The congregation had been founded in 1853 by William Adams, who served as the church's pastor until 1873, when he left to take the position as president of the Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York.

[2] Funeral services for Adams were held at the church on September 3, 1880, in what was described as "a fitting tribute to a man who was recognized as the most eminent Presbyterian minister in America".

[3] The cornerstone for the church was laid in ceremonies held on July 12, 1853, led by Rev.

[4] Edward Huntting Rudd was baptized there and later served as assistant pastor.

As the years progressed, the church was increasingly affected by the construction of new office space by Metropolitan Life and became more willing to reach a compromise with their corporate neighbor.