Exploring Our Shared History: Graham and Trinity Church 

On two lovely evenings this Fall, members of the Graham community gathered at Trinity Church Commons in lower Manhattan to celebrate Graham’s 220th anniversary. Together with Rev. Michael A. Bird, Vicar of Trinity Church, we were pleased to host two intimate tours that revealed the shared history of our two organizations and the commonalities we continue to share in supporting New York City’s communities.

Guests were greeted in the Lina M. Lowry Library where Graham’s President & CEO, Kimberly Watson, shared welcome remarks and introduced Father Bird. Throughout his career, Father Bird has focused his work on fostering vibrant communities of faithful people—from coaching public-school athletes to leading congregations. A dear friend of Graham, Father Bird previously served as Rector of Christ Church in Bronxville, New York—home of our long-time volunteer partners, the Bronxville Friends of Graham. In getting to know Father Bird, we were delighted to learn that his children participated in Graham’s Holiday Gift Drive when they were students at the Bronxville School!

Our tour of Trinity began in the archive room, designed to preserve Trinity’s historical treasures despite its location below sea-level! Described as “a submarine in a building” for its water-tight nature, the archive room proved to house monumentally significant artifacts for such a small space. On display first was the original Charter for Trinity Church signed by King William III of England in 1697! Everyone was impressed to hear how this document survived revolution, fire, and the ravages of time and to understand how early colonists formed community over 300 years ago.

Father Bird then showed items in the Trinity Archive that spoke directly to the church’s shared history with Graham. Guests were able to view the register showing the Hamilton family’s pew rental from the early 1800s as well as the death record of Eliza Hamilton from 1854. Answering questions from our guests, Father Bird shared what details are known about life in the early church and how the archivists at Trinity have worked to preserve and share their findings.

Leaving the archives and Trinity Commons, the groups next crossed the pedestrian bridge over Trinity Place and entered the churchyard. Once the tallest building in New York and much closer to the river, Trinity Church is now dwarfed by the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan. Father Bird described the early geography of the area, as guests pictured the impression that Trinity’s spires must have made on early New Yorkers.

Walking to the south churchyard, our tour groups gathered at the graves of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton. Standing where we know Eliza must have stood over 200 years ago as she buried her husband, several folks were overcome with awe at her fortitude. Not only did Eliza overcome financial difficulties and raise her children by herself after the tragic loss of Alexander, but she went on to help so many others through the founding of the Orphan Asylum Society that would become Graham.

Leading us from the churchyard into the sanctuary of Trinity Church, Father Bird shared details of the design of this third church building—constructed in 1846 after the previous two buildings were destroyed by fire and snow, respectively. It was a treat to hear how church leaders worked with architects to create a space that acts as a place of refuge and spiritual healing from the often harsh and noisy city. Highlights included examining the new organ console and hearing about the extensive work it took to bring a new instrument with over 8,000 pipes into operation.

Concluding the tour back in the library in Trinity Commons, guests shared light refreshments and reflected on the astounding glimpse of history Father Bird had provided. During the reception, President & CEO Kym Watson shared a brief presentation on Graham’s Vision 2029, which included testimonials from participants in our Graham SLAM coaching initiative for young people in 8th grade through age 26. Hearing directly from SLAM youth brought the evening’s recurring theme of community support full circle: SLAM is the result of Graham listening to what youth in our communities said they needed and working with them to innovate a helpful support system.

This type of innovation in response to need is the reason that both Graham and Trinity Church have remained vital parts of New York City. Both organizations have served as trusted pillars of support for local families and communities for hundreds of years.

We are very grateful to Father Bird and our partners at Trinity Church for opening their space and sharing their time with us in this, Graham’s 220th anniversary year. We are honored to share such a rich history with the congregants of Trinity and pleased to continue to work alongside them and our fellow New Yorkers so that everyone can lead healthy, joyful, and successful lives.