 |
|
Inspired by the Past * Building for the Future
Our Story
The story of the Church of the Ascension began in 1846 when a group of Episcopalians starting holding worship services in Greenpoint. By 1854, a small wood-frame church was built on K Street (now Kent Street) on what is now the site of the Rectory.
By the 1860’s, the parish community had grown tremendously and needed more space. In 1865, the current church was erected. The chief benefactor was Thomas Fitch Rowland, the builder of the Civil War submarine, USS Monitor. While some renovations and interior additions have occurred, much of the church remains the same and visitors can still see some of the original stained glass windows.
Parish life thrived during its early years and on Ascension Day 1885, the parish hall was opened and dedicated by the first Bishop of Long Island.
In the early 1900’s, the parish hall housed a theater group. Over its’ 125 years, the parish hall has been used for after-school programs, community fairs, social service programs, and more. Today, it serves as a parish and community meeting space and hosts our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner that serves the needy in our community.
Over its nearly two centuries of existence, Greenpoint’s oldest church has seen many changes in its life and in our community in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Yet, one cannot help but be reminded of our parish history and Greenpoint’s past when visiting the Church of the Ascension.
Sacred Space
In the midst of this rich history, God has spoken to each of us. We all have memories and stories to share of encountering the Divine in our worship, fellowship and ministry. Each of our stories – whether we have been here 100 years or 100 days – have been etched into the timbers of this place. This place is sacred not just because it’s God’s house, but because it is where God’s people find their faith strengthened and hope restored.
“Inspired by the Past, Building for the Future”
Time has taken its toll on our buildings, though. Much of the parish hall goes unused and the church is in need of restoration.
On Ascension Day 2007, the Vestry created the Historic Preservation Fund to begin earmarking and raising funds for this unprecedented multi-year plan. The Vestry designated $20,000 of the endowment for this purpose.
Beginning the Project
Small fundraising began immediately. Numerous area organizations and businesses, as well as individuals connected to the parish donated to the fund.
In August, we received a grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy to begin a six- month existing conditions assessment on the church and the parish hall. We contracted with Jan Hird Pokorny Associates (JHPA), a well-known architectural firm with a specialty in historic properties. Engineers and architects from JHPA spent many hours surveying our buildings and a report was presented to the Vestry. This project cost just under $15,000 – coming in almost $7,000 under budget!
Responding to a few immediate concerns, the Vestry contracted with Annex Restoration to take some preventative measures and make minor repairs to the gutters and light-wells. This project cost about $4,000.
The Next Step
Because of the generosity of many of you and those who have gone before us, the Vestry has had the ability to begin this much-needed work.
It is now time to begin an extra-ordinary giving campaign that will help preserve this place for future generations of Christians. We must honor the legacy of those faithful Christian men and women who have gone before us as we strive to meet the challenges of Christian ministry today.
Engaging the Space
Nestled in the heart of the Historic District, the Church of the Ascension is a reminder of Greenpoint’s rich history.
As we enter the 21st Century, we must continue to look for new and creative ways to continue to bear witness to the Gospel through worship, hospitality, and outreach in Greenpoint and Williamsburg.
|
PHASE ONE
2008-2010$100,000.00
Pledged to date: $70,800
Received from pledge: $15,678
|
|
