History
Crossroads of Greenwich
First Presbyterian has worshiped on the corner of Putnam Avenue and Lafayette Place at the top of Greenwich Avenue, literally the Crossroads of Greenwich, since 1881.
After the Civil War, Greenwich was a small community of less than 8000. Greenwich Avenue was not yet paved, and the first telephone had just been installed across the street in the Lenox House Hotel. Still a small farming community, fifteen trains stopped in Greenwich, eastbound and westbound, with an extra train each day on Sunday for day trips to the shore.
Progress was the watchword, and growth was in the air. Greenwich was becoming an enclave of wealthy New Yorkers.
In the 1880s, Second Congregational Church, located just down the street, was full when a group of its parishioners ("men of sincere piety, mature judgment and earnest zeal in Christ's kingdom") proposed the creation of a new Presbyterian Church. First Presbyterian grew from this humble beginning with 33 members and soon after, 66 teachers and students in its Sunday School. Its first service was held on Easter Sunday, 1881.
Past Senior Ministers
Location and Parking
Although the First Presbyterian address is 1 West Putnam Avenue, the entrance to the main church building and sanctuary is located directly under the white steeple from the Lafayette Place side of the building.
Handicapped drop off and parking is directly adjacent to the church in the turnaround driveway. Parking space directly adjacent to the main building is limited and often restricted for non-handicapped use.
General parking is available in the municipal lot on Lafayette Place, north of the church building, or in metered spaces on Lafayette Place. On Sundays and evenings only, parking is also available across the street in unused retail parking space.
