It is nothing short of a miracle that this tiny church remains.....directly across the street from the site of the World Trade Center. A tiny, historic church that was preserved. George Washington prayed here and in fact, had his very own pew. The memorials they have inside are a beautiful tribute to all the lovely souls lost on that day.
A Teddy Bear collection was started by an out of state school teacher; her idea was to get one to every child who had lost a parent. The numbers donated went far beyond, donations of more then 15,000 bears came to New York.
A Video runs in the church; here an overhead shot of one of the Memorial Days held there.
A riminder of the walls that covered our City.
In the days and weeks to come, it was then Mayor Guliani who became our leader. He could be seen everywhere doing everything he could to organize and help. He attended funerals and weddings and showed us that in fact, life does go on. Earth Angels came from all over and from great distances to do anything they could for New York...and many, many people worked endless hours putting their own health at risk to help this city and its people in a time of crisis.
Security is tight today and it should be. Many people still believe New York to be a primary target of any further attacks. But the people in this city stay....and still love it for all it has to offer.
**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.
This church is a true miracle. It is a testament to all that is good in the world. We truly appreciate all of those earth angels!
Thanks for sharing this information. There had to be intervention.
Bll
I can tell you have talent and are passionate in your trade.
All the best
Carole, that Teddy Bear collection idea was very thoughtful and it's great they have a reminder of it there. Thanks for the history of St. Paul's and your continuing series.
Carole - Thank you for this series. I haven't been to NYC since before 911 and I have no plans to visit anytime soon.
Your photos are very moving - amazing the power of a teddy bear; timeless through the years - a symbol of comfort.
This church really is a miracle. Even after all of these years, I still can't believe what happened that day. It's beyond the imagination.
Divine Providence. What else could it be? Thanks for sharing - it's a truly emotional subject for all.
Carole..... As mentioned, that is a true miracle. Especially for the fact that the church was right across the street. And for the fact that George Washington prayed there... It's hard to beieve that it will be 7 years this fall. Thanks for sharing this...
I have such mixed emotions when I think on the entire terrible event. Anger, pride, sadness, hope, etc. these may never resolve themselves in one individual but definitely must all be present in the same person as any one of these alone could be overwhelming. Together are supportive of one another. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it is emotion...
Wow, amazing story and amazing blog! Thanks for sharing! It is so awesome that you live so close to such amazing things!
Carole- Absolutely amazing story that I am just shocked was not told by the media the world over.
When I read the words you wrote that George Washington prayed in this church, goosebumps went all through my body as a testiment that God spared this Church. Thank you for sharing.
Carole, thanks for sharing more photos and your remembrances. I have enjoyed your series, very powerful. That was so cool about the church George Washington praying in, still standing and all the memorials there.
Hello Carole,
I love this story and for me, it is proof that miracles do still happen. Do you know if all the children who lost parents received a teddy bear? The next time I visit NY, I will make sure I visit this church. Thanks for telling us the story. I do not think there is an American who was not affected by 911.
I've heard of this church on TV reporting Carole - Trust our New York adventurer to report on it. Awesome little stories like this set our minds wondering, hmm?
Carole, I feel as my heart sinks every time I remember that day! It was the most dramatic experience of my life. Couldn't (still cant) comprehend the enormity of the human loss. I am sorry I did not see the event on TV. Here in Vegas... Thank you for sharing that moment!
Hi Carole,
It is amazing that this church remained and I'm glad to see it being used as a memorial.....a tiny place of peace and hope.
Jo
Hi Carole,
The real miracle would be that terrible things like 9-11 didn't happen in NYC or anywhere else in the world.
Perhaps some day.......................
Kathleen
That the Church still stands is truly a message from God...I remember thinking at the time...it was a miracle! Probably the most meaningfull monument of all!
Events like 9/11 forever change people's lives. We can never fully understand how they feel after they've losta loved one in a tragedy. Even though time heals, quentions remain "why me", "why us".
It is important, however, to remember these events, and to teach our children the importance of history. History offers lessons others lived through, and we have an opportunity to make better choices.
Great post. Thanks, Carole!
Carole - It is still so raw all these years later. It is good to celebrate every little miracle.
Joan, I felt the same way, that it was a miracle that little building was left standing...surely for a reason.
Bill, Thank you, I do. And have a passion for this lovely city as well.
Gary, It was one wonderful idea that spread through the country, the bears arrived from all over.
Debbie, New York City is wonderful, you would enjoy it if you came back and probably find it much safer and cleaner then when you were last here.
Susan, It is beyond imagination but so were the incredible people who came in from all over to help.
Carol, I agree, it can't be anything else. This beautiful chuch is just amazing and it's no wonder the memorial is in there.
Jeff, It was amazing to me to be inside that church....and it was very quiet inside, no one saying a word or making any noise at all....in total respect.
Rich, I think most of us have mixed emotions. It is unbelievably sad yet at the same time New York really pulled together and so many incredible people came to help. I think everyone would agree that there are many emotions to this horrific event.
Cristal, New York City is one hour from me....and I love the Energy there so I'm there often for work and play.
Katerina, I don't know why the media left a lot out. I believe everyone felt lost as the president and vice president went into hiding...I had a new found respect for former Mayor Guliani after this.
Missy, It's hard to believe it's so old and survived completely intact. I thought it was something that those that don't come or live in New York might be interested in seeing.
Cynthia, There was not one child who didn't get a bear and there was a surplus...which were given to the workers at Ground Zero.
Deborah, It's facinating and really a miracle that this beautiful and historic place survived. It was so close I wish I had taken pictures of the distance.
Arina, Maybe it's just as well that you didn't see it....it was so painful to watch. And the memories never leave.
Jo, That's exactly what it is, a place of hope. And one day, peace all over I wish for everyone.
Kathleen, I believe that would be the best blessing of all....peace all over for every person and place.
Joan, I agree, this tiny church is a miracle. It gives many people comfort, I hope.
Hi And thank you for your comment. I always show the "best" of New York City but I too don't want people to forget.
Maureen, It is raw still---but this historic place has found a new meaning and I do hope it gives some people some comfort.
Carole--I have yet to visit NYC since 9/11 but had been there on many previous occasions when I traveled for work...Thank you for sharing all of these places and stories that don't make the news.
Awesome post Carole.....I still remember the exact moment of where I was and how I felt when all the TV stations broke the News and showed unbelievable footage.
Your series is a tribute to how giving helping people came together despite tragedy and differences....
Thanks for sharing these photos - I for one have not been back to see ground zero and these stories you shared show that goodness survives :)
Sincerely,
Grace
Carole I have heard of this church, but never saw pictures of it. Impressive architecture. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures