Kirkens historie

The Danish Seamen's Church, New York, Inc. is a Lutheran church within the National Church of Denmark. It is the only church in North and South America where church services are held in Danish every Sunday. Once a month a Danish church service is held in Washington D.C. 

An important part of the Danish Seamen's Church's work is to care for Danish seafarers coming to New York. About 300 ships are visited each year. 

The church also aims at providing the Danish community with a home away from home. In 2004 approx. 3,700 people participated in church services and 17 baptisms and 16 weddings were held in the church. All together more than 10,000 people were involved in church events. Every day (except Tuesday) the church is open to all who want to visit, be it to find help and support or be it to use the facilities of the church or enjoy Danish company. Every Thursday night the church has an "open house" for young Danes and their American friends. 

During the year the church is also host to Danish politicians, artists and celebrities visiting New York. Thus the church is a Danish base, a Little Denmark in The Big Apple. By being a Danish house in New York, the church also aims to improve the cultural and religious connections between Denmark and the United States. This is done in co-operation with Danish and American organizations.

The chairman of the Board of Directors of the Danish Seamen's Church is the President of the Danish American Chamber of Commerce Peter Hessellund-Jensen and among the other members of the board you will find representatives of the congregation.

The church's Danish language newsletter Kirkebladet is published four times a year in 2,000 issues. It is free and you can receive it if you leave your name and address in our e-mail box.