Gazing at the Park Slope Community Church, one might sense the echoes of its rich past. The Park Slope Community Church stands proudly on 12th Street, between 4th and 5th Avenues in the South Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. Originally built in 1869, this architectural gem wasn’t always known as the Park Slope Community Church. It began its life as the Twelfth Street Reformed Church. The architect, Gamaliel King, also designed Brooklyn’s City Hall, showcasing his prominent role in shaping the city’s landscape. King chose the Rundbogenstil Romanesque Revival style, a German-inspired design popular in Brooklyn during the mid-19th century. The style’s distinctive blind arches and pointed Gothic towers are a testament to the German architectural influence of the time. The church’s history traces back to 1840. Members of the South Reformed Dutch Church in Gowanus sought to establish a new church in what was then called South Brooklyn. This new congregation, initially named The North Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Gowanus, built their first church on 3rd Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets. Following a yellow fever epidemic in 1856, the congregation grew, necessitating a larger space. This led to the construction of the church we see today on 12th Street. In 1968, the 12th Street Reformed Church disbanded, marking a turning point in the building’s story. The Park Slope Community Church, a Baptist congregation, purchased the building, breathing new life into its historic walls. Today, the Park Slope Community Church embraces its mission of cultivating deep roots in Christ and active love for its neighbors. It strives to be a community centered around the Gospel, fostering growth and service to those around them. Led by Dr. Logan Dagley, the church continues to serve the diverse community of Park Slope, offering a place of worship and connection. From its Rundbogenstil architecture to its evolving congregations, the Park Slope Community Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community in the heart of Brooklyn.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to