Springfield Gardens Church Of The Nazarene

From its humble beginnings in 1907, the Springfield Gardens Church Of The Nazarene has been a beacon of holiness in Queens. A small group, inspired by a spiritual movement in Brooklyn, began meeting independently. They sought to live and spread holiness throughout Queens and Long Island. This group, initially known as The Methodist Protestant Movement, eventually found a home on New York Avenue, now Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. Their services were simple yet filled with enthusiasm and biblical teachings. Leaders like Rev. Isaac Remsen and Rev. George Scheveare guided the flock. Several other pastors served the Methodist Protestant Movement, including Rev. Maylow, Rev. Gordon, Rev. Bolton, Rev. Tuttle, and Rev. Brower. Sister Sarah E. Mount became pastor between 1914 and 1918. She began to involve Christian workers from the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene in Brooklyn. This fellowship led the Queens church to join the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene. In March 1918, the Springfield Gardens Church Of The Nazarene was officially organized with fourteen charter members under Rev. George Howard Rowe. The first official board included dedicated members like Mrs. Sarah Mount, Mrs. Nostrand, Mrs. Remsen, Mrs. H. Gray, Bro. Nostrand, Bro. Tiller, and Sis. Randolph. The church was officially incorporated in November 1919. The church faced financial struggles. These struggles led to the sale of their original building in 1930. They then acquired new property on Farmers Avenue, now Farmers Boulevard. Under the leadership of Rev. William Stringham, the current Springfield Gardens Church Of The Nazarene building was completed in 1933 and dedicated in 1934. Demographic changes in the area brought both challenges and opportunities. The predominantly white congregation dwindled as more African Americans and West Indians moved into the neighborhood. A few dedicated members, including Bro. Raymond Deitel, Sis. Sarah Gerst, and Sis. Lucille Thompson, remained committed to the church’s mission. They kept the church open even during times without a pastor. The church saw renewed growth in the 1970s. Young people pursued higher education and some even became pastors themselves. Rev. Samuel Wilson led the church to financial stability during his fourteen-year tenure. Rev. Rudyard Morgan served as his assistant pastor for six years. Rev. Paul E. Williams served for eight years until his passing in 2006. The church’s growth under Rev. Williams led to the implementation of two morning services. A Haitian ministry began under Rev. Wilson, eventually leading to the formation of the Springfield Gardens Holiness (Haitian) Church of the Nazarene in 1989, led by Rev. Rolin J. Solage. Rev. Lenroy C. S. Pascall became pastor in 2006, bringing about physical renovations and spiritual development. Today, the Springfield Gardens Church Of The Nazarene continues its mission to be evangelists, worshippers, members, developers, and servants, striving to reach the lost and do God’s will.