Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow

Constructed in 1699, sitting at the south corner of the Old Dutch Burying Ground, not to be confused with the larger Sleepy Hollow Cemetery just to the north, along the east side of the Old Post Road, this is the second oldest church in the state of New York. It was constructed at the direction of Frederick Philipse I, who owned land stretching from the Bronx to the Croton River and who features in the tale of William Kidd (check down by the river). Normally I would be hesitant to say the wealthy individual who funded a project “built” it, but legend has it that Frederick Philipse was a trained carpenter who designed the church and constructed the pulpit himself. The church and surrounding cemetery are at the heart of Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and fittingly are a large tourist draw on Halloween weekend. Therefore I find it baffling that given the large number of tourists combined with the local community trying to raise money to repair the church’s roof, the church itself was closed on Saturday afternoon. Most churches that pride themselves in their mission are open nearly all the time, this one however seems to not be.

Beautiful cemetery to visit in fall, that wasn't too crowded. Interesting old graves and mausoleums. The Dutch church was quaint and simple. The roof is a period piece of architecture I have not seen before. The grounds of the cemetery are beautiful to walk in.

The church is beautiful from the outside. It was closed; a sign said it was for private tours only. The cemetery is steeped in history. A map is available for others. You can't miss this place; it's steeped in history. You should come prepared to walk a lot; there's plenty to see.

Beautiful church on the outside. Wasn’t able to tour the church when there because of a private tour. Lots of history in the cemetery. Was able to find Washington Irving’s grave easily and there is a map available for others.

This was our last stop after we visited the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It is well kept up. I was disappointed to see how "new" it looked given how old it is but I understand the need to keep it maintained considering it is an active church. We didn't get to go inside because there was a tour going on. It was a nice attraction none the less and it was cool to see the wooden shoes. This church is located on the main road so there is no street parking but there is off street parking

I visited the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, and it was a truly enchanting experience. This historic site is steeped in charm and offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the area. As soon as I arrived, I was captivated by the beautiful architecture of the church. The stone façade and classic design give it a timeless quality, and the surrounding grounds are equally lovely, featuring lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s hard not to feel a sense of tranquility as you walk through this historic setting. Inside the church, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The interior is adorned with beautiful wooden beams and stained glass windows that create a serene ambiance. I appreciated the informative displays that shared the history of the church and its significance in the Sleepy Hollow community. It’s a wonderful place to reflect and appreciate the past. The churchyard, with its historic cemetery, is also worth exploring. Walking among the gravestones, some dating back to the 17th century, adds an intriguing layer to the visit. It’s a peaceful spot that encourages contemplation and respect for the area’s history. The staff and volunteers at the Old Dutch Church were friendly and welcoming, eager to share stories and answer questions about the church’s history. Their passion for preserving this landmark really shines through. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect, this site offers a unique experience that should not be missed. I left feeling enriched by the history and beauty of this special place and can’t wait to return!

This is a great place to stroll. There are nice shady spots and benches to sit and ponder. Wonderful piece of history.

The church was closed to public but was so gorgeous. I loved the Cemetery and history of the people buried there. The grounds were clean and well kept. Some parking on a side street next to the church. Be prepared for a lot of walking up and down hills if you want to see more of the Cemetery.