Hebron French-Speaking Seventh Day Adventist Church;First Church of Christ Scientist

Nestled in Brooklyn, the Hebron French-Speaking Seventh Day Adventist Church stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the unifying power of community. The Hebron French-Speaking Seventh Day Adventist Church’s story begins not within these grand walls, but in a humble apartment on St. Mark’s Place in 1956. A small group of Haitian Adventists, yearning for spiritual connection, gathered for prayer. Led by Pastor Pierre-Louis, this small group laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant congregation. They soon moved to a storefront on Bedford Avenue, calling themselves “Eglise d’expression Francaise,” the first Haitian, French-speaking Adventist church in New York. The members poured their hearts and resources into their rented space, each contributing chairs and funds to make it their own. The Hebron French-Speaking Seventh Day Adventist Church’s journey was not without its challenges. The church faced obstacles in joining the Greater New York Conference due to their unique identity. Eventually, they found a home in the Northeastern Conference and purchased a building on Eastern Parkway in 1965. Tragedy struck with the untimely death of their first pastor, Rene Adrien. Pastor Matthew Bermingham then took the helm, guiding the growing congregation. Under Pastor Bermingham’s leadership, the church adopted the name “Hebron,” meaning “City of Refuge.” The congregation outgrew the Eastern Parkway location, leading them to the imposing edifice we see today, the former First Church of Christ, Scientist, on Dean Street. The Hebron French-Speaking Seventh Day Adventist Church acquired this Byzantine Revival-style building, originally designed by Henry Ives Cobb in 1909. This structure, with its stained-glass windows and Corinthian columns, became a symbol of the congregation’s resilience and growth. Pastor Bermingham also played a key role in establishing a school, the Old Methodist Home, to nurture Christian education and preserve the French language within the Haitian community. The Hebron French-Speaking Seventh Day Adventist Church stands as a symbol of the Haitian community’s dedication. It is a reminder of their journey from a small prayer group to a thriving congregation in the heart of Brooklyn. It is a story woven with threads of faith, perseverance, and the enduring power of community.