Holyrood Protestant Episcopal Church
historic place
Holyrood Protestant Episcopal Church, located in New York, New York, has a history dating back to 1893. Reverend William Oliver Embury founded the congregation. The first church building was erected in 1895 on upper Broadway at what is now 181st Street. It featured a country-style Gothic design by R.D. Chandler. As the area grew, a new, larger church was commissioned. Construction on the current Gothic Revival building, designed by Bannister & Schell, began in 1911 and was completed by 1916. The church opened in 1914 at its present location on Fort Washington Avenue and 179th Street. Holyrood Protestant Episcopal Church is recognized as a significant historic place. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. In 2021, it was designated a New York City landmark. The church has served as an important social and religious center for the Washington Heights community, particularly its Latino population. It is now known as Holyrood Church – Iglesia Santa Cruz, reflecting its diverse congregation. This site continues its historical role as a community anchor.