Before you stands Bethany Browne United Methodist Church. Its story is woven from threads of faith community and change. This church began not far from here as a Swedish mission. Imagine services held in a simple carpenter’s shop.
The Society of Christian Workers from Immanuel Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church wanted to spread their message. They wanted to bring people together. Their goal was to show them the way to Christ. This small ministry on Atlantic Avenue held a Sunday School class.
Soon an opportunity arose. The mission bought a building. It was once the Herkimer Street Baptist Church at Troy Avenue. The price was 7500 dollars. By spring 1889 the Sunday school moved in. Fifteen adults and 25 children attended.
This ministry grew. It transformed into a church. They now had their own building and pastor. Reverend Charles F. Thornblade preached his first sermon on September 1 1889. His text came from Romans 1:16. He proclaimed “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” They shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. The congregation became a legal organization on March 28 1891. It was known as the Swedish Bethany Methodist Episcopal Church. There were 78 full members. There were also 30 probationary members.
As the church grew the Swedish population shifted eastward. They moved to what is now Crown Heights. The decision was made to sell the Herkimer Street church. They followed the trend to Crown Heights. The site for this very building was purchased on December 16 1914. Groundbreaking took place on March 21 1915. The new building was dedicated on October 31 1915. This location marked its 100th anniversary in 2015.
Around 1919 Bethany Browne United Methodist Church relocated to this neo-Gothic church. It is on St. John’s Place near Albany Avenue. A new organ was installed around the time of the relocation.
In 1968 the Methodist Churches merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The church became Bethany United Methodist Church. Today the church stands strong in its mission. It proclaims “that the gates of hell shall not prevail against this church”. It all started with a vision. Men and women desired to be God’s change agents. They wanted to start a Sunday school. Their mission remains the same. They are demonstrators of God’s love. They are messengers of His Gospel. And they are sharers of His teachings.
Bethany Browne United Methodist Church welcomes all nationalities and ethnicities. They invite them to join on the road of discipleship.
Notably the church boasts a J.H. and C.S. Odell organ. The organ was built in 1919. It features electro-pneumatic action. The organ has two manuals and 14 stops. The Articles of Agreement show that the organ cost 3840 dollars. It was to be ready by October 15 1919.
Bethany Browne United Methodist Church’s journey reflects Brooklyn’s changing communities. Its doors remain open to all seeking faith fellowship and a sense of belonging. The story of Bethany Browne United Methodist Church is a testament to enduring faith. It is a beacon of hope and community. It is right here in the heart of New York City.