

The walls and floors in and out of the church are of Indiana limestone.

A memorial plaque is placed in the church to honor Kent, the designer after he died in 1912.

Originally known as the First Unitarian Church of Buffalo, the church challenges its member to a deeper understanding of the gospel.

The church’s vision is to transform the world through a loving community gathering.

If you are ever on Elmwood Avenue, stop by the holy place.

Address: 695 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, United States

3. Blessed Trinity

Exterior view of Blessed Trinity Church / Wikimedia Commons / Pubdog (talk)
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blessed_Trinity_Roman_Catholic_Church_Buffalo_NY_Entrance_Detail_Dec_09.JPG
Exterior view of Blessed Trinity Church / Wikimedia Commons / Pubdog (talk)

Blessed Trinity is a Catholic parish that started in 1906 with Father John F. Pfluger as its first pastor.

The church venue used to be on the first floor of a three-story building.

Le Roy Avenue is now where the church is, along with its hall, rectory, and school.

The building is one of the finest illustrations of 12th-century architecture in New York.

Its stunning architecture will have you coming back to soak in the details.  

Albert Schallmo and Chester Oakley designed the building in 1923.

If you would like to visit the church on tour, whether as an individual or group, contact the rectory through the number on the website.

A church tour guide is also available to take you through the building.  

This place is truly a gem, and you will love it here.

Address: 317 Leroy Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States

4. Bread of Life Church

Homepage of Bread of Life Church website / bolbuffalo.org
Homepage of Bread of Life Church website / bolbuffalo.org

Here, you are welcome to a community where the purpose is to propagate the gospel of Christ.

The church believes in the bible as the authoritative word of God.

They also believe in Jesus Christ, his birth, life on earth, death, burial, and resurrection.  

The church’s mission is to assist believers worldwide to be deeply rooted in the word of God and his place as the first in human lives.

Apart from sermons and prayers, the church organizes a weekly fun evening for youths every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm.

They play board games, volleyball, and more, all in a bid to foster love and connection among each other.

Services are held every Sunday by 10 am, and there is a nursery where children are introduced to the gospel while the adults are in the main service.

Enjoy personal time with God when you visit the church.

Address: 1638 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220, United States

Also see our article on Abandoned Places in New York.

Churches in Albany, New York

1. Victory Christian Church

Homepage of Victory Christian Church website / victoryalbany.com
Homepage of Victory Christian Church website / victoryalbany.com   

Led by Pastor Charles and Pastor Tamera Muller, this is a non-denominational church in Albany.

Everyone, no matter where you are or from, that truly wants to have a deep connection with God and his word is welcome here.

The church believes in God, his word, salvation, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Human destiny, the church, faith, and practice.

They strive to raise a generation of kids from ages 0 to 12 who have compassion and kindness by putting the word of God’s kingdom in their hearts.

So, you not only benefit from being a part of this church, your family does too.

The church provides guidance and assistance to its members and everyone in society.

You will surely be part of a family where you know you are loved and can have a shoulder to lean on in tough times.

If you want to grow fair teaching and truth while connecting with others, you can become a part of the connect groups in the church.

You can stay connected with every event in the church when you visit the website.

Address: 118 Quail St, Albany, NY 12206, United States

2. City Church Albany

 Homepage of City Church website / citychurchalbany.com
Homepage of City Church website / citychurchalbany.com

City Church started as a spiritual gathering in a bar room in downtown Albany in 2011 by Pastor Mike and his wife, Kristi.

They moved 16 times to different locations after that.

Then the church’s name was ‘White Couch Albany.’  

In 2022, the church moved to the present site on 445 North Pearl Street.

The aim is to create a community where people far from God can experience Jesus in a life-transforming way.

Through prayer, scriptures, worship, sermons, and more, you are sure to experience God in your life.

The church is a community united in the love of God and one another, so you don’t have to worry about hostility or an uncomfortable atmosphere.

You can listen to past sermons on RSS, apple podcast, Castro, pocket cast, or Overcast.

Stop by the City Church anytime; you might find a spiritual family there.

Address: 445 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204, United States

3. First Congregational Church

Outside view of First Congregational Church of Albany / Wikipedia / Daniel Case 
Link:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:First_Congregational_Church,_Albany,_NY.jpg#/media/File:First_Congregational_Church,_Albany,_NY.jpg
Outside view of First Congregational Church of Albany / Wikipedia / Daniel Case

The church’s colonial revival architectural style building has existed since the 1910s.

Many locals and tourists also come here as the church serves as a tourist site.

The church is at the intersection of Quail Street and Maple Avenue in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Albany.

First Congregational Church ties with the United Church of Christ and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

The church’s main aim is to build an inclusive community in Albany through fellowship, service, worship, education, and outreach.

You will find a diverse community of cultures, classes, styles, races, and identities here.

There is also a daily devotional to solidify your faith in God through his word.

The church organizes outreach monthly for communities in Albany’s South end to cater to their different needs and improve the quality of their life.

Service is held every Sunday by 10:30 am, and you can also join the live broadcast online.

Address: 405 Quail St, Albany, NY 12208, United States

Also see our article on Haunted Houses in New York.

Churches in Rochester, New York.

1. Grace Road Church

Homepage of Grace Road Church website / graceroadchurch.org
Homepage of Grace Road Church website / graceroadchurch.org

This church is your place if you want more ways to grow and connect with God.

