Picture a sturdy wood-framed church. This is the New Lots Community Church. It stands proudly on New Lots Avenue. This unassuming building holds centuries of history. The New Lots Community Church wasn’t always this way.
In 1821 the people of New Lots needed their own church. They were farmers not wealthy merchants. Money was scarce. But a hurricane provided a solution. It knocked down many oak trees. The resourceful Dutch settlers used the fallen timber. They let it season for almost two years. Then they built their church.
Abraham and Cornelia Van Siclen donated land. A massive building bee followed. Volunteers worked tirelessly. The church cost only $35.00. Amazing craftsmanship created a unique building. It’s a vernacular example of the Federal style. The four pointed arched windows add a hint of Gothic Revival. The belfry is equally unique. Built on a square base it has an octagonal top. Wooden pegs not nails hold the structure together. This remarkable craftsmanship has lasted for almost two centuries.
Over time stained glass replaced clear glass. Electricity heat and plumbing were added. A community center and rectory were built. In 1990 the church began to lean. A large truss beam cracked. The building was unusable. The congregation raised funds for repairs. The church reopened in 1991.
The New Lots Community Church has a fascinating history. Its beginnings lie in a resourceful community. The church and its cemetery were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Today the church is an African American congregation. It’s part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion AMEZ denomination. This church is more than a place of worship. It’s a testament to community resilience and enduring faith. A landmark in every sense. This is the heart of New Lots.