Trinity Church was brought into the spotlight by the 2004 hit movie National Treasure. The film, starring Nicolas Cage, ended with a hidden treasure buried within the crypt of Trinity Church in downtown, Manhattan. But is there a crypt below Trinity Church and could there be a treasure still buried there? Below are answers to six questions and some interesting facts of Trinity Church. Enjoy!
1)Where is Trinity Church located?
Trinity Church is located near the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, New York City. While walking up Wall Street, the beautiful church entrance is seen from a distance. This view, of old merging mysteriously with the new, is captivating. The church is only three blocks away from where the twin towers fell. It offered many people refuge, and thankfully, escaped any serious damage on that tragic day of 9/11.
2)How old is Trinity Church?
The current structure dates to 1846, however, the first Trinity Church originates to 1697. King William III granted a charter, which was received on May 6, 1697. This first structure was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1776 during the Revolutionary War, and rebuilt though. It was destroyed again in 1839 after suffering major damage from that winter’s snowfall. Construction began again, and was completed in 1846. This is the building that stands today. At that time, with its 281 foot spire, Trinity Church earned the title as the tallest building in New York City. In 1890, this was taken over by the New York World Building (which was razed in 1955).
3)Did Pirates help build Trinity Church?
Interestingly, the answer is yes. Historical records reveal that Captain William Kidd, the famous pirate, aided in building the first Trinity Church. He is said to have provided his runner and tackle from his ship to help hoist stones for the church. Kidd’s name is also recorded on a list of church pews. He is believed to have shared ownership of the first row pew.
Alexander Hamilton, the gentleman on our $10 dollar bill, and famously buried in Trinity Church’s cemetery, is known to have owned a pew as well.
One way to raise money for the church was by selling pews. These pews were then reserved for those who owned them.
4)Is there hidden treasure beneath Trinity Church?
Unlike what is shown in the popular 2004 film of National Treasure, there isn’t a large underground crypt hidden beneath Trinity Church. There is only known to be a few burials beneath the altar. There is great history to the church, though. It is one of the oldest churches in Manhattan, and George Washington and many other founders and influencers of the country are known to have worshipped or visited here. Maybe they did leave some secrets yet to be found? Who knows?
5) Is Trinity Church a Masonic graveyard with coded messages?
Many of the early members of Trinity Church were influential men belonging to Freemasonry. When these members of both the church and the Masonic organization passed away, they were buried in the graveyard. They naturally included Masonic symbols on their tombstones. While it is true a visitor of the cemetery today will notice multiple headstones featuring Squares and Compasses, Winged Hourglasses, Skulls and Crossbones, and other Masonic symbols, it was not an official cemetery for Masons. The graves merely expose the popularity of Freemasonry of the church members at the time.
There is a tombstone which is often noted for having a mysterious coded message displayed. Across the top is a series of strange characters. It is recognized as the PigPen Cipher and one of which Freemasons often used. It is known to say, Remember Death. Another common Masonic tribute.
6)Is Trinity Church one of the richest in the world?
Trinity Church was first built upon 215 acres of land donated by Queen Anne of England. Part of this land was originally a Dutch burial ground, but much was farmland at the time located on what is now Manhattan, New York City. It has since sold or donated much of its land away, but still holds ownership of 14 acres of Manhattan real estate. The value of this prime space, along with other investments, does make it one of the richest parishes of the world. It was established in 2011 during a lawsuit that total assets are thought to be around $2 Billion.
The history of the church, its place amongst the skyscrapers, and the peace found there, makes it priceless though.
Renovations of the inside of the church are to be finished by February 2020, and visitors are welcome to both church and to stroll through the cemetery grounds.
On Video:
.