Old First Reformed Church is recognized nationally as a historic landmark worthy of preservation, and is listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Fund for Sacred Places has awarded Old First participation in its selective grant-making program, Partners for Sacred Places. As we near completion of Phase 1 of our sanctuary restoration, following a successful 10-year capital campaign to restore the 1891 church building, even more miracles are coming our way.

Work Completed So Far ($2 million)

• Repair and restoration of the damaged Sanctuary ceiling
• Repair floors, restore and re-install church pews, and reopen organ
• Update of electrical wiring and restoration of the fixtures in the Sanctuary

What Needs to be Done ($5-$7 million)

• Repair and restoration of the 19^th century Tiffany, Heinigke and Willet stained glass windows in the Sanctuary
• Restore the 19^th century Roosevelt Pipe Organ
• Renovate the Carroll Street building for accessibility, to increase our capacity to fulfill our mission and bless the community of Park Slope, Brooklyn

Here’s How You Can Contribute

Your tax deductible donation, in any amount, will help insure that Old First can continue to welcome Park Slope’s musicians and artists, speakers and community groups for years to come.

Donations can be made via the GIVE button below. Please be sure to select “Capital Campaign” when you donate. Or send a check to Old First, with “Capital Campaign” noted in the menu line. All of the money raised in this campaign will go toward restoring the Sanctuary and Carroll Street building, bolstering funds already received.

A full electrical upgrade of the building along with restoration of the grand chandelier and smaller fixtures were completed by early December, 2022. Newly installed spotlights showcase our ceiling restoration and provide needed ambient lighting.

The Grace Chorale of Brooklyn, Dec 2022
(photo: Rev. Cheri Kroon)

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Press

• “A Church Seeks a Rescue” At Brooklyn’s Old First Reformed Church, one of New York City’s oldest churches, the sky is falling. Wall Street Journal, September 17, 2012.
• “Collapsed Ceilings Lead to Big Mitzvah” After Shared Disaster, Beth Elohim Gives $15,000 to Church. The Jewish Daily Forward, June 4, 2012.
• “Historic Church to Celebrate Easter Services at Synagogue” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 30, 2012.
• “Old First Reformed Church” Jason Zucker video about the ceiling collapse including interviews with Pastor Meeter, Rabbi Andy Bachman, and Old First members.
• “Park Slope church holds first public event since 2011 ceiling collapse” News 12 Brooklyn, May 19, 2019
• “Take a Look Inside Park Slope’s Old First Reformed Church, Gleaming After Restoration” Brownstoner, May 20, 2019