New Utrecht Reformed Church

328 Years
1677-2005

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Will match state grant to total over $500,000 for restoration

Photo by Friends of Historic New Utrecht

Member of both New Utrecht Reformed Church and Friends of Historic New Utrecht gather around Assemblyman Peter Abbate as he presents as symbolic check to Rose Lood, president of the New Utrecht Liberty Pole Association at a presentation ceremony Friday, October 8 in front of the shuttered New Utrecht Reformed Church. At the church (left to right) are Dario Marotta, Maureen Clements, historian and Friends treasurer David Elligers, Rose Lood, Peter Abbate, Friends president Robert Buonvino, Erik Ander, Mary Shields and Web editor Vincent La Marca. (A large version of this photo is available here.)

Assemblyman Peter Abbate (D-49th A.D., Bensonhurst) presented a check for $250,000 to Friends of Historic New Utrecht for repair and restoration of the New Utrecht Reformed Church.

The $250,000, along with the $45,000 raised by both the church and the Friends, "should prove enough to release $300,000 announced by Gov. George Pataki in May," according to the Bay Ridge Paper.

Abbate said he was happy to present the check and praised the work on repairing and restoring the church sanctuary, closed since last December, forcing parishoners to worship every Sunday at the nearby Parish House.

Abbate also praised the Liberty Pole, which has undergone a recent repainting and is scheduled as the site for the annual flag raising at the end of the 23rd annual Brooklyn Columbus Parade tomorrow.

Abbate said that although the check is not going to complete the work, it will stimulate corporate community participation.

Robert M. Buonvino, president of Friends of Historic New Utrecht, a civic organization providing educational tours for the students in Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge, said that the group will "remember what he [Abbate]" had said.

Deacon Rose Lood, a longtime member of New Utrecht Church and president of the New Utrecht Liberty Pole Association, said "On behalf of New Utrecht, Friends, Liberty Pole Association, we thank you for being here today."

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The New Utrecht Reformed Church is a historic landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The church, established in 1677 and a member of the Reformed Church in America, is the fourth oldest church in Brooklyn. The Liberty Pole, first installed in 1783, is the sixth pole erected at the site of the present church and is the only remaining liberty pole in the original thirteen colonies. Information of New Utrecht Reformed Church and its many activities may be found by calling 718-236-0678, by visiting www.newutrechtchurch.org or by e-mailing Vincent La Marca, Web Editor at mail@newutrechtchurch.org.