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