St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery is an Episcopal church at 131 East 10th Street, where Stuyvesant Street meets Second Avenue in Manhattan’s East Village. Its site has been used for worship since New Amsterdam, and the present church was built between 1795 and 1799. In the courtyard cemetery, look for the graves and monuments connected with Peter Stuyvesant and Daniel D. Tompkins. The church also hosts arts programs and community events, so check its calendar if you want to see more than the historic grounds.
A church site dating to New Amsterdam
St. Mark’s stands at the meeting of Stuyvesant Street and Second Avenue, on land associated with the Stuyvesant family. The first religious building on the site dates to the Dutch colonial period, when the settlement was known as New Amsterdam. The church is considered New York City’s oldest continuously used religious site.
The building seen today came later. Construction began in 1795, and the church was consecrated in 1799. Its steeple was completed in 1828, followed by the wrought-iron fence in 1835. The church faces south, an orientation tied to the age of the site: it was established before Manhattan’s street grid took shape, on what was then a country lane.
The cemetery and its memorials
The churchyard is also a cemetery, with headstones and memorials that connect the site to New York’s political history. Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch director-general of New Netherland, is buried at the church. His family is also represented by monuments on the grounds.
Look for the memorial to Daniel D. Tompkins, who served as New York governor and as the sixth vice president of the United States under James Monroe. Tompkins Square Park takes its name from him. The courtyard includes a replica of the Liberty Bell as well as seating, giving visitors space to pause among the headstones.
The site’s history also includes the Stuyvesant family’s involvement in the enslavement of people of African heritage. A commemoration of enslaved people is located in the church’s entrance vestibule. This is part of the history visitors encounter here alongside the family monuments and the building’s long religious use.
Arts and community life
St. Mark’s is also used for arts programming and community gatherings. Its calendar has included poetry marathons, cultural celebrations and other events. A performance of an early play by Sam Shepard took place at the church in the mid-1960s, one example of its connection with New York’s arts scene.
Event programming gives a visit a different focus from a walk through the historic grounds. If you are interested in a particular performance or celebration, check the church’s calendar before setting out. The church’s community programs include arts activities and cultural events, so the schedule is the best way to see what is happening during your visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery?
It is at 131 East 10th Street in Manhattan, where Stuyvesant Street meets Second Avenue.
Who is buried at St. Mark’s Church?
Peter Stuyvesant is buried at the church. The cemetery also has a memorial to Daniel D. Tompkins, former New York governor and U.S. vice president.
What can you see in the courtyard?
The courtyard cemetery has headstones, a replica Liberty Bell and seating. It includes memorials connected with Peter Stuyvesant and Daniel D. Tompkins.
Does St. Mark’s Church host events?
Yes. Its arts and community programming has included poetry marathons and cultural celebrations. Check the church’s calendar for upcoming events.
