FSUMC celebrates grand 135th Anniversary

Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC), at the corner of Fenimore Street and Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn, celebrated its 135th anniversary recently. On Saturday, there was a luncheon and fashion show, and the next day, there was a church service.

On Sunday, during the usual worship service, congregants celebrated the landmark church’s 135th anniversary with lofty singing, praying, preaching, scripture reading, and liturgical dancing.

In her sermon, entitled “Through it All,” the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Abel, Long Island West District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church, preached: “We’re living in a time that we never lived before. This year is different than last October. Things are so out of whack.

“I titled my sermon because, through it all, we have to trust our Jesus,” added Rev. Abel, with the church’s pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, listening attentively on the pulpit. “You have decided as a congregation to survive for another 135, 136, 137 years. But what will you do today to import your gifts on these beautiful children?

“You have young adults who are itching to serve God. Let them use their voices,” she continued. “There are too, too many generations that are missing. Put them in positions of leadership. Mentor them.

“I’m so excited for the work you have done and continue to do,” Rev. Abel said. “You’re blessed. The scripture talks about coming together and sharing your gifts. Please go and share your gifts with others.”

During the service, there was a moment of silence for two recently departed members, Sis. Cecille “Peggy” White and Sis. Minerva Beaton.

“The order of worship was very uplifting and spiritual as the organists, Bro. Joseph Robert and Sis Herline Floviril harmonized the songs of praise on the organ, piano, and keyboard with Bro. Christian Thompson on the drums,” Sis. Marlene Ferguson, the Trinidadian-born chair of the Anniversary Committee, told Caribbean Life. 

“With such powerful renditions – ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness,’ ‘Victory in Jesus’, ‘We are Marching to Zion’ – I knew the angels were rejoicing with us,” she added. “Indeed, we felt their presence amongst us. I give glory and honor to God for the great things he has done.”

According to the church’s history, read in part by Sis. Linda Brown, an African-American member of the Anniversary Committee and Chancel Choir, Fenimore United Methodist Church of Flatbush was organized out of the first Methodist Episcopal Church on Lenox Road and Flatbush Avenue and incorporated on Aug. 20, 1889.

The church was formally admitted to the New York East conference in April 1890 and dedicated in May 1890. Rev. James J. Hall served as pastor from 1890-1894.

In early 1970, the Wesley Methodist Church merged with Fenimore Street United Methodist Church.

Many new programs were introduced during this period, namely, the annual silent supper, singles ministry for young adults and youth, summer camp and tutoring, health and welfare program, heritage and higher educational program, revival and evangelism program, a senior center, drama and creative writing programs for all, and heritage instructions on all levels.

In early 1972, Fenimore faced the challenge of keeping its doors open when it was given an option to merge with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

But, with firm determination and resolve, Fenimore was victorious in keeping the church in the community, according to the church’s history.

During Rev. Lester Baker’s pastorate (1974 – 1980), extensive renovations were done. In 1978, the church building was re-dedicated, and a computerized Allen Organ was purchased and dedicated to the late Dr. Donald Wright.

Under the guidance of Rev. Neville Buchanan (1980 -1993), significant accomplishments were made, including liquidating the church’s mortgage with a ceremonial “burning.” 

Guyanese Rev. Dr. Ivan J. Roberts (1994 – 2002) (deceased) brought more growth, physically to the church building and spiritually to the congregation.

He guided the first “Rally of the Nations” with the proceeds used to purchase a church van and air conditioners for the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall. During this time, the church bought a six-family unit  nearby at 201 Hawthorne St., Brooklyn.

In 2002, African-American the Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon was appointed Fenimore’s first female minister. Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon initiated many new ministries, including Disciple Bible Study.

She also spearheaded a second successful “Rally of the Nations”; and, with the proceeds, the renovations of the Fellowship Hall and kitchen were accomplished. The church’ music ministry grew to six choirs. There were also a “vibrant” Dance Ministry, Singles Ministry, Prayer sit-ins, and Healing Ministry.

“I am, indeed, extremely proud to be the anniversary chairperson for such a time as this and to be given the honor to coordinate the celebrations of our church’s 135th Anniversary,” said Ferguson, a retired registered nurse at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and University Hospital of Brooklyn, noting the anniversary theme, “Moving Forward Together in Faith.”

“Our anniversary celebration is a very unique time in the life of the church,” she added. “It is the time when we reunite with friends of Fenimore, who were unable to worship with us before but always take to join us on this special day. I look forward to seeing them joyfully marching around at offertory time, greeting everyone as they pass us by.”

Ferguson said the Anniversary Committee members are an “asset to the continued commemoration and celebration of the church’s history.

“I extend a heartfelt thank you to my co-chair, Sis. Doreen Thomas (a Jamaican-born retired registered nurse), and the committee members for their support and dedication,” she added. “I also want to thank them for my Service Award plaque, which was, indeed, an honor and surprising for me.”

The committee presented Rev. Able with a bouquet of flowers and honored youth members Christian Thompson and Phillip Gulbert.

“As we look back over the past 135 years, we are aware that we could not have done it without the dedicated service and commitment of the ancestors, who struggled through trials and tribulations,” Ferguson said. “As we enter another milestone into the life of our church, we need to enhance a stronger relationship in the community, thereby winning souls for God’s kingdom.

“May God’s richest blessings enfold us, ‘Moving forward together in Faith’ (Romans1:11-12),” she added.