Plymouth Church

Plymouth Church


Appreciate the rich activist past and fascinating architectural details of this historic church tucked away in a leafy residential district in downtown Brooklyn.

Plymouth Church is one of New York’s oldest and most significant religious buildings. The church has long been an important site in the historical struggle for racial justice. Contemplate this somber past and the church’s notable architecture during a peaceful visit to the sanctuary.

Step into the history of this simple, redbrick structure. The barn-like appearance of the building and the semi-circular arrangement of the pews in the sanctuary create a spirit of equality. Admire the elegant stained-glass windows. Look closer to notice an unusual detail. Rather than biblical scenes, the windows depict moments in the history of democracy in the early United States.

Sit in Pew 89 and imagine what Abraham Lincoln might have thought about while worshipping here just before he became a presidential candidate.

Fugitive slaves fleeing to Canada could hide in a tunnel underneath the sanctuary, nicknamed the “Grand Central Depot” on the Underground Railroad.

Henry Ward Beecher, the church’s most famous pastor and a major figure in the abolitionist (anti-slavery) movement, was known for fiery appeals to public conscience. Some of Beecher’s methods were rather unorthodox. Consider how it would have felt to be in the audience at one of Beecher’s mock slave auctions, where members of the congregation made bids to purchase the freedom of real enslaved people.

The magnificent pipe organ and cast-iron pillars in the balcony were both state-of-the-art for their time. Stroll through the church’s large gardens, featuring statues of Beecher and Lincoln. Today, the church has a small but active congregation. Peruse designer clothes and housewares at the church’s Underground Thrift Store, where proceeds benefit an anti-trafficking nonprofit organization.

Remember that Plymouth Church is not a museum but an active place of worship. Free public tours are available on Sundays following the regular church service. Call ahead to let tour guides know to expect you. A small donation to support the church is suggested.

Street parking is very limited, so travel to Plymouth Church by subway to the Clark Street Station or High Street. The church is also a short walk from Brooklyn Bridge Park, which connects to Manhattan by ferry.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
1 Hotel Central Park
Heart of New York Suites
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

Popular places to visit


Top Plymouth Church Hotel Deals

Four Points By Sheraton New York Downtown
Four Points By Sheraton New York Downtown
3.5 out of 5
6 Platt St, New York, NY
Four Points By Sheraton New York Downtown
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
5 out of 5
60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown
4 out of 5
6 Water St, New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown
The Tillary Hotel
The Tillary Hotel
3.5 out of 5
85 Flatbush Ave Extension, Brooklyn, NY
The Tillary Hotel
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
4 out of 5
333 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
World Center Hotel
World Center Hotel
4 out of 5
144 Washington St, New York, NY
World Center Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
4 out of 5
8 Stone St, New York, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
3 out of 5
125 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn, NY
Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
4 out of 5
228 Duffield Street, Brooklyn, NY
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.