South Congregational Church, Chapel, Ladies Parlor, and Rectory facts for kids
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South Congregational Church (Former)
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The former South Congregational Church of Brooklyn
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | President and Court Sts., Brooklyn, New York |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1851, 1857, 1889, 1893 |
| Architect | ?, ?, F.C. Merry, and Woodruff Leeming |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001183 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 4, 1982 |
The South Congregational Church is an old church building in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, New York City. It stands at the corner of Court and President Streets. This special building complex includes the church itself, an original chapel, a ladies' parlor, and a rectory (a house for the minister).
This entire complex was named a city landmark on March 23, 1982. Later that year, on November 4, 1982, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical place for the whole country.
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A Historic Brooklyn Church
The South Congregational Church is known as one of the best examples of the Early Romanesque Revival style in Brooklyn. This style uses rounded arches and strong, solid shapes, making buildings look grand and old-fashioned, like castles or ancient Roman buildings.
Building a Landmark: Its History
The different parts of the church complex were built over several years. The first part, the chapel, was finished in 1851. The main church building was completed a few years later in 1857.
Later on, more sections were added. The ladies' parlor was built in 1889. It was designed by an architect named Frederick Charles Merry. The rectory building, where the minister lived, was added in 1893. This part was designed by architect Woodruff Leeming. We don't know who designed the very first chapel and church buildings.
Famous People Connected to the Church
The spot where the church was built might have been chosen by a very famous person: Henry Ward Beecher. He was a well-known preacher and a strong supporter of ending slavery (an abolitionist). His sister was Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Later, in 1874, a minister named Rev. Dr. Albert Josiah Lyman became the pastor. He served the church for a very long time, staying for 41 years!
From Church to Homes: A New Purpose
In the 1980s, the South Congregational Church building got a new life. The inside of the church complex was changed into apartments and offices. This is an example of something called "adaptive reuse."
Adaptive reuse means taking an old building and changing its purpose instead of tearing it down. It helps save historical buildings and gives them a new use for modern times.
