Join us on a historic journey.

The Muhlenberg Fund will support the restoration of two Gramercy and Stuyvesant church buildings that are Gothic and Romanesque architectural marvels, the birthplace of AA, the spiritual home of JP Morgan, and the site of Eleanor Roosevelt’s baptism. 

THE MUHLENBERG FUND

THE MUHLENBERG FUND

Erected in 1846, Calvary Church and St. George’s Church are prime examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. These two buildings are historically significant to the city of New York too – marking the site of Eleanor Roosevelt’s baptism, the spiritual home of legendary financier JP Morgan, and the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

The Muhlenberg Fund is raising money to replace the roofs of Calvary Church and St. George’s Church, fund interior renovations due to water damage, build new facilities to accommodate a growing number of visitors, and renovate the building’s historically significant organs. The fund is designed to ensure the buildings can continue operating as churches for generations to come, and is named after the Reverend William Muhlenberg. Muhlenberg was the founding rector of the Church of the Holy Communion and St. Luke’s Hospital – the former of which was sold in 1976 and later became the Limelight NightClub. Although all donations to the fund will be used specifically for building renovations and not church ministries, the purpose of the Muhlenberg Fund is to ensure the same fate does not fall on Calvary-St. George’s. 

While members of Calvary-St. George’s have already raised $5 million in just five months as a part of its capital campaign, the Muhlenberg Fund marks the campaign’s next phase, inviting members of the broader New York City community to help save these architectural and historically significant buildings. 

The Reverend Jacob Smith, Rector at Calvary-St. George’s said, “Securing these historic buildings for generations to come is a daunting task. These campuses are a focal point for the Gramercy Park and Stuyvesant neighborhoods, and we are excited to invite our broader New York City community to join the charge. Everyone committed to restoring and preserving these architectural masterpieces and historic icons is welcome to participate in the Muhlenberg fund – regardless of beliefs or religious affiliation.”

See below for FAQ’s.

Help us preserve a gem of Manhattan’s history.

FAQ’S & Additional Information

Who was William Muhlenberg?

William Muhlenberg was a clergyman and educator and a had a significant impact on the history of American education. He was also one of the founders of St. Luke’s Hospital. In 1846, Muhlenberg became rector of the Church of the Holy Communion (located on West 20th Street and 6th Avenue) and was closely involved with its design. The Church of the Holy Communion is a Gothic Revival building and was designed by the great architect Richard Upjohn.

How can I become a friend of Muhlenberg?

Everyone is welcome to become a friend of Muhlenbeg, regardless of beliefs or religious affiliation- you do not have to be a member of the congregation. The friends of Muhlenberg are those who have committed themselves to seeing the restoration and preservation of Calvary and St. George’s Church as architectural masterpieces and cherish their historic role in our city.


Muhlenberg Giving Circle
(these are just suggestions)

Friends Circle ($100 – $1000)

Preservation Circle ($1,000 – $2,500)

Senior Circle ($2,500 – $5,000)

Patron Circle ($5,000+)

What do I get for being involved?

  • Leave your mark in ensuring these remarkable buildings are preserved for the future, as a functioning church, a magnificent venue, and prime examples of Gothic and Romanesque Architecture.

  • Contribute to keeping the church in good decorative working order

  • Receive a regular newsletter update from the Rector and Chair of the building committee (at least twice a year)

  • Information on, and participation in our capital fundraising

  • Hands-on involvement in conservation work, where possible.

Can I support the mission and ministry of the church if I am not a member?

Absolutely, however, all money given to the Friends of Muhlenberg will go into the Muhlenberg fund to be used for capital expenses. Operation giving is separate.

How will the Friends of Muhlenberg make a difference?

The Friends of Muhlenberg will help conserve, restore, maintain, and improve the buildings’ grounds and fabrics of Calvary and St. George’s, in conjunction with the Vestry and the Property Committee.

As a Friend, you will be eligible to serve on the Friends of Muhlenberg Committee, which will help to raise funds, receive grants and donations, collect annual subscriptions and organize fundraising events in order to raise the public profile of Calvary-St. George’s. These efforts help the restoration, preservation, and development of the church.

The current projects we are working on: replacing the roof of Calvary Church and the repointing of the exterior of Calvary Church.