Ready to uncover a hidden gem? We are standing before the Andrews Methodist Church. This historic church has stood in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, since 1893. Today, it’s known as Andrews Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church.
Andrews Methodist Church started small. In 1851, a group of farmers met in William Lindsay’s home. They wanted to form a Methodist Episcopal society. They called it the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church of Union Place. Joseph and Mrs. Bridges donated land. It was on Rapelje Street now Richmond Street. Construction started on a simple wooden building. The basement even served as the first school in Union Place.
In 1872, the church changed its name. It became Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. This was to honor Bishop Edward Gayer Andrews. Then, in 1893, the old wooden church was torn down. A new brick church replaced it. George W. Kramer, a church architect from Akron, Ohio, designed it.
Notice the orange brick. Also notice the square bell tower. It rises three stories high. See the large rose windows on the front and side. The interior follows the Akron Plan. This plan was popular for Methodist churches. Kramer developed it. The Akron Plan used two tiers of Sunday School rooms. These could open into a larger assembly room. That room could then open into a semi-circular auditorium.
Look to the side. You will see a two-story Sunday school wing. Also, note the original church parsonage. It is a two-story frame house. It was built in 1878-1879. It shows the Italianate style.
Andrews Methodist Church has seen changes over the years. In 1895, it was enlarged. It was enlarged again in 1923. This was when it merged with the Williams M.E. Church.
Music has always been important here. In 1922, M.P. Möller, Inc. built a new organ. The church paid $8,000 plus their old organ. The new organ had 25 stops and 22 ranks. It had a detached three-manual stop-key console. The dedication recital took place on October 9, 1923. Walter Wild played the organ. Edith Gaile sang.
In February 1992, Andrews Methodist Church gained recognition. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Around 2012, the building was sold. The Ghana Wesley Congregation bought it. However, the remaining Andrews congregation continues to worship here. Andrews Methodist Church remains a testament to faith and community. It has evolved while preserving its rich heritage. Its story is one of growth. It reflects the changing face of Brooklyn.