The General Theological Seminary has been at the heart of New York's Chelsea neighborhood for the last 200 years and is a spiritual oasis in the midst of America's largest city. Founded in 1817, General was the first seminary established by The Episcopal Church. The Seminary block, known as Chelsea Square, was donated by the primary Chelsea landowner, Clement Clarke Moore, best known as the author of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Since 1822, General Seminary has graduated over 7,000 men and women, and we have alumni in service worldwide. In recent decades, an increasing number of seminarians study to serve Christ in lay ministries along with those who seek ordination.