New York City York metropolitan area produced a gross metropolitan product (GMP) of US$1.73 trillion. If greater New York City were a sovereign state, it would have the 12th highest GDP in the world. New York City traces its origins to a trading post founded by colonists from the Dutch Republic in 1624 on Lower Manhattan; the post was named New Amsterdam in 1626. The city and its surroundings came under English control in 1664 and were renamed "New York" after King Charles II of England granted the lands to his brother, the Duke of York. New York served as the capital of
Council of Churches of the City of New York Council of Churches of the City of New York The Council of Churches of the City of New York (CCCNY) was established in 1815 as the Brooklyn Church and Mission Society. It is the oldest ecumenical council of churches in the United States. The council represents 1.5 million Protestants, Anglicans and Orthodox Christians. A. R. Bernard is the president of the Council. The Council’s name was changed several times over its history. In 1968, it adopted its current name, replacing the previous name of Protestant Council of the City of New York. In 1989, the Council's focus began on public