Did you know that the Flatbush Church of the Redeemer stands as a testament to faith and community? It represents a unique blend of two congregations. Let’s step back in time and explore its story.
The Flatbush Church of the Redeemer’s story began with two separate churches. The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was founded in 1893. Twelve people gathered at C.G. Moller’s residence to start this new church. A public meeting followed in April 1894. It was resolved to organize an English Lutheran Church.
Initially, the society rented space at the Ross Street Presbyterian Chapel. They later met at Wilson and Lee Avenue. In 1895, land was purchased at Bedford Avenue and Hewest Street. Construction began, and the church was consecrated in December 1896.
Meanwhile, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Barnabas was on Lenox Road. In 1915, they proposed a merger with the Church of the Redeemer. St. Barnabas lacked a pastor. They offered their church building as a permanent place of worship. The merger was approved in January 1916. The Church of the Redeemer provided furnishings for the new auditorium. The Bedford Avenue property was sold to a synagogue.
After only thirteen years on Lenox Road, a new building was needed. Mayers, Murray & Phillip designed a neo-Gothic edifice on Ditmas Avenue. The new Flatbush Church of the Redeemer was octagonal. It had a pyramidal copper roof and a cupola. The completed church was dedicated on February 10, 1929.
In 1973, another significant merger took place. The congregation joined with the Flatbush Presbyterian Church. This Presbyterian Church was located nearby on East 23rd Street. The combined congregations became known as the Flatbush Church of the Redeemer.
Now, about the organs. The congregation commissioned the Aeolian-Votey Company. They moved and rebuilt the 1896 Müller & Abel organ. This organ came from the old church. Aeolian-Votey provided a new console. It featured draw knobs and tilting tablets. The company rebuilt the Swell, Choir, and Great chests. New pipes replaced the reed stops. Archer Gibson dedicated the organ on February 12, 1929. His program included Bach, Handel, and Wagner.
The Flatbush Presbyterian Church also had an organ. In 1916, M.P. Möller built a two-manual organ. The old Estey “Church Phonorium” reed organ was traded in.
Sometime after the 1973 merger, the Aeolian-Votey organ from the Lutheran church. It was merged into the Möller organ by Richard Walker. The Flatbush Church of the Redeemer stands as a symbol of unity. It shows how different communities can come together. Its rich history and beautiful architecture make it a landmark. It continues to serve its community.