The Episcopal Church Center on 2nd Ave and 43rd St. is, as the name implies, the world headquarters for the Episcopal Church.
Built in 1962, the building used to house all of the Church’s hierarchy. But declining membership led to a subsequent reduction in donations. making it harder and harder to maintain a building in New York. A downsizing in staff resulted in empty floors, which are now being leased to make ends meet.
There has been debate over the years as to whether the Church should sell the mid-century. That debate is ongoing.
“815 Second Avenue is the relic of our delusions of being an established church from an imperial era. Constantine has left the building. Unfortunately, Constantine has left us the building,” says the Rev. Frank Hubbard.
