Picture this. You are standing before Hunts Point Church. A cornerstone proudly displays 1915. This isn’t just any church. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and the spirit of a community.
Hunts Point Church wasn’t built overnight. It began in 1911. A 100 by 100-foot plot was purchased. The Church Extension Committee of the Presbytery of New York secured it from the Douglas Robinson Charles S Brown Company. It was then that the Hunts Point Presbyterian Church was established. This location became its home.
By 1915 an addition was made. The church had clearly flourished. Five years later a bronze plaque honored those who served in World War I. Two parishioners Ensign John Douglas Mackenzie and Private Gerald Mulgioti gave their lives. The unveiling was a significant event. Bronx Judge Louis Gibbs and Reverend Graham C Hunter spoke. Reverend Hunter a former pastor of Hunts Point Church was greatly admired.
Reverend Hunter was a remarkable figure. Along with Rev Harold Sibley Rambo he undertook an unusual social experiment in 1914. They disguised themselves as homeless men. They spent a night at a city shelter. Their aim was to experience the treatment of the homeless firsthand. They were surprisingly satisfied with their experience. This bold act highlights a concern for the vulnerable that existed then. It makes one wonder how such an experiment would fare today.
Hunts Point Church stands as a symbol of faith. It represents the enduring spirit of a community. It witnessed historical events. It also served as a place of comfort and hope for generations. This humble building has a rich history. Its story is one of growth adaptation and unwavering dedication. It’s a story worth remembering.