Corona Congregational Church

Did you know that the Corona Congregational Church hosted the funeral of a jazz legend? Here at 102-18 34th Avenue, the spirit of Louis Armstrong filled this very sanctuary in 1971. His music transcended boundaries, but his final farewell took place right here at the Corona Congregational Church. This church, nestled in Queens, is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to resilience, activism, and community, woven into the very fabric of Corona since 1915. Eleven families, pillars of the African-American community, laid the cornerstone for this spiritual haven. Under the Reverend George W. Hinton, the church became a beacon of hope, advocating for equality and justice. The very park next to the Dorie Miller Cooperative Houses bears his name, a tribute to his legacy. In 1929, the Corona Congregational Church welcomed the influential scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois, his words resonating within these walls. Just a decade later, during the 1939 World’s Fair, the church opened its doors to African American families denied lodging in segregated hotels. It provided not just shelter but a powerful statement against prejudice. The Corona Congregational Church continued its fight for civil rights throughout the turbulent 1950s and 60s, led by Reverend Robert D. Sherard. It forged strong ties with the NAACP, becoming a local hub for the movement. During the challenging decades that followed, the church remained a steadfast anchor for the community, battling poverty and social injustice. They even partnered with the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast Program, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their neighbors. Today, the Corona Congregational Church stands tall, a living testament to its rich history of social activism. It carries the echoes of powerful voices and the unwavering spirit of a community. It’s a place where music legends find their final rest and where the fight for justice continues to resonate.