1123 Bushwick Avenue

Bushwick United Methodist Church

(Former Bushwick Avenue Central Methodist Episcopal Church)

Bushwick Avenue Between Madison St. and Putnam Avenue.
Block 3367, Lot 4

[PHOTO]

IMG_2107.JPG
Bushwick United Methodist Church, 2011. Credit: Ogawa, Asuka

IMG_2100-1.JPG
Bushwick United Methodist Church, 2011. Credit: Ogawa, Asuka

Year Built: 1887 (Addition in 1901)
Building Type: Church
Architect: W. J. Browne (Addition by George W. Kramer Architect)
Builder: G. S. Chapman
Original Owner: J. Schnafer, President Board of Trustees
Proposed District: Bushwick Avenue Historic District

History and Analysis

Bushwick United Methodist Church is a Romanesque Revival style brick and terra cotta church built in 1887, designed by W. J. Browne. It was originally a 40’ x 80’ one story frame church with shingle roof, and in 1901, the addition (see drawings below) was proposed by architect George W Kramer. The massive, octagonal tower that dominates the corner of Bushwick and Madison was part of the 1901 addition. The cornerstone on the side facing Bushwick Avenue indicates 1887, the date of construction. The two other cornerstones on the northwest corner gives two dates; 1886, when the society was organized, and 1912, presumably the year when the addition was completed. The Church is still actively used, serving an important role in the current Bushwick community. Bushwick United Methodist Church has hosted a number of events for the community, including the Edward Boatner Chior Concert in 1981 which was featured in the New York Times. Since 1995, the Church hosts a Soup Kitchen, feeding more than 2,000 people per month. In cooperation with the New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, Bushwick Community Council serves food pantry every Wednesday, distributing 250 to 300 bags of canned and dry goods each week. [1] Bushwick United Methodist Church is important for the Bushwick community not only for its architectural and historical significance, but also as a venue for various charity events and community outreach programs. [2]

Additional Section/ Additional Photography

Block_3367_Photo_(1941).jpg
Bushwick Avenue between Madison Street and Putnam Avenue, 1941. Credit: NYPL Digital Gallery.

IMG_2491.JPG
Original plan (1887) and the proposed addition by George W. Kramer Architect (1901). Credit: New York City, Department of Buildings.


IMG_2485.JPG
Front Elevation by George W. Kramer Architect, 1901. Credit: New York City, Department of Buildings.
IMG_2486.JPG
Cross Section by George W. Kramer Architect, 1901. Credit: New York City, Department of Buildings.


unitedmethodist-outreach.jpg
Bushwick Farmers’ Market hosted at Bushwick United Methodist Church, 2009. Credit: Bushwick Farmers’ Market.
unitedmethodist-2.jpg
Community Outreach Programs, 2009. Credit: Bushwick Farmers’ Market.

Location