Vol.67 New York Spots (8) Ghost Church

New York Spots (8) Ghost Church

Hot days continue in Japan, but this year New York has had many
hot days too. So here’s something to give you a little chill – a ghost!
A few months ago, I introduced you to a “Museum Ghost”

this time; it’s a ghost in the second oldest church in New York.

Somehow, the church looks like it has a ghost, doesn’t it?
The church is located in an area called St. Marks in the East Village,
but its formal name is St. Mark’s Church
in-the-Bowery.

When The Netherlands was the colonial ruler of New York in the 17th Century
and the city’s name was New Amsterdam, the longest, most successful
Governor was Peter Stuyvesant, who had only one leg.
He died and his body was buried in 1672, in this area.
His great grandson, Petrus Stuyvesant donated property to the Episcopal Church
with the stipulation that a new chapel be erected, and in 1795,
the cornerstone of St. Marks Church was laid.
St. Mark’s Church in-the- Bowery was designated, a landmark of New York City
in 1966.

There are lion statues, symbols of the church, at the front entrance.

Somehow these statues look fearful.
Another set of statues, on both sides of the church, are unexpected
Native American figures. On the right is, “Inspiration”

and on the left, “Aspiration”

Because it was the first time that I had ever seen something like
this in a church, they appeared very eerie to me.

They made me expect to see a ghost, probably because I found a story
about one in this church in the book, “New York State Ghosts”.

According to this book, one can hear the footsteps of Peter Stuyvesant,
who is buried nearby. When the church was renovated in 1982, a woman who
could not attend the Opening Ceremony went to church alone the following evening.
She heard footsteps along with the sound of a big stick and what looked like
an elderly man with a big nose. He tried to hurry her outside.
He was a strange old man, so she went out, turned around, and no one was there!

Later, her friend showed her a picture of Peter Stuyvesant in an encyclopedia
that was much like the face of the old man she had seen the night before.
To verify this story, the author of this book went to the church and asked
the Sexton whether he had ever seen the ghost or not? His answer was:
“I have never seen a ghost, but when I have worked here alone at night,
I can hear footsteps on the top floor – where there is no one.
It’s not only me; many people have heard these footsteps.”

What about this? I’m afraid that I will hear the footsteps.
Despite my fear, I went to this church alone to see whether or
not I could hear them. Unfortunately, the church was closed.
Normally, the church is always open. Somehow I thought that I could
get more interest. Then I saw a schedule which said that Sunday Mass
is at 11:00 a.m., so I returned.

The church interior has been beautifully restored.
But somehow, a very bright interior does not have the right atmosphere
for a ghost.

Very casually dressed people are singing gospel songs, and not in a
very solemn mood. However, the elderly people’s singing was beautiful
with lovely harmonies.

I was impressed with the music. The service was homey, spare and cozy.
Right behind me, by chance, was a stained glass window featuring
Peter Stuyvesant.

Although I did not hear footsteps, when I was listening to the gospel,
I felt like I was being watched by him.

David Pitkin, author of “New York State Ghosts”, said
“Four hundred years haven’t tamed his fiery spirit one bit.
My guess is that he’s still plotting a way to get his bones up and moving again”
I agree with the author. My guess is that its Peter Stuyvesant’s strong,
fierce “Aspiration” that is making those footsteps ring out.