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Visiting Religious Places With the Kids
In New York City
2
New York Buddhist Church of America
331-332 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The temple was founded in 1938 and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in New York City.
The temple features a traditional Japanese architectural style, with a red and white facade and a prominent wooden gate leading to the entrance. Inside, the temple is decorated with Buddhist artwork and symbols, and it features a large shrine room where services and ceremonies are held. The shrine room contains a large altar with a Buddha statue and other offerings.
The New York Buddhist Church offers a variety of services and activities for visitors, including meditation classes, Dharma talks, and cultural events such as Japanese tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops. The temple is open to the public and visitors are welcome to participate in its activities and to learn more about Buddhist teachings and practices.
Overall, the New York Buddhist Church provides a peaceful and welcoming environment for Buddhist practitioners and visitors, and it is an important spiritual and cultural center for the Japanese American community in New York City.
3
Abyssinian Baptist Church
132 W 138th St, New York, NY 10030, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a historic African American church located in the heart of Harlem, New York City. It was founded in 1808 and has been an important spiritual and cultural center for the African American community ever since.
The church is known for its impressive Gothic Revival architecture, with a soaring spire and intricate stonework. The interior is equally stunning, with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork. The church also boasts a large pipe organ and a renowned gospel choir that has performed around the world.
The Abyssinian Baptist Church has played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement and other social justice causes over the years. It has been led by many prominent African American pastors, including Adam Clayton Powell Sr. and Jr., who used their positions to fight for equality and civil rights.
Today, the Abyssinian Baptist Church continues to be a vibrant and active community of faith. It offers a range of programs and ministries designed to serve the spiritual and practical needs of its members and the wider community. These include educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, and outreach ministries to those in need. The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a beloved and iconic landmark in Harlem, and a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the African American community.
4
St Paul's Chapel
209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA
Suitable for
Teens
St. Paul's Chapel is an historic Episcopal church located at 209 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The church was built in 1766 and is the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan.
The church is known for its beautiful Georgian-style architecture, which features red brick walls, a white wooden steeple, and a distinctive octagonal cupola. Inside, the church is decorated with traditional Anglican artwork, including stained glass windows and a wooden altar carved with intricate religious imagery.
St. Paul's Chapel is also notable for its historic role in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the nearby World Trade Center. The church served as a place of refuge and respite for rescue workers and volunteers during the months-long recovery effort, and it became known as the "Little Chapel that Stood" due to its survival amidst the destruction. The church's iron fence became a makeshift memorial for the victims of the attacks, and visitors still leave flowers and tributes at the fence to this day.
5
The Brooklyn Tabernacle
17 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a non-denominational Christian church located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, New York. It was founded in 1973 by Jim and Carol Cymbala and a small group of people who gathered in a rundown building to pray and worship together. Today, the church has grown to a congregation of thousands of people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle is known for its powerful, spirit-filled worship services, featuring a choir of over 270 voices, a full band, and a worship team that leads the congregation in songs of praise and worship. The church is also known for its emphasis on prayer, with multiple weekly prayer meetings open to anyone who wishes to attend.
In addition to its worship services and prayer meetings, The Brooklyn Tabernacle offers a variety of ministries and programs designed to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of its congregation and the community at large. These include counseling services, addiction recovery programs, and outreach ministries to the homeless and needy.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a welcoming and inclusive community that seeks to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with all who enter its doors.
6
St. Patrick Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Suitable for
Teens
St. Patrick's Cathedral is a historic Catholic cathedral located in Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue. It was completed in 1878 and is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful churches in the United States.
The cathedral's architecture is in the neo-gothic style, with a stunning facade of white marble and two 330-foot spires. The interior features soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained-glass windows, and detailed sculptures and carvings. The cathedral can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers at a time and has been the site of many important religious events and ceremonies, including the funerals of many prominent figures.
Visitors to St. Patrick's Cathedral can attend Mass, receive the sacraments, or take a guided tour of the church. The cathedral also houses a gift shop, a museum, and a library, which contains a collection of rare books and manuscripts. In addition, the cathedral hosts a range of events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is an important landmark in New York City, a symbol of Catholic faith, and a beautiful example of neo-gothic architecture.
7
The Eldridge Street Synagogue
12 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The Eldridge Street Synagogue is a historic synagogue located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City. It was built in 1887 to serve the growing Jewish population of the neighborhood, which was at the time the largest Jewish community in the world.
The synagogue is an impressive example of Moorish Revival architecture, with a soaring central dome, intricate tile work, and stained glass windows. The interior is richly decorated with ornate woodwork, colorful mosaics, and intricate stenciling.
The Eldridge Street Synagogue was in use for many years, but as the neighborhood changed and the congregation dwindled, the building fell into disrepair. In the 1980s, a restoration effort was launched to bring the synagogue back to its former glory. Today, the synagogue is a National Historic Landmark and a museum, offering tours and educational programs to visitors.
The museum's exhibits explore the history of the Jewish community in the Lower East Side, as well as the architecture and restoration of the synagogue. Visitors can also attend concerts, lectures, and other events that celebrate Jewish culture and heritage. The Eldridge Street Synagogue is a fascinating and important landmark in New York City, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish community in the United States.
8
The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Avenue, New York, NY, USA
Catacombs by Candlelight
Suitable for
Teens
The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in New York City offers a Catacombs by Candlelight tour. The catacombs are located beneath the church and are the final resting place of many notable New Yorkers, including some early bishops of the Archdiocese of New York.
The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share the history of the church and the people interred in the catacombs. The tour also includes a visit to the church's historic organ loft and an opportunity to explore the church's impressive architecture and artwork.
The Catacombs by Candlelight tour is a unique and memorable experience for those interested in history and architecture, and offers a glimpse into the city's rich religious heritage.
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