Trinity Church
photo on Instagram
My nephew’s very first day of work was in New York City – on 9/11. Can you imagine? A few years later he had his wedding in New York City at Cipriani on Wall Street. It was not long after 9/11. When the invitations went out, they included a list of hotels for guests, including prices. Gulp! We booked the least expensive.
When we arrived at our hotel we were shown to our rooms. The bellhop then opened the big curtain on the window.
We were right at the foot of Ground Zero.
We were dumbfounded, very moved, and could not speak, so the bellhop quietly walked away.
We must have stood and looked in silence for a very long time.
We had a few hours before the wedding, so we decided to walk around. Close to our hotel and Ground Zero was an old church. We love architecture, especially old buildings, so we went inside the church – Trinity Church – an Episcopalian church on Broadway and Rector. We’re Episcopalian, so we were especially excited to see the church.
We had no idea the church was where the 9/11 firefighters rested and slept. Yes, they slept in pews, and there was a firefighter’s uniform and helmet on a pew, covered in ash. Amazingly, not one window was broken or blown out on 9/11. The cemetery behind the church was knee-deep in ash on that fateful day. The church had photos and memorabilia.
Trinity Church
photo on Facebook
Again, we had no words. We didn’t know about this church and the wonders it did.
Can you imagine the panicked crowds and fleeing citizens who found refuge in the little church who opened their doors with welcome arms?
National Association of watch and clock collectors photo
While our nephew’s wedding was lovely, my memories of that day are from 9/11, and the goodness of Trinity Church. I still can’t believe no windows were broken. When a door closes, God opens a window. Pun intended.
The absolute best 9/11 book is Fireboat. It’s not for young children. If you like history and boats, this true story will stick with you. I’ll never forget it.
And of course I proudly wear my 9/11 pin.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
How wonderful that you found this little church that provided refuge for those who needed it that terrible day. xo
Thank you, Darlene. It was so unexpected. Perhaps that’s what made it powerful for me.
Hi Jennie, this is a very emotional story.
I still feel that way, 25 years later. Best to you, Robbie.
Amazing essay, Jennie. To be there so soon must have been very moving. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, it was very moving. Thank you, John.
What a memory to share with all of us. Thank you.
You are welcome. It was quite a memory!
Thank you for sharing this…all of us have memories of where we were and what we experienced but yours is among the most sobering…
That’s so nice of you to say, John, and sobering is a good word. We all have memories of where we were, but this experience was remarkable and sobering. That’s exactly how I felt. Thank you.
Thanks for telling this very heart touching story, Jennie! We can only remember all those overlived this cruel assassination, and also conmemorate those who lost their lives. Let`s hope similar things will never happen again. Best wishes, Michael
Thank you so much, Michael! Your words are true.
Jennie, thank you for sharing these heartfelt feelings. Can’t believe it has been 25 years. I find it ironic the motto for 9/11 has become “Never Forget.” I don’t know how any of us ever possibly could.
You are welcome, Bruce. You’re right, none of us could have ever possibly forgotten.
Poignant personal memories – thank you for telling this, Jennie.
The ash covered cemetery – takes my breath away. Forgetting is not an option. Neither is ‘rewriting history/political revisionism’.
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Laura. Yes, the ash covered cemetery is something I will never forget, which is not an option.
It was an awful thing those terrorists did. (Understatement!)
Yes!
Keep teaching our kids. For that, I thank you.
Yes, I will. Thank you, Jacqui.
Very emotional story Jennie and so nice that nothing happened to the church
Thank you, Kamal. It was a miracle, and God surely was there.
What a deeply moving reflection, Jennie. Standing in Trinity Church surrounded by the ash-covered gear and realizing it served as a sanctuary for those brave firefighters must have been an unforgettable experience. That detail about every single window remaining intact is such a powerful symbol of resilience. Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory. 🙏✨
I have a pretty good idea of what you were feeling standing in your hotel room looking at Ground Zero. I had a similar experience when I went to Ground Zero in 2018. Very moving. Trinity Church is beautiful! We toured it. It’s a place I would visit often if I lived there. I loved the garden/cemetery. It felt so peaceful there.
That book is one I bought to read to the boys on your recommendation. They loved it too.
A heartbreaking day in the history of our country. Never forget!
Thanks for sharing your memories of this tragic day, Jennie. I remember 9/11 as one of the hardest days of my teaching career. Children, who had seen those horrible images, came to school frightened. Parents were understandably upset and picked up their children throughout the day just to be with them.
Thank you for sharing your memories of 9/11 and its immediate aftermath, Jennie. An incomprehensible tragedy.
Oh Jennie, this is so moving. It’s a day I’ll never forget as long as I love. I am so glad that you found the good even among all the horrors. I’m going to find that book as well. Thank you for this.
You are always welcome dear Jennie. Yes God was there and it was his miracle 🙏🙏🙏🙏