Monthly Group Walk, St. Paul's Chapel- August 28, 2009

In anticipation of the upcoming September 11th anniversary, this month's walk was to St. Paul's Chapel. Included in the chapel's long history is the significant role it played in the events of 9/11 as well as the clean- up and recovery.



Here, Tom, Kamran, Societa, Andrew, Vivian, Malik, Abdul, and Joan seek refuge from the rain under the chapel's portico. Societa and Abdul are previewing the Memorial Miles 1st anniversary Tshirts!

St. Paul's Chapel is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use, and its only remaining colonial church.

George Washington worshiped here on his Inauguration Day, April 30, 1789. During the two years New York City was the country's capital, Washington attended services at St. Paul's while Trinity Church was being rebuilt. Hanging above Washington’s pew is a painting of the Great Seal of the United States (adopted in 1782), which was commissioned by the Vestry in 1785. The artist of the painting is unknown.



Above, Societa, Tom, and Malik check out President Washington's pew.

After the attack on September 11, 2001, which led to the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, St. Paul's Chapel served as a place of rest and refuge for recovery workers at the WTC site.

For eight months, hundreds of volunteers worked 12 hour shifts around the clock, serving meals, making beds, counseling and praying with fire fighters, construction workers, police and others. Massage therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists and musicians also tended to their needs.



Today, St. Paul's continues as an active part of the Parish of Trinity Church, holding services, weekday concerts, occasional lectures, and providing a shelter for the homeless.



Here, Abdul, Joan, Tom, Sochieta, and Malik pose at the Bell of Hope, which is rung each year on September 11.