Here stands the Community Church of Douglaston a beacon of faith and community. This church’s story began long before its physical structure took shape. On April 25 1915 thirty Douglaston residents gathered. They met at the Douglaston Club. Their purpose was to form a new church society.
The first service took place on May 2 1916. Rev Ulysses Grant Warren of Brooklyn preached. By month’s end a store near the train station became a temporary church. Rev Cyrus I Scofield volunteered to preach in November. He was the compiler of the Scofield Reference Bible. The society formalized during the next year. They purchased the property where the church stands for $6000.
In 1919 a portable church building was erected. The members voted to affiliate with the Reformed Church of America. Rev Dr M Eugene Filipse became the minister two years later. Members pledged to a building fund. The cornerstone for a permanent church was laid on January 27 1924. William Neil Smith designed the church. It won three awards for colonial architecture. It was called the church in the heart of the community. The community was in its heart too.
Rev Filipse served for almost 40 years. The congregation grew with the Douglaston community. Activities increased and an educational building was added in 1952. Rev Filipse dedicated the building. He said it was for the Christian education of our people. It was for their equipment as Christian servants of mankind.
The Community Church of Douglaston continues to serve. It provides spiritual nourishment to its congregation. The church sponsors nursery and youth group programs. It also runs a summer camp. It actively supports the community. It provides a convenient meeting location for various groups. Douglaston is a desirable cohesive community. This is in large part because of the Community Church of Douglaston.
The sanctuary was built in 1924. The education building followed in 1951. Both showcase an elegant Georgian style. The church itself was founded in 1915. It affiliated with the RCA in 1919.
Four porch columns and an oculus grace the sanctuary’s western entry. A stained glass image of the Good Shepherd is at the eastern end. It sits above the chancel. The interior is brightened by eight large windows. These windows were recently redone with lightly tinted glass. At night the space is splendid in tones of white and burgundy. Air conditioning keeps it comfortable in summer.
Internet access is available throughout the facility. A recent upgrade included numerous wireless access points. The education building serves many church functions. The upper floor houses the pastor’s study and church office. There is a newly renovated Nursery and an additional study. The library and a small chapel are also on that floor. The chapel features stained-glass windows and an organ. It is used for Ash Wednesday and special services. The Jean Kenney Memorial parlor is also located here. It has a grand piano and air conditioning. It is furnished for fellowship rehearsals concerts meetings and lectures. A kitchen and small dining room are next to the parlor. You’ll also find a music room and restrooms on this floor.
The Fellowship Hall is a large general-purpose space. It is used for meetings and performances. It has a small stage and a large kitchen. The kitchen has direct access to the outdoors. Several classrooms and meeting rooms are downstairs. These are rented out to an after-school program and pre-k. Restrooms are also available.
Pastor Adrienne Hausch noted that the soul of the church has never been redesigned. Her grandfather founded the church nearly nine decades ago. Former pastor John Meyer noted the stunning hardwood floors. The stain-glassed windows were also completely replaced. Meyer served as pastor since 1972. He retired in September.
The Community Church of Douglaston stands as a testament. It shows the enduring power of faith community and tradition. It is a place where the past and future come together. It is a place where the spirit of Douglaston thrives.