Brooklyn church aims to raise million for rebuilding and continuing services following a large fire.
A significant fire engulfed the South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, leading to the collapse of its steeple and prompting the church to seek million in funding for rebuilding efforts. The church, which has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 175 years, is currently faced with the challenge of continuing its services despite the destruction of its worship space.
The South Bushwick Reformed Church has initiated a fundraising campaign with the objective of securing funds for various essential needs. These include establishing a temporary worship space, replacing damaged equipment and furnishings, supporting community outreach initiatives, conducting architectural and engineering assessments, and restoring the historic building. As of Saturday afternoon, the fundraising efforts had garnered close to ,000 from community supporters.
The fire erupted around 1:20 p.m. on June 19, 2026, along Bushwick Avenue near Himrod Street. It quickly escalated to a three-alarm blaze, drawing a high response from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Videos circulating on social media depicted flames and dark smoke emanating from the steeple, which ultimately collapsed approximately 20 minutes after the fire broke out. Fortunately, no individuals were in the church at the time of the incident, and initial investigations indicated no signs of suspicious activity.
Firefighters successfully brought the fire under control by 3:35 p.m. During the emergency response, one firefighter sustained minor injuries, while a total of 192 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed to combat the blaze. Following the incident, the city’s Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order for the site and mandated the construction of a safety fence around the property to protect public safety.
The church, built in 1853 and one of only eight surviving wooden houses of worship in New York City, is known for its historic significance. Its congregation can trace roots back to the Dutch colonial period in the 1600s. Despite the extensive damage, church leaders remain hopeful that the structure can be rebuilt, with plans to relocate temporarily as they embark on a long-term recovery journey.
The fire’s occurrence on Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, adds an additional layer of poignancy to the tragedy. New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed her support, assuring that the church would receive governmental assistance to facilitate the rebuilding process. The community, led by Pastor James Stewart, remains determined to overcome the emotional devastation of their loss, emphasizing that their faith lies within their collective spirit and commitment to one another.
