Hidden in plain sight on Gates Avenue stands the Evening Star Baptist Church. It’s a building that whispers tales of two very different faiths. The Evening Star Baptist Church, a vibrant hub of the Bedford-Stuyvesant community, wasn’t always a Baptist church. This striking structure, with its clean lines and imposing presence, once served a different congregation. It was originally built in 1917 as a chapel for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The design, a surprising departure from the surrounding brownstones, was the work of architect Eric Holmgren. He seemed to channel the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly his iconic Unity Temple. The building’s modernist aesthetic, with its vertical lines and square shape, stands in stark contrast to the Victorian architecture of its neighbors. The Mormons, with their Eastern States Mission headquarters nearby, worshipped here until the early 1960s. Then, the Evening Star Baptist Church purchased the building. The church has been a cornerstone of the community ever since. The Evening Star Baptist Church continues to thrive, its stucco walls bearing witness to a rich and layered history. The building stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of faith in Brooklyn. It’s a place where the echoes of hymns and prayers from two distinct traditions intertwine, creating a unique spiritual harmony. The Evening Star Baptist Church, with its unconventional past, is a hidden gem in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, a testament to architectural innovation and the enduring power of faith.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to