About Us
Love is the doctrine of this church,
The quest of truth is its sacrament,
And service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
To serve life in fellowship,
To the end that all souls shall grow in harmony:
Thus do we covenant with each and with all.
Griswold Williams (adapted)
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The Fourth Universalist Society is a Unitarian Universalist congregation, a liberal religious presence in New York City since 1838, welcoming people of all cultural, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Fourth U is the sole survivor of seven Universalist churches in New York City and now has about 150 members.
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Our Building
Our church building was completed in 1898 and was designed by the noted architect William A. Potter. It was originally named “The Church of the Divine Paternity.” The tower and features of the sanctuary are replicas of the medieval tower and buildings at Magdalen College in Oxford, England.
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Our bell tower is named “The Peace Tower” to inspire us to work for peace in our lives, our community and our world.
Our sanctuary features an altar by Louis Comfort Tiffany, relief sculpture by Augustus St. Gaudens and stained glass windows by Clayton and Bell of London. It is considered one of the anchors of the New York City Landmark Historic District and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This website from the American Guild of Organists gives additional information about the history of our church and our organ. 
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