About Our Church
Welcome to the Church of the Covenant, a historic and vibrant Presbyterian congregation located at 310 E 42nd St, New York City. Our church, often called “the church of the United Nations,” stands just a stone’s throw away from the UN headquarters, embodying a spirit of unity and inclusivity.
Our Mission & Vision
Our vision and mission is to help connect people to faith
Our church mission is L.O.V.E., which stands for:
Live out Jesus Christ’s “Great Commission”; ORDER ourselves under Jesus Christ’s lordship; VOW to nurture all God’s creation; and EVANGELIZE the gospel; (L.O.V.E.): We strive to serve the diverse needs of our community and witness to concerns of the needy around the world. We remain committed to grow, serve, and invite all to be a part of our future.
The Church of the Covenant is a place where everyone is welcome. Our close proximity to the United Nations symbolizes our commitment to inclusivity and global unity. No matter who you are or where you come from, you will find a welcoming and supportive community here.
Mission & Purpose
At the Church of the Covenant, we offer a range of services and programs designed to nourish both the spirit and the mind:
- Presbyterian Worship Services: Join us for inspiring worship services that bring our community together in faith.
- Youth Groups: Our youth programs provide a nurturing environment for young people to grow in their faith and make lasting friendships.
- Concerts: Experience the joy of music with our regular concerts, featuring talented artists from various genres.
- Classes: Enhance your spiritual and personal growth through our diverse range of classes.
- Counseling: Receive support and guidance with our counseling services, available to help you through life’s challenges.
A Brief History of the Church of the Covenant and Mission
The mission of the Church of the Covenant began on January 28, 1866, as a mission Sabbath school located in a single room above a stable at 206 E. 40th Street. The purpose was to provide education to the poor and uneducated children and residents of a shantytown on the eastside of Manhattan in a community derisively known as “Pig Hill,” “Goat Hill,” or “Corcoran’s Roost.” Organized by a faithful group of young members of the original church, located at 35th Street and Park Avenue.
Its rapid growth as a mission soon necessitated a search for more adequate space. In 1869, Mr. J. Cleveland Cady, a member of the congregation, drew up plans for a country chapel to be built on land acquired on East 42nd St. near 2nd Ave. Mr. Cady, who would also design the original New York Opera House and the southern wing of the Museum of Natural History, designed the ‘reversible’ church pews and prepared plans for the original organ. The interior of the sanctuary features ‘cut wood tracery, which fills the areas between the interior arches, and is naturally lighted by four long panels of antique glass on the north and south walls.
The church structure, originally known as, “Memorial Chapel,” was built at 310 East 42nd Street, and its sanctuary dedicated on December 24, 1871. Later, the original Church of the Covenant merged with the Brick Presbyterian Church in 1894. Members at Memorial Chapel on 42nd Street incorporated a new church and retained the name “Church of the Covenant.”
Around 1925 the developer Frederick Filmore French conceived the idea of Tudor City. He acquired properties around and adjoining the Church of the Covenant for the undertaking, which was “a pioneering venture in private urban renewal.” Tudor City featured apartment buildings, apartment hotels and a transient hotel. Hotel Tudor, what is now Westgate Resorts, was the eleventh unit of Tudor City, constructed between 1929 and 1932. In response, the original parish house was demolished and rebuilt in 1927, to blend with the style of the neighboring residential complex. In 1952, the street in front of the church was lowered to provide a more appropriate approach to the new United Nations Headquarters. With the development of the United Nations,
Church of the Covenant became an active partner with the international community and by the 1960’s it was affectionately known as “the church of the United Nations.”
Now the second oldest structure of note on 42nd Street, and part of the Tudor City Historic District, the Church of the Covenant occupies a special place in New York City geographically, historically and spiritually. Seeking to build upon our legacy of a long history of relevant mission, international compassion and strategic partnership, Church of the Covenant is poised to meet the complex demands of modern-day global ministry and community partnership. It is blessed with one of the larger gathering spaces in the immediate area. We sponsor and host and array of music, cultural, social and educational events. We also open our building and make space available for community partners striving to enhance the midtown-east experience for the thousands of seekers, workers, tourists and visitors.
Unity
The Church of the Covenant is a place where everyone is welcome. Our close proximity to the United Nations symbolizes our commitment to inclusivity and global unity. No matter who you are or where you come from, you will find a welcoming and supportive community here.
Worship Services
The congregation will gather at 310 East 42nd Street, NY, NY 10017. Praise music will begin at 10:50 a.m. EST, followed by the Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.
Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Church of the Covenant. Join us for a worship service, participate in one of our programs, or simply stop by to learn more about our rich history and community involvement. We look forward to welcoming you!
Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
Welcome to the Church of the Covenant, a historic and vibrant Presbyterian congregation located at 310 E 42nd St, New York City. Our church, often called “the church of the United Nations,” stands just a stone’s throw away from the UN headquarters, embodying a spirit of unity and inclusivity.
Our Pastor: Cornell Edmonds
Pastor
Dr. Rev. Cornell Edmonds is a distinguished leader with an exemplary career in ministry and academia. Holding a Ph.D., he has dedicated his life to spiritual guidance, community service, and scholarly pursuits.
Celebrating his 10th anniversary in his role as Pastor at the Church of the Covenant, Dr. Rev. Edmonds has been instrumental in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for congregants. He has led numerous initiatives that have strengthened community bonds, provided spiritual nourishment, and addressed the needs of the less fortunate.
