1. But Are There Really People Buried in the Crypt?

Yes. Yes there are. In the 1920s, cemetery space in the city was scarce and in high demand. To accommodate for this, the Crypt’s walls were prepared to hold cremated remains and with that it became the first church in the U.S. to have its own columbarium (a building with niches for storing funeral urns.)

The Crypt at the Church of the Intercession isn’t the only crypt in town. Check out this piece about the Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street.

Next, check out Trinity Church’s Four Cemeteries in NYC and see What NYC’s Former Cemeteries Are Now.