Green Church Supporters Seeing Red

The case of the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church (or the Green Church for the distinctive tint of the church’s stonework) presents an interesting preservation fight in Brooklyn. Located at Ovington and 4th Avenues in Bay Ridge, the over 100 year-old church has served as a prominent community landmark to many in the neighborhood. Plans to sell the church to a developer have pitted the congregants, who want to sell and move into a smaller space, against many in the community who want to see the church building saved.

In recent years the congregation of Bay Ridge United Methodist has dwindled (down to 40 for Sunday services) and needed repairs inside and out have not been carried out for lack of funds. The church and its pastor, the Rev. Robert Emerick, hope to sell the church and incorporate a smaller meeting space into the new residential building which would most likely be built on the site.

At a recent community meeting organized by City Council Member Vincent Gentile, who supports efforts to save the church building, church members expressed anger about being told what they can and can’t do with their property and claim the building is beyond repair on their budget.

Concerned community members claim that the church is structurally sound and is worth preserving for its historical/architectural merit and its long presence as a neighborhood institution. The church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They hope a compromise development plan, which would include housing on the property but keep the church intact, could provide enough profit to begin repairs.

Rumors are flying about the timeline for the possible sale and demolition of the church, so be sure to stay tuned.

The next rally by those in support of preserving the church building will take place on Saturday, March 29th from 11:00 to 1:00 at Ovington and 4th Aves. More information about the Committee to Save the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church can be found here.