Academic Excellence
Dr. Rev. Edmonds’ academic achievements are noteworthy. He holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University, and a law degree from New York Law School and divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Community Leadership
Beyond his pastoral duties, Dr. Rev. Edmonds is recognized for his leadership in various community programs. He has been actively involved in outreach activities, educational programs, and social justice initiatives, making a positive impact on countless lives.
Dedication to Service
With a deep commitment to service, Dr. Rev. Edmonds exemplifies the principles of compassion, integrity, and wisdom. His work continues to inspire and guide many, making him a respected figure within the Church of the Covenant and beyond.
Dr. Rev. Cornell Edmonds’ ongoing dedication to faith, education, and community service stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
Barbara Edmonds
Barbara is a strong believer in our urgent need to create the “Beloved Community” that Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for in his lifetime towards building strong and sustainable positive community relationships crossing all boundaries.
Barbara has served for over four decades in various leadership positions in the labor, faith, and the local community where she resides. Barbara was appointed in 2000 by the Mayor of West Windsor Township and served for over a decade on the Human Relations Council and six of those years as the Chairperson. Barbara spearheaded a number of initiatives during her tenure, including the first community celebration of the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January of 2009, which continues to provide opportunities to engage community residents, students at the West Windsor Plainsboro School District, and other community and civic leaders in a dialogue on how to build positive community relations.
Barbara and her husband, Reverend Dr. Cornell A. Edmonds established the Interfaith Community Bridge (ICB) as a tool to bring diverse faith and community leaders together to share resources and build positive and sustainable communication links and relationships with each other, the community and the Mayor’s Office. The ICB continues to thrive as an independent community organization.
In her role as an Elder at the Church of the Covenant located in mid-town east in New York City, Barbara initiated the Faith Health and Wellness Ministry in 2016. This ministry’s vision is to provide opportunities to share resources through workshops on wellness, speaker forums, and peace-making opportunities on a local, national, and global level to help build community focused on 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Know Ye not that ye are the temple of God?” Most recently Barbara launched a series of virtual conversations focused on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic ranging from anxiety grief and stress to challenges facing education with expert panelists.
Barbara is a passionate advocate and creator of education & leadership development opportunities in her calling as a community and labor leader. She was a lead coordinator in the establishment of the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy in 2019. The first cohort of seventeen women were mentored and trained for leadership roles in the union. Barbara established the District Council 37 Labor Faith and Community Outreach Program in 2012 to engage DC 37 and AFSCME members in their faith and community organizations. Barbara is the former President of the West Windsor Plainsboro African American Parent Support Group. She presently serves as a sustaining member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, which is an alumni organization that promotes advancement of women faculty, administrators, and students in leadership.
Barbara served as the Labor Co-Chair of the Greater New York Labor Religion Coalition which is a coalition of diverse faiths and labor leaders who promote worker justice and human rights. She also served on the inaugural board of the New York Metropolitan Center for Non-violence and the New York Jobs with Justice Board of directors. She currently serves on the City University of New York School of Labor and Urban Studies Advisory Board.
Barbara has worked in the labor movement for over four decades. Ms. Edmonds recently retired as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for District Council 37 (DC 37), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, the largest municipal union in New York City, with a membership of over 200,000 members and retirees. Barbara holds a B.S. in public policy and social planning from Cornell University, and a J.D. from New York Law School. She completed the Harvard Trade Union Program in 2017, which is an executive leadership program for senior labor officials. Barbara is a CORO Foundation Leadership Program graduate.
Barbara is married to Reverend Dr. Cornell A. Edmonds, Interim Pastor at the Church of the Covenant in New York City. They reside in West Windsor, New Jersey. They have three adult children, Cortne, William, and Isaiah.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this FAQ provides a helpful overview of the Church of the Covenant NYC. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
What denomination is the Church of the Covenant NYC?
The Church of the Covenant NYC is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which is rooted in the Reformed tradition. This denomination emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and the necessity of grace through faith.
What are the beliefs of the Church of the Covenant NYC?
The Church of the Covenant NYC is a Presbyterian congregation that embraces the Reformed tradition, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of grace through faith. We foster a welcoming environment where all individuals can explore their faith and grow spiritually, regardless of their background or beliefs.
How old is the Church of the Covenant NYC?
The Church of the Covenant NYC has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1865. Over the years, it has been a beacon of faith and community service in New York City, continually evolving to meet the needs of its diverse congregation and the local community.
Why is it called the “Church of the United Nations”?
The Church of the Covenant NYC earned the nickname “Church of the United Nations” due to its close proximity to the United Nations headquarters and its longstanding tradition of welcoming diplomats, staff, and delegates. Our congregation includes members from around the world, reflecting our commitment to fostering global understanding and peace.
What are the worship service times?
The congregation will gather at 310 East 42nd Street, NY, NY 10017. Praise music will begin at 10:50 a.m. EST, followed by the Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.
What organizations are affiliated with the Church of the Covenant NYC?
The Church of the Covenant NYC collaborates with several local and international organizations to extend its reach and impact. These include partnerships with charitable institutions, community groups, and faith-based organizations. Through these affiliations, we aim to provide comprehensive support to those in need and to promote social justice and equality.
How can I get involved with the Church of the Covenant NYC?
We encourage everyone to get involved with our vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in attending services, participating in community programs, or volunteering, there’s a place for you here. Visit our website or contact the church office for more information on how you can join us in our mission.