St. Augustine's Church

St. Augustine's Church is a church building located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan at 290 Henry Street. It combines Georgian and Gothic Revival architectural elements, featuring a double pediment and projecting tower, with walls built from Manhattan schist stone.

The church was built between 1827 and 1829 by architect John Heath, growing from a mission started in 1819 by students of the General Theological Seminary. An 1848 expansion added extra sanctuary and chancel spaces to serve the increasing congregation.

The church reflects the religious diversity of the Lower East Side, where multiple congregations held services over the decades. Visitors can see how different groups shaped the space and used it as a gathering place for their communities.

The church sits on the Lower East Side, a busy and diverse neighborhood with many other historic sites and local shops nearby. Visitors should note that access and visiting hours may vary depending on active services taking place.

The building holds galleries that local tradition connects to spaces historically used for enslaved people, despite its construction following New York State's emancipation declaration. This detail raises questions about the site's layered history and the meaning of its spatial layout.