Community United Methodist Church

In 1923, the Community United Methodist Church opened its doors. It quickly became a cornerstone of the Jackson Heights neighborhood. The church wasn’t just a place for Sunday sermons. It became a vibrant hub for a diverse array of community groups. This included a significant presence of LGBT groups starting in the mid-1970s. Community United Methodist Church embraced the changing demographics of Jackson Heights. Under the leadership of Reverend Austin Armitstead, the church fostered multi-language ministries. It provided a safe and inclusive space for various community gatherings. Reverend Armitstead, who served from 1974 to 1995, was known to confront anti-gay protestors outside the church, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity. The church’s role in local activism became even more prominent in the 1990s. It served as the meeting place for Queens Gays and Lesbians United (Q-GLU). This influential group provided vital support to LGBT residents and advocated for gay visibility in the borough. Q-GLU’s monthly meetings at Community United Methodist Church often drew crowds of 50 to 100 people. These gatherings weren’t just for socializing. They featured talks by prominent activists and LGBT journalists. The idea for the Queens Pride Parade was even conceived during one of these meetings. Beyond LGBT advocacy, Community United Methodist Church remained a pillar of community support. It co-sponsored interfaith events, such as the Interfaith AIDS Memorial Service in 1999. This service, held at the church, brought together clergy from various faiths. It honored those lost to AIDS and featured panels from the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. The church’s history reveals a deep commitment to serving the evolving needs of Jackson Heights. From its early days as a place of worship to its embrace of diverse communities, Community United Methodist Church has consistently played a vital role in the neighborhood’s story.