Fenimore Street church celebrates 134th anniversary

With lofty singing, praying, preaching, reading of scriptures and liturgical dancing, congregants at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church at the corner of Fenimore Street and Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn on Sunday celebrated the landmark church’s 134th anniversary.

The church’s African-American pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, brought the Word, on “Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper, Reaching Higher in Faith”, in the three-hour-long Worship Service, organized by the church’s Anniversary Committee, chaired by Trinidadian-born Retired Nurse Marlene Ferguson.

Council Member Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born representative for the 40th Council District that encompasses the church, attended the service, giving a citation to Rev. Jackson for the church.

“It is with great honor that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion, as we gather to commemorate the 134th anniversary of our beloved Fenimore Church,” said Joseph, chair of the City Council’s Education Committee. “With deep gratitude and a heart full of unwavering faith, I join you in celebrating this remarkable milestone.

“The theme for this Anniversary Year resonates profoundly within us: ‘Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper, Reaching Higher in Faith,’ inspired by the powerful words of Isaiah 40:31,” she added. “As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we are reminded that life often presents us with challenges and obstacles. However, it is through our steadfast faith in the Lord that we find the strength to persevere.”

Joseph said Isaiah 40:31 “beautifully captures this truth: ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.’”

She said these words serve as “a guiding light for us as we look back on the incredible journey of Fenimore Church.

“Over 134 years, we have grown as a faith community, facing adversity with unwavering faith and triumphing over countless trials,” the council member said. “Our unity and determination have been the foundation of our progress, enabling us to overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable.

“We are also deepening, not only in our faith but in our relationships, understanding, and compassion,” she added. “As we nurture the bonds of our faith community, we become a force of love and empathy, always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need.”

Rev. Jackson preached that “our faith is stronger”, adding that “it comes from God.

“The bible says, ‘blessed are those who trust in God’”, he said. “We’ve come thus far by faith. We keep trusting in God. Our faith is our sustaining power. We’re known by our good fruit.

“Our God takes care of those who trust in Him,” Rev. Jackson added. “May we keep partner in faith. So, we thank God for 134 years. We only go higher and deeper if we act and walk by faith.

“God is rewarding for us to hold on to Him,” he continued. “Be encouraged and continue to walk by faith.”

The Young Adult Praise Team, the Sunday School children, the liturgical dances and the United Voices of Praise were among participants in the uplifting celebration.

Liturgical dancers go through their routine. Photo by Nelson A. King

“Giving honor, glory and all hallelujah to our God who has kept this historical landmark standing 134 years at 276 Fenimore Street, I am proud to be a member of this landmark,” said Ferguson, who is also chair of the church’s Family Life Committee, before presenting, with co-chair Jamaican Doreen Thomas, a bouquet of flowers to First Lady Sis. Kim, wife of Pastor Jackson, and awards to, among others, Rev. Jackson and Jeffrey Adolphus, the church’s former organist, who has retired to Belize, his native land.

“On behalf of our pastor, Rev. Roger. Jackson, officers and members of this great church and the Anniversary Committee, we thank each and every one who has joined us in person and those of you who are viewing us live on YouTube,” Ferguson added. “I trust that the service was a blessing to you. I do hope that today something in the pastor’s messages has touched your soul to rekindle that desire for a closer walk with God, as we all struggle along that pathway.”

She also gave special thanks to the Young Adult Praise Team; UVOP; Sunday School children; liturgical dancers; Anniversary Committee; and Friends of Fenimore, alumni and sick-shut-in.

“I cannot explain this Agape love you all have for us here at Fenimore,” said Ferguson, turning to the alumni. “We are grateful for all that you have been doing for us. We appreciate your generosity. You will always be in our prayers.”

Pastor the Rev. Roger Jackson receives award, flanked by his wife, First Lady Sis. Kim, to his right. Others in photo, Sis. Marlene Ferguson, left, and Sis. Doreen Thomas. Photo by Nelson A. King

According to the church’s history, read, in part by Sis. Linda Brown, an African-American member of the Anniversary Committee and Chancel Choir, Fenimore United Methodist Church of Flatbush was organized out of the first Methodist Episcopal Church, on Lenox Road and Flatbush Avenue, and was incorporated on Aug. 20, 1889.

The church was formally admitted to the New York East conference in April of 1890 and dedicated in May of 1890. Rev. James J. Hall served as pastor from 1890-1894.

Rev. C.S. Williams (1894-1898) dedicated the Sunday School Room, which is now the extended sanctuary on Sunday, Oct. 8, 1897. The parsonage was built in 1900.

During the ministry of Rev. H.C. Whitney, (1926 – 1936) the frame of the buildings of the parsonage and church were “stuccoed.” A social hall and well-equipped kitchen were also built.

During Rev. I. Hemmingway’s ministry (1951-1960), the membership became more integrated, with many Black families worshiping at Fenimore.

Rev James Veatch succeeded Rev. Hemmingway in 1960 as a student pastor. After his ordination, he was officially appointed. His ministry was characterized by strong civil rights activities.

In early 1970, the Wesley Methodist Church merged with Fenimore Street United Methodist Church.

Many new programs were introduced during this period, namely, the annual silent supper, singles ministry for young adults and youth, summer camp and tutoring, health and welfare program, heritage and higher educational program, revival and evangelism program, a senior center, drama and creative writing programs for all, and heritage instructions on all levels.

Council Member Rita Joseph presents a citation to Pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson.

In early 1972, Fenimore was faced with the challenge of keeping its doors open, when it was  given an option to merge with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

But, with strong determination and resolve, Fenimore was victorious in keeping the church in the community, according to the church’s history.

During the pastorate of Rev. Lester Baker (1974 – 1980), extensive renovations were done. In 1978 the church building was re-dedicated, and a computerized Allen Organ was purchased and dedicated to the late Dr. Donald Wright.

Under the guidance of Rev. Neville Buchanan (1980 -1993), significant accomplishments were made, including the liquidation of the church’s mortgage with a ceremonial “burning.”

Guyanese Rev. Dr. Ivan J. Roberts (1994 – 2002) (deceased) brought in more growth, physically to the church building and spiritually to the congregation.

He guided the first “Rally of the Nations” with the proceeds used to purchase a church van and air conditioners for the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall. A six-family unit was purchased at 201 Hawthorne Street, Brooklyn during this time.

In 2002, African-American the Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon was appointed Fenimore’s first female minister. Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon initiated many new ministries, including Disciple Bible Study.

She also spearheaded a second successful “Rally of the Nations”; and, with the proceeds, the renovations of the Fellowship Hall and kitchen were accomplished. The church’ music ministry grew to six choirs. There were also a “vibrant” Dance Ministry, Singles Ministry, Prayer sit-ins, and Healing Ministry.

“We now have the addition of our current pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, and his wife, First Lady, Sis. Kim Jackson, serving as community caregivers, church builders, uplifting leaders, and valiant nurturers, meeting the tasks of our present needs both physically and spiritually,” Brown said.

“As they acquaint themselves in our community, Rev. Jackson and his wife have shown an unwavering devotion and service to the families of the Flatbush, Brooklyn community and our ever-growing youth and special needs population — a unique pastor who has a warm understanding of what a church needs in this time,” she added.

“Despite our many challenges, Fenimore Street United Methodist Church, through its past and present ministers, we have been able to stand as a beacon of hope and love at the corner of Rogers and Fenimore Street,” Brown continued.