In commemoration of its 150th birthday, the Canarsie Community Reformed Church (CCRC), located at 76 Conklin Avenue, celebrated the enviable milestone with an extravagant gala held on Friday, October 16th, at the elegant Glen Terrace, located at 5313 Avenue N.
Guests attired in more than their Sunday best were greeted by Pastors Maudelin R. Willock and Ramesh Singh, as well as members of the Anniversary Committee, before entering the grand ballroom where they enjoyed a lavish extended cocktail reception.
The program which followed was emceed by Andrea Baker who welcomed the Anniversary Committee. Baker also formally introduced Pastor Willock who said an opening prayer before she addressed the guests. Willock, the first female pastor of CCRC, told the gathering, “Our future rests in God’s hands. We came this far by faith because we have been leaning on the Lord.”
During the celebration, several members of CCRC were honored for their faithful and dedicated service. The pastor also recognized all clergy in attendance. Many had travelled from afar to be part of the evening’s milestone celebration. They were entertained with a riveting praise dance, performed by CCRC member Bianca Bascombe, and a piano and vocal selection by Josiah DeNooyer.
The program also included a historical account of CCRC, which was presented by Pastor Singh. In earlier times, the church was named the German Evangelical Reformed Church of Canarsie. Then in 1902, it was incorporated as the Dutch Evangelical Church of Canarsie. The name was later changed to Canarsie Reformed Church and after merging with Christ Community Church in 1997, it changed again, to what it is today — the Canarsie Community Reformed Church.
The event included a delicious dinner and a toast to the past and future of CCRC. Guests also enjoyed some dancing before the evening came to a close.
