A devastating fire ravaged a historic 173-year-old Brooklyn church, leaving it in ruins and its pastor launching a desperate $2 million GoFundMe to rebuild.



All around us, Church buildings are empty and forgotten. While some have moved on or created new spaces, many are left in the ruins of destruction, financial failure, or conflict. For a 173-year-old church in Brooklyn, NY, however, fire was the culprit.

James E. Steward II, pastor of South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York, witnessed the church's demolition and vowed to help rebuild it. When the church went up in flames this past Friday, Steward took it upon himself to seek public help and restoration through a $2 million GoFundMe appeal. Currently, the fundraiser has raised 1% of his target, and proceeds will go towards restoring the property as well as providing a temporary place of worship.

When asked why restoring this specific church was so important to him, Steward noted that, “For generations, South Bushwick Church has been a place of faith, hope, healing, and community in Brooklyn.” Thankfully, while no lives were lost, a place of great worship, ministry, and connection was.

In a statement from the FDNY, the large fire was escalated to a third alarm after just 20 minutes, bringing in 63 units and 192 EMS and fire personnel. While no evidence of suspicious activity was found to have started the fire, the investigation and cause are still ongoing.

Because the fire took place on Juneteenth, Steward posted on Facebook his additional concerns:

“This tragedy occurred on Juneteenth, a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the enduring strength of a people who refused to let oppression have the final word. As an African American pastor leading a historic congregation in Brooklyn, I cannot overlook the significance of that reality,” he noted.

“Juneteenth reminds us that even after profound loss, there can be liberation. Even after seasons of hardship, pain, and struggle, there can be restoration. Even after devastating setbacks, there can be new beginnings.”

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