When the present Trinity Church was consecrated on Ascension Day May 1, 1846, its soaring Neo-Gothic spire, surmounted by a gilded cross, dominated the skyline of lower Manhattan. Trinity was a welcoming beacon for ships sailing into New York Harbor.

Though skyscrapers have risen all around it, Trinity Church still stands as a significant statement of spiritual values in the heart of downtown Manhattan and serves as a center for contemplation, worship, and Christian community.

There have been three Trinity Church buildings at Broadway and Wall Street. The present Trinity Church, designed by Richard Upjohn and consecrated on Ascension Day in 1846, is considered a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since its founding by charter of King William III of England in 1697, the Parish of Trinity Church has played a pivotal role in the religious life of this city and nation. Trinity Church has started, endowed or aided more than 1,700 churches, schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

Trinity has always ministered to the needs of the poor and disadvantaged. The city's first ministry to African-Americans, both enslaved and free, began at Trinity in 1705. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Trinity offered special ministries to meet the needs and hopes of successive waves of immigrants who poured into New York.

The original burial ground at Trinity Church includes the graves and memorials of many historic figures, including Alexander Hamilton, William Bradford, Robert Fulton, and Albert Gallatin. The churchyard of St. Paul's Chapel, at Broadway and Fulton, also has many historic tombstones.

The parish today continues its historic ministry of daily worship, Christian fellowship, and outreach to the community, the city, the nation and the world.