Welcome to Forest Hills, Queens, where you can discover The Church-in-the-Gardens, an impressive historic Congregational church complex also known as the Community Congregational Christian Church. If you appreciate historic architecture and quiet neighborhood landmarks, you will love exploring this beautiful site. The complex is distinguished by its eclectic Tudor Revival style, featuring buildings thoughtfully connected by charming breezeways.
When you visit, you will see the main rectangular church structure constructed in 1915, which features a prominent central tower alongside an attached bell tower. Designed by renowned architects Grosvenor Atterbury and John Almy Tompkins II, the grounds also house the Community House built in 1926, a separate parsonage from 1929, and the Parish Hall added in 1953. Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
The active congregation officially joined the United Church of Christ in May 2012. As you wander around this peaceful corner of Queens, New York, you can admire how seamlessly these multi-era structures blend together through their Tudor Revival details. It is a wonderful, specific piece of New York history to include on your trip.
What to see at The Church-in-the-Gardens
- Eclectic Tudor Revival architecture designed by Grosvenor Atterbury and John Almy Tompkins II
- Main 1915 rectangular church featuring a prominent tower and attached bell tower
- Historic complex featuring the Community House (1926) and Parish Hall (1953) linked by breezeways
- Separate parsonage built on the site in 1929
- Official listing on the National Register of Historic Places achieved in 2009
Visiting tips
Take time to walk around the complex to admire how the exterior breezeways connect the historic Tudor Revival buildings.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
The Church-in-the-Gardens is easy to reach on Queens’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Forest Park and Loew's Valencia Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Queens travel guide.
See the full Queens travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.