BUSHWICK — A GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN to rebuild a historic Bushwick church after a fire has already received more than $9,000 in donations.
The church at 855 Bushwick Ave. was heavily damaged in a blaze that broke out on Friday. The house of worship was on the National Register of Historic Places.
Donors have been responding to the campaign, which as of noon on Wednesday received 92 donations totaling $9,112 toward a $2 million goal. The largest donation was $200, with many giving in the $100 range.
The church’s pastor, Rev. Dr. James E. Steward II, wrote in his request for donations that, while there were no fatalities, the congregation lost its worship space and ministry center where youth programs, community outreach, food assistance and pastoral care were also provided. Donations will help provide the property’s emergency stabilization, a temporary worship space, replacement of damaged equipment and furnishings, architectural and engineering assessments, restoration and rebuilding efforts and community outreach ministries.
The congregation welcomes donations of any size. Steward wrote, “We believe that while fire may damage a building, it cannot destroy a community rooted in hope.”
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