Tom Martinez, Witness: Hardship and Triumph at Flatbush Reformed Church

This article by  Tom Martinez originally appeared in the Brooklyn Eagle.

FLATBUSH — It’s hard to imagine a more fitting symbol for the Lenten and Easter themes of suffering and resurrection than the recent hardships and triumphs of the historic, landmark Flatbush Reformed Church (also known as the Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church) at the corner of Flatbush and Church avenues.

Roughly 18 months ago the building that houses the church social hall and a fleet of upstairs offices was engulfed in flames. Brooklyn Congregations United, the social justice organization located upstairs, had to relocate, and the church was forced to operate out of a tiny office adjacent to the main sanctuary (which wasn’t damaged in the fire). In short, things were looking bleak.

But under the leadership of senior minister Rev. Dan Ram (above, right) the church patiently undertook a massive renovation project, restoring the damaged building to its 17th century glory and revitalizing it.

Among the new signs of life is the hiring of Associate Minister Cheri Kroon (above, left). Since her graduation from Union Theological Seminary in 2006, Kroon has been serving as an interim minister for many congregations in the New York metropolitan area.

While Flatbush Reformed is part of the Reformed Church of America (RCA) and Kroon is scheduled to be ordained in June to the United Church of Christ (UCC), the two denominations enjoy what’s officially referred to as a “formula of agreement.” This means ministers that have been ordained in one denomination can serve the other.

The fire, its aftermath and the new addition to its staff are but the latest chapters in Flatbush Reformed Church’s 350-year-plus history. The first building on site was constructed in 1654, making it the oldest church in Brooklyn. Subsequent construction projects were undertaken over the years, eventually culminating in the familiar historic landmark known to generations of Brooklyn natives.

The recent renovations assure that the church will continue its ministry to one of Brooklyn’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.

The two ministers are especially excited about a collaborative garden project bringing together local schools (notably Walt Whitman Elementary), volunteers from the neighborhood and the local Brooklyn organization, Sustainable Flatbush.

Affirming the season’s themes of rebirth and renewal, Flatbush Reformed Church will be fully operational by Easter.

The church grounds also contain a cemetery that is the burial place of many of the members of the original Dutch families of Flatbush.