St. George's Episcopal Church (Manhattan)

St. George's Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located at 209 East 16th Street, at Rutherford Place, in the Stuyvesant Square neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The church is noted for its significant role in the Social Gospel movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily under the leadership of Rector William Stephen Rainsford.

The current building is the third structure to house the congregation. The first St. George's was a chapel of Trinity Church, established in 1749. It was granted its own charter in 1752. The original building was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War. A second church was built on the same site and served the parish until the mid-19th century.

The present church building was constructed between 1846 and 1849, designed by Leopold Eidlitz in the Romanesque Revival style. It underwent significant alterations under the direction of architect Charles C. Haight from 1888 to 1897. These renovations included the addition of the chancel and other architectural features. The church's distinctive terracotta facade, designed by Haight, is a prominent feature.

During Rainsford's tenure as rector (1883-1906), St. George's became a center for social reform, focusing on the needs of the working class and immigrant populations in the surrounding neighborhood. The church established numerous programs including a trade school, a boys' club, and a medical clinic. These initiatives were funded in large part by J.P. Morgan, who was a prominent member of the congregation and served as its senior warden.

St. George's Episcopal Church continues to be an active parish and is known for its commitment to social justice and community outreach. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.