Help Us Rebuild South Bushwick Church after fire!

Dear South Bushwick Church Family, Friends, Neighbors, and Partners, It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved church building suffered a devastating fire on June 19, 2026. The blaze caused significant damage to our historic sanctuary and resulted in the loss of portions of the structure that have stood as a witness to faith, hope, and community for generations. The fire severely damaged our landmark sanctuary and caused the collapse of our iconic steeple. While we grieve the damage to this sacred place, we are grateful beyond words that no lives were lost. For more than 170 years, South Bushwick Church has been more than a building. It has been our spiritual home, a gathering place, a beacon of hope, and a source of service for our community. Through worship, prayer, outreach, fellowship, and compassionate ministry, generations have encountered God's presence within these walls. Today, those walls have been damaged, but our mission remains intact. The church is not brick and mortar alone. The church is people. The church is faith. The church is love in action. As we begin the difficult journey ahead, we are working closely with city agencies, engineers, preservation experts, and community partners to assess the damage and determine the path toward restoration and rebuilding. We remain committed to serving our congregation and our neighborhood throughout this process. We ask for your prayers, your encouragement, and your partnership through financial giving during this season of recovery. In the coming days and weeks, we will share additional opportunities to support restoration and rebuilding efforts and help preserve this historic house of worship for future generations. As Scripture reminds us: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1 Though the fire has altered our building, it has not diminished our faith. We believe that with God's help and the support of this remarkable community and everyone, South Bushwick Church will rise again. Thank you for standing with us. With faith and hope, Rev. Dr. James E. Steward II Pastor, South Bushwick Church Pray for our congregation and community. Share messages of encouragement. Stay connected through our website and social media channels. Watch for upcoming announcements regarding recovery and rebuilding efforts. The building has been damaged, but the ministry continues. The fire has changed our circumstances, but it has not changed our calling. "We will rebuild. We will restore. We will continue to serve."