[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23649]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO NEW LOTS COMMUNITY CHURCH

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of New Lots Community Church 
in Brooklyn, NY, in commemoration of its 180th anniversary and 
spiritual leadership in the community.
  Around 1667, the area of New Lots, originally known as Eastwoods, was 
reportedly purchased by the Dutch from the Canarsie or the Rockaway 
Indians. The town of New Lots extended from what is now Highland Park 
on the north to Jamaica Bay on the south and from Rockaway Avenue on 
the west to Elderts Lane on the east. During the early years of the 
settlement, the most important highway in the area was the New Lots 
Road frequently noted in historical accounts of the Revolutionary War. 
In all this vast acreage of New Lots, there was no church. The 
residents had to travel by horse and wagon to Flatlands or Flatbush 
churches for services, marriages, and baptisms.
  New Lots was part of a collegium of six churches sharing a ministry: 
Flatbush, Flatlands, Brooklyn, New Utrech, Bushwick, and Gravesend. 
These churches are still part of the Brooklyn Classis. An elder and 
deacon from New Lots served on the Collegiate Consistory. Consistory 
meetings consisted of one minister serving six churches with a widely 
scattered membership. Rev. Malcom Evens in his historical sketch 
written for the 140th Anniversary Celebration retells how New Lots was 
built. In 1821 an ``Act of God,'' as hurricanes are often called, 
hastened a decision by the residents of New Lots to build their own 
church. The hurricane toppled many oak trees. The Dutch, noted for 
being a frugal and prudent people, accepted God's gift of lumber. After 
the wood had seasoned for about a year and a half, they began to cut, 
hew and saw the trees in preparation for building their house of 
worship. Abraham and Cornelia Van Siclen deeded over to the building 
committee one-quarter acre of land on New Lots and Schenck Avenue. In 
1832 a fundraiser was held and volunteer workers and well wishers came 
from near and far. Through the united efforts of the congregation, this 
House of God was reportedly built for somewhere between $25 to $35. 
This small colonial clapboard structure, unique in New York, was 
designated an official city landmark in 1966.
  Wooden pegs secure this building of colonial architecture with timber 
notched and joined. It stands today as a tribute to the soundness of 
the craftsmanship of the Dutch people. In 1972, in order to meet the 
growing needs of the community, the church built the educational 
complex next door--The New Lots Family Center. Within the last year and 
a half an entire renovation of the Family Center was undertaken. Over 
the years, the church building began to lean and a large wooden truss 
broke in the ceiling. In 1990, the congregation was compelled to vacate 
the sanctuary and have worship in the New Lots Family Center until 
repairs could be made. Upon completion of the renovations, the 
sanctuary was rededicated in 1991.
  The original and official name is the Reformed Protestant Dutch 
Church in the town of New Lots. However over the years, the church has 
gone through several name changes. In the early 1980s, the church 
obtained the current name of the New Lots Community Church, R.C.A. to 
be used as an assumed name. Today within these hallow walls, sons and 
daughters of slaves boldly bear witness to God's Amazing Grace. In 
1975, the Rev. Dennis A. Westbrook became the first African American 
pastor of New Lots Community Church, R.C.A. In 1979, the Rev. Dr. 
William T. Coles became the second African American pastor of this 
great historic church. He labored in the vineyard for 20 years 
ministering to members, friends, and the community of New Lots 
Community Church. In 2002, the Rev. De'Lafayette Awkward became the 
third African American pastor. Under his leadership, the church is 
currently embarking on new and exciting ministries. New Lots Community 
Church has always been a beacon of hope in the community and remains 
actively involved in the community as they continue to strive for 
excellence in their mission to win souls.
  Mr. Speaker, New Lots Community Church has been a source of community 
and spiritual leadership in Brooklyn for 180 years. As such, it is more 
than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues 
to join me in honoring this truly remarkable church and its 
congregation.

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