Haunting of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, New York

Haunting of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, New York

St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery

Dating back to 1660 St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery holds the title of being the second oldest church in Manhattan. However, it also holds the title of being the most haunted.

Haunted St. Mark's Church in the Bowery.
Outside the St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, one of the most haunted places in New York City.

This chapel was built by a man named Petrus Stuyvesant upon the land he originally purchased for farming. Petrus was a Dutch Colonial, world traveler and sailor who lived out his last years in the area of Manhattan. Following his death in 1672 he was buried in a vault beneath the floors of the St. Mark’s Church. It was right around this time that reports of paranormal occurrences begun to emerge. Interestingly, these paranormal events have even continued to occur within the new church that replaced Stuyvesant’s original building in 1799.

Petrus Stuyvesant burial vault in St. Mark's Church, New York.
Plaque signifying the burial vault of Petrus Stuyvesant.

Ghosts of St. Mark’s Church

The ghost of Petrus Stuyvesant is certainly the most active within St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery. He has been sighted countless times over the last few hundred years since his death. He is commonly seen making his way through the church in very distinct attire. His ghost is described as wearing Dutch clothing fitting to the period and sporting a wooden leg. These descriptions give credence to the sightings as Stuyvesant lost a leg during his life due to a sailing accident. This wooden leg also makes for some pretty distinct disembodied footsteps, which many have also reported to hear within the church.

Petrus Stuyvesant statue at haunted church in New York City.
A statue denoting Petrus Stuyvesant’s likeness.

In addition to showing his apparition, Stuyvesant is also known for ringing the church bells when no one is inside the church. Even more curious is the interruptions during sermons, by speaking over the top of them, that Stuyvesant is thought responsible for.

Haunted St. Mark's Church in the Bowery.
Looking up at the most haunted church in New York City.

Although most reports of spirit activity seem to be caused by Stuyvesant, there is another spirit claimed to exist within the St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery. The spirit of a mystery woman has also been sighted by many within the building. While no one knows her identity she is often described as wearing period clothing and typically sits on one end of the pews.

Interior of haunted church in the Bowery, New York City.
Inside of the church.

Visiting New York’s Haunted St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery

St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery is a historic site that is definitely worth a visit. Their calendar can be accessed online. The cemetery surrounding the church is also of interest and contains many important figures from New York’s past.

Haunted church in New York, Manhattan.
Exploring the graves surrounding the haunted church.

If you enjoyed this article, there are plenty of other haunted locations in New York City to visit.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Amy's Crypt Signature

About Amy

Amy is a world traveller and explorer of creepy locations. She has visited some of the most famously haunted places around the world in search of evidence of the paranormal. Follow Amy's Journey:

Comments (4)

  • Afreen zahra

    Posted by Afreen zahra on March 29, 2020

    Loved the story Amy 💖💖💖

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on March 29, 2020

      Thanks, Afreen! I am so happy to hear this!

  • Nathan Guttman

    Posted by Nathan Guttman on October 31, 2020

    ActionKid on You Tube did a live video on Halloween night starting at this church, came to this sight and learned even more. Thank you Amy.

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on November 3, 2020

      Thanks Nathan, glad you enjoyed it.

Leave a Reply