Did you know the Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church dates back to 1654? This historic church at Kings Highway and East 40th Street stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s Dutch heritage. It is also known as Flatlands Reformed Church.
The Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church complex includes the church itself. It also has an administration building and a cemetery. The congregation’s roots go deep into the 17th century.
Originally founded in the Dutch town of New Amersfoort now Flatlands the church has a rich history. The first church building was near where we are now. It stood until 1794. The current building is actually the third one on this very site.
Look at the Greek Revival style of the Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church built in 1848. The administration building next to it was built in 1904. It was later expanded in the 1920s.
Imagine services here centuries ago. The Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church’s cemetery holds about 1500 burials dating back to 1660. Many prominent Dutch families rest here. They include the Wyckoffs Kouwenhovens and Lotts.
This church bell is a significant artifact. It replaced an earlier bell from the Netherlands in 1794. Since George Washington’s death this bell has marked every American President’s passing. It also rang to celebrate peace treaties. It rang to mark the end of wars after the Revolutionary War.
Take note of the plaque on the lawn. It marks Kings Highway as the route Lord Cornwallis took on August 26 1776. His troops outflanked the Americans at the Battle of Long Island.
The Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church suspended Dutch services in 1812. This broadened its appeal beyond the Dutch community. Yet the formal name remains the Protestant Dutch Reformed Church of Flatlands.
Over the years the Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church has faced challenges. A fire in 1974 destroyed much of the interior. But each time the congregation rebuilt. They continued to worship here.
The Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church was designated a New York City landmark in 1966. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This highlights its importance. It shows its enduring legacy. As we stand here we connect with centuries of history resilience and faith.