Bushwick Church Holds Benefit Concert to Restore Fire Damaged Landmark Building

A historic church in Bushwick, Brooklyn, is rallying community support through music to aid in its recovery from a catastrophic fire. The South Bushwick Reformed Church, known for its Greek Revival architecture, suffered severe damage in June when an arson attack destroyed its sanctuary and iconic steeple. The fire left the congregation grappling with the loss of their landmark building and the challenge of preserving what remains.

In response, the church is organizing a benefit concert scheduled for October 23 at ShapeShifter Lab in Park Slope. Headlining the event is Arturo O’Farrill, a renowned Mexican American pianist and Latin jazz composer. The concert will also feature guest artists and possibly the church’s own band, signifying music’s important role in the community’s healing process.

Monika Judkins, the church’s music and worship director, emphasized that music serves as an emotional conduit for the congregation and wider audiences, providing comfort and a sense of unity during this difficult time. The event itself is a collaborative effort, notably supported by Joselyn Espinoza, principal of Bushwick’s EBC High School for Public Service, and the school’s music director, Matthew Mantione. Their involvement was pivotal in securing O’Farrill, a Grammy-winning artist, for the fundraiser.

The fire, which occurred on June 19, was determined to be an act of arson, and a 24-year-old suspect was arrested shortly thereafter. The blaze devastated the original 1853 church building, a landmarked white clapboard structure in the Greek Revival style, leading to its complete demolition by city authorities. Fortunately, the adjacent Fellowship Hall, a historic 1881 addition originally constructed as a Sunday school with distinctive pediment and pilasters, sustained less damage.

Following the incident, the city temporarily halted demolition plans for Fellowship Hall and transferred control of the site to the church. Since then, the congregation has been working closely with contractors and city officials to stabilize the remaining structure. The restoration efforts focus on masonry foundation repairs, installation of protective siding, roof rehabilitation, and foundation backfilling to secure the building’s integrity.

Fundraising remains critical as the church aims to cover the costs of these extensive repairs. A public GoFundMe campaign has raised over $21,000 toward its $26,000 goal, underscoring community investment in preserving this historic landmark. The church, in partnership with Old Structures Engineering, is nearing completion of the stabilization phase, a necessary step before further restoration and rebuilding can commence.

The congregation remains optimistic about reclaiming Fellowship Hall as a functional space and is awaiting the city’s removal of the emergency demolition order that currently restricts redevelopment plans. This progress marks an important milestone in the church’s recovery journey and reflects the resilience of its members.

By leveraging the power of music and community collaboration, the South Bushwick Reformed Church is actively forging a path to restoration. The upcoming concert not only aims to generate financial support but also symbolizes a collective effort to preserve a piece of Brooklyn’s architectural and cultural history. As repairs advance, the church continues to engage local stakeholders and preservation advocates to ensure the site’s enduring legacy.

While the full scope of rebuilding remains to be finalized, the benefit concert represents a hopeful chapter in the church’s story. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the healing qualities of music while contributing to a vital cause that safeguards a treasured landmark for future generations. The event’s flexible ticketing approach invites broad participation, reinforcing the inclusive spirit that the church embodies.

For now, the South Bushwick Reformed Church stands as a testament to the community’s determination to overcome adversity. Through the interplay of historic preservation and artistic expression, it is charting a course toward renewal and sustained cultural significance in Brooklyn’s evolving landscape.