Scores of worshippers gathered at Canarsie Community Reformed Church (CCRC), 76 Conklin Avenue, on Sunday, October 25th, for their anniversary service held in observation of the church’s 150th birthday. The celebration, hosted under the theme, “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future,” was the second major event observed by CCRC to mark the milestone occasion, the first being an elegant gala held one week earlier.
The service commenced with an opening song, “Lord You are Good,” and a procession of historic items consisting of an ancient Bible, a plaque from CCRC’s establishment in 1876 and communion vessels which were brought to the front of the church. The congregation then joined in singing “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” “Look What the Lord Has Done” and other joyful melodies.
Reverend Maudelin Willock, the first female pastor of CCRC, welcomed everyone and expressed her thanks and joy for the gathering. “Your presence today is a gift, and we give thanks to God for the fellowship we share as God’s people,” she stated.
“The historical items carried into the church earlier remind us of the sacred inheritance we have received. These items represent generations of faithful witness through the proclamation of God’s word, the sharing of Christ’s table and the ministry of God’s people,” Willock added. “As we honor the past here at Canarsie and embrace the future with you together, may this celebration strengthen our commitment to the ministry Christ continues to entrust to us as we continue our worship,” the reverend said.
An opening prayer was offered by Elder Thelma Richmond who gave thanks to God, the “source of our life and giver of every good gift,” for sustaining CCRC “through 150 years of “worship, witness, struggle and change.”
Elder Ramesh Singh then gave the congregation an update on CCRC’s “Sacred Legacy.”
“Our story began in 1873, when the Reverend John Conrad Dickhaut came to Canarsie to recover from an illness. Finding German-speaking residents without a church in which to worship, he vowed that if God restored his health, he would preach the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Singh shared.
“That October, Rev. Dickhaut rented a hall and began holding services. Those early efforts faced setbacks, but in May 1876, he returned and renewed the work. Worship began in a rented schoolhouse on Conklin Avenue with a congregation of 72 members,” the elder said.
“On June 19, 1876, the South Classis of Long Island formally recognized the German Evangelical Reformed Church of Canarsie as a congregation of the Reformed Church in America. The Consistory was organized that September, and Rev. Dickhaut was installed as the first pastor on November 12th. In 1877, the congregation acquired the church property. The church building was dedicated to the Lord’s service on November 4th of that year, establishing a lasting home for worship and ministry,” Singh added.
“As Canarsie changed, the congregation changed with it. Services were conducted in German and English, and English eventually became the language of worship. The congregation became known as the Dutch Evangelical Reformed Church of Canarsie and was incorporated in 1902. In time, it took the name Canarsie Reformed Church.”
“Another significant chapter began in 1997 when Christ Community Church, led by Reverend Dr. Adrian Tenhor, began worshipping with Canarsie Reformed Church under Reverend Felix Busby. In 1998, the two congregations merged, becoming the Canarsie Community Reformed Church,” Singh added.
The celebration included a remembrance ceremony for CCRC members who have passed on. “Their voices once joined our singing. Their prayers upheld our fellowship. Their labor, generosity and love helped shape the congregation we have inherited,” Deacon Monica Binns told the gathering. Several current members were also honored and presented with awards for faithful service.
Anniversary greetings from Revelation 7:9 Ministries were read, as well as proclamations from Governor Kathy Hochul and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. State Senator Roxanne Persaud who attended the celebration also presented a proclamation and good wishes to Willock. Norine Medas, executive director of Canarsie Merchants Association, extended good wishes as well.
The ceremony continued with a reading from Isaiah 58:10-14 by guest preacher Reverend Dr. Tim TenClay. In his sermon, the reverend stated that biblical prophecies are promises about what would happen to those who chose the wrong path in life. “Prophecies are God’s way of saying here’s a fork in the road. Choose carefully which side you’re going to take,” he emphasized.
The celebration ended with a benediction by TenClay and was followed with a reception.
