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| Historic First Church of God in Christ |
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| Historic First Church of God in Christ |
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| Historic First Church of God in Christ |
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| Historic First Church of God in Christ Portico |
Address: 221 Kingston Avenue
The Church
The Historic First Church of God in Christ building was constructed in 1923 as a synagogue, known as Shaari Zedek, for a wealthy German Jewish population.[1] Purchasing the house of worship in 1969, the Historic First Church of God in Christ retained most of the building’s architectural heritage in spite of its ecclesiastic transformation.[1][2] The building is a Neo-Classical style structure with the facade resembling that of ancient Roman architecture. According to the book, The Lost Synagogues of Brooklyn, the interior has “well-preserved highlights and details that recall the interiors of opulent movie palaces”.[2] The reference to movie palaces eludes to the Art Deco and Arts and Crafts style of the interior.[1] According to Brownstoner further details include elaborate stenciling, decorative metal screens, painted motifs and stained glass.[1]
The Architects
The First Church of God in Christ building was Designed by S.B. Eisendrath and B. Horowitz architects. The pair of architects had also designed the Temple Beth Elohim in Park Slope and Tivoli Theatre in Manhattan.[1][3] In addition, Eisendrath was noted for having designed several important public buildings while being one of the youngest architects in Chicago at the time. By 1892 those buildings included churches, a school for nurses and a home for the aged.[4]
References:
- Morris, Montrose "Walkabout: The Temples of Bed Stuy and Crown Heights" Brownstoner 11 February, 2010
- Levitt, Ellen The Lost Synagogues of Brooklyn Bergenfield NJ, 2009
- Building Age and National Builder Vol. 43 April, 1919
- Columbian Exposition Dedication Ceremonies Memorial Chicago: The Metropolitan Art Engraving and Publishing Company, 1892
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