Both young and old are welcome here to serve the work of God in their hearts.

The ministry serves everyone, including men, women, children, and teenagers.

Everything you need to make your spiritual journey smooth, the church provides.

They have a mobile app, church blog, road show podcast, and social media accounts where you can access everything you need to know about the church.

The church also has everything to give you a relaxing time while there.

Bathrooms, nursing mothers’ rooms, accessibility entrances for Handicapps, and Gkids entrances for families are all provided inside the church.

There is a cafe at the church where the community thrives and shares conversations over a cup of hot coffee.

The restaurant is open before and after service under the lobby, accessed through the staircase.

Address: 440 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

2. North Ridge Church

Homepage of Northridge Church website / northridgerochester.com
Homepage of Northridge Church website / northridgerochester.com

The church exists to make better followers of Christ, and they have meetings in different parts of Rochester.

Everyone here loves the biblical teachings and spirit-lifting songs every Sunday.

There is a group for everyone, whether kids, students, or adults, where you can build relationships, study God’s word together, and pray.

You can share stories amongst the community about each other’s struggles, needs, and concerns.

They incorporate these teachings into storytelling to make them more understandable and in touch with reality.

The church leaders are fantastic, and the ushers are warm and welcoming to everyone that walks through the door.

Isn’t that a place to be?

They also provide resources to help you grow your faith, like the ‘a Little Better’ podcast.

An app is also available to engage content wherever you see it.

A Sunday at North Ridge Church is a Sunday well spent.

Address: 2052 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621, United States

3. Artisan Church

Homepage of Artisan Church website / artisanchurch.com
Homepage of Artisan Church website / artisanchurch.com

If you want to encounter God and connect with people, come here!

You not only encounter God and people, but you also get to embrace their culture and where they come from.

The church started in 2005 as an official Evangelical Covenant Church church plant.

However, in 2021, members voted to withdraw from the denomination, and the process is still ongoing.

Scott Austin is one of the leading pastors of the church, and the aim is to love people regardless of where they come from.

The core values here are awe, beauty, justice, and hospitality.

Hospitality is something that matters to the church here.

Everyone is welcome into the circle of believers without anything in return.

Visit this church on South Clinton Avenue in Rochester to experience a new life with God and a community of believers.

Contact them for any inquiries through the emails and numbers on their website.

Address: 1235 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

Also see our article on Ghost Towns in New York.

Churches in Poughkeepsie, New York.

1. Changepoint Church

Homepage of Changepoint Church website / changepointchurch.com
Homepage of Changepoint Church website / changepointchurch.com

The church started in 1981 and moved its location to different places in Mid-Hudson Valley until the present site on 260 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie.

Apart from sharing the gospel through sermons, worship, bible study, and outreach, they have many rooms for different events.

You can live stream a concert or event in the 500-seat auditorium with good sound and lighting.

A community hall near the auditorium is perfect for event reception, while the stand-alone room is for luncheons and family gatherings.

The multiple-purpose room has natural lights pouring in, which makes it an excellent spot for more intimate events.

Change Point is home to many people and is an example of fellowship at its best.

The mission here is to grow in the knowledge and love of God.

You get to experience connection amidst love and family when you come here.

Address: 260 Mill St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States

2. The Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie

Exterior view of Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie / Wikipedia / John Phelan 
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_Dutch_Church_of_Poughkeepsie#/media/File:The_Reformed_Church,_Poughkeepsie_NY.jpg
Exterior view of Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie / Wikipedia / John Phelan

Stop by this church to follow God and know more about his word.

They seek to help people spiritually through worship, community, and serving one another.

The music here is uplifting and inspiring. 

You can listen to their recordings when you click on the SoundCloud link on the website.

Everyone here is welcome to God’s love and attention.

Service begins at 10 am every Sunday.

There is nursery care available for kids while the adults enjoy service.

If you have inquiries or would like to know more about this church, visit the ‘I’m New Page’ on their website.

You will also find resources to help you study and grow in God’s word there.

Regardless of where you stand on your spiritual journey, The Reformed Church welcomes you.

So what are you waiting for?

Get that life you desire in faith.

Address: 70 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States

3. Christ Episcopal Church

Christ Episcopal Church / Flickr / Joseph 
Link:  https://flic.kr/p/6VJM1D
Christ Episcopal Church / Flickr / Joseph

Everyone is welcome here, from kids to adults, teenagers, families, and singles.

Christ Episcopal Church has a long-standing history since the 1760s

It had a royal charter from King George II in 1773 and has been a church and community ever since.

The mission here is to grow and inspire through the power of worship, scriptures, sacraments, and church traditions.

Sunday worship is at 8:30 am and 10:30 am every morning.

The music here has a long-standing history both in worship and church concerts.

They organize music services with instruments, a choir, and uplifting hymns.

Concert series are always a blast!

Different singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles perform, and it’s always spirit filled.

Apart from worship, outreach, and concerts, the church performs baptisms, officiates weddings, and organizes summer camps.

Contact them through the website for questions, needs, or concerns.

Walk through those doors and come out a better person.

Address: 20 Carroll St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Places to Visit, Top Attractions, and best Hidden Gems in New York.

Looking beyond New York? Check out our article on the best Churches in California and Illinois.

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