The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church of 2010 embodies a rich history built on the very foundations of the Reformed tradition in this country. We were formed in 1859-60, but trace our roots to 1803 as the F Street Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and another congregation founded in 1820 on our current site, the Second Presbyterian Church.

The powerful story of these two early congregations and the merged church that welcomed President Abraham Lincoln and his family as pew holders on the first Sunday following his inauguration in March 1861—just six months after the dedication of the newly constructed church—is a story fully intertwined with the history of our denomination, the capital city, and this country.

Reverend George Docherty preached a Lincoln Day sermon on February 7, 1954 to a congregation that included President Dwight David Eisenhower. The sermon, titled "One Nation Under God," prompted the U.S. Congress to amend the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, inserting the phrase "under God."

People have gathered at NYAPC for important demonstrations in the nation's capital, including the Poor People's Campaign in Washington in spring 1968 and protests against the Vietnam War. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached from our pulpit during the Civil Rights stuggles. History continues to be made by the members and friends who enter our doors today.

Follow the links to the left to learn more about the rich history of NYAPC.