Our History

In 1943, a team led by Rev. J.J.D. Hall and Creighton Dunlap purchased a brownstone tenement house on West 51st Stree in Hell’s Kitchen. Because of their appreciation for the ministry of the Apostle Paul and their Episcopal background, they chose to name the building - St. Paul's House. Rev. Hall was a fiery street preacher who earned the title "Bishop of Wall Street" because of his street meetings held daily in the financial district. Serving with Rev. Hall as a co-founder, Creighton Dunlap was a former real estate agent who heard "Dad" Hall preaching. He committed his life to Christ and to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Together in 1939, they also started the first sermon telephone ministry in America. 

Today, St. Paul's House is a multifaceted non-denomination Christian community house. The heart of the organization is to continue to bring Christ’s love to neighbors in NYC and around the world through food and community. Through community programs and events like our soup kitchen, neighborhood pantry, youth, and more, we connect with neighbors to help support holistic needs.

SPH NYC also offers a training program for young adult Christians who want to grow as leaders in the ministry/community outreach setting in NYC. Over its 80-year history, the organization has helped educate and train hundreds of young adults preparing for ministry and community outreach life. 

The SPH NYC cross has become somewhat of a novelty on New York's Westside. Photographed by tourists and newspapers alike, it has been a part of the opening credits of a popular Saturday night variety show and also appeared in a recent Hollywood movie. When the mission has closed its doors for the day, the cross continues to shine its message into the night.