Harlem church donates $5,000 to help save historic Bushwick church damaged by fire
The donation comes as church leaders continue to assess the future of the historic building, which dates back to 1853. There is currently no timeline for whether the church will be rebuilt or partially restored.
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More than a month after a devastating fire tore through South Bushwick Reformed Church, a historic Brooklyn landmark, the congregation is receiving support from a fellow house of worship across the city.
Leaders from Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church visited South Bushwick Reformed Church this week to present a $5,000 donation as recovery efforts continue following the June fire that severely damaged the 173-year-old church.
"When we heard the news that South Bushwick Church had caught fire, we wanted to come from Harlem to let you know that we love you, that we care for you," said Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church. "Today we bring you a check of $5,000 on behalf of the members of the Abyssinian Baptist Church."
The donation comes as church leaders continue to assess the future of the historic building, which dates back to 1853. There is currently no timeline for whether the church will be rebuilt or partially restored.
For Rev. Dr. James E. Steward II, senior pastor of South Bushwick Reformed Church, the support represents more than financial assistance.
"For us, we always talk about love in action," Steward said. "Our foundation is in love. Jesus is love. And so we believe in love. But it's not just saying it, it's what you do."
Fire marshals continue to investigate the blaze as a possible case of arson after an incendiary device was reportedly discovered inside the church. The building remains under a full vacate order.
Steward said the circumstances surrounding the fire have added to the congregation's pain.
"This fire happened on Juneteenth," he said. "And so that's something that hit me right away. On Juneteenth, with an arson, that brings another level of trauma to this. We cannot overlook that."
As church leaders work to prevent the landmark from being demolished, they are continuing to accept donations to support preservation and recovery efforts.
Johnson is also encouraging other faith leaders and congregations to contribute and help preserve a piece of Brooklyn history.
"We've been here 175 years," Steward said. "We've been resilient. We have been through much. This is not the first thing. It's just the latest. But God will continue to bless us. I believe that for sure."
Supporters hope continued community backing will help ensure the historic church remains a part of Bushwick's landscape for generations to come.
