Significant events often arise from humble beginnings. The story of Memorial Baptist Church is a testament to this truth. It shows how a small seed of faith can blossom into a pillar of community.
In 1872, two women named Miss Morey and Miss Blavelt felt a calling. They wanted to provide spiritual guidance to the children of Park Slope. Their Sunday school began modestly. The earliest records show only two attendees for the first two Sundays. On the third Sunday, three children came. But the women’s dedication soon bore fruit. Within three months, attendance grew to over thirty children. A small store on 7th Avenue became their meeting place.
As the Sunday school flourished, it needed more space. It relocated to a store on 18th Street. Five years later, Deacon Alonzo Cole and others from Greenwood Baptist Church joined the effort. The Sunday school became a branch of Greenwood Baptist Church. Greenwood Baptist Church itself had been established by members of Strong Place Baptist Church.
The growing numbers soon required another move. The congregation found a vacant paint shop on 19th Street. It was near 8th Avenue. Here, the first regular church services were held in the evenings. Adults who accompanied their children to Sunday school began attending.
The need for even larger quarters became clear. The church rented the top floors of two adjacent houses on 8th Avenue. These houses were located between 18th and 19th Streets. To create a larger space, the two rooms were combined into one. The congregation rejoiced at God’s provision. On December 30, 1890, a meeting was held to establish a new church.
On October 16 of the following year, Memorial Baptist Church was officially incorporated. Soon after, the church building was erected. It stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness. Church members enlarged the basement using picks and shovels. Over the years, volunteers have helped with construction tasks. These tasks included roofing, flooring, painting, and landscaping.
Since 1935 Memorial Baptist Church has stood firm. It stays committed to Christ. It preaches the truth of the Bible. It serves as a loving congregation to Park Slope and beyond. Memorial Baptist Church has been celebrating being connected to the Community. You are always welcome at Memorial Baptist Church.
The building was built at a cost of $30,000. The granite and brick structure includes an auditorium. It seats about 800 people. Adjacent Sunday school rooms can be opened for additional seating. The church has a William B. Williams organ. It was built around 1894. It is believed to be his opus 20. Williams was an organ builder in New York City.