NY Landmarks Conservancy awards protective grants to 2 historic Brooklyn religious sites

Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple and St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brooklyn awarded funds

May 12, 2021 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

The DOT has decided not to put dedicated bus lanes in front of Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple on Church Avenue. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

The Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

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A $25,000 Sacred Sites Grant has been awarded to Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple in Prospect Park South-Ditmas Park to help fund stained glass restoration — part of the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s new series of 17 Sacred Sites grants statewide.

In addition, a grant of $6,000 was given to an upstate church, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Red Hook, Dutchess County (not to be confused with the Red Hook in Brooklyn), which was designed by a well-known 19th century Brooklyn architect.

“Our grantees help maintain these vital institutions as they serve their congregations and communities,” said Peg Breen, president of the Conservancy. “The social service programs these grantees provide reached more than 175,000 persons during these difficult days.”

Temple Beth Emeth, now Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple after a 2018 merger, was designed in Classical Revival style by Simeon B. Eisendrath and Bernhard Horwitz and constructed in 1913, with a 1922 addition by Koehler & Tallant. The sanctuary features monumental figural windows depicting Moses and King Solomon, which will be restored with this matching grant.

In addition to worship, Beth Shalom v’Emeth is actively engaged in community activities, although most of these activities are currently happening virtually. The congregation shares space with the Good Shepherd Baptist Church and Aim High Children’s Services. Activities reach about 930 people annually in the community.

The $6,000 that was awarded to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Red Hook will also help fund stained glass restoration. The church was founded in 1733 by people fleeing the effects of the 30 Years’ War in Germany. Its Romanesque-style building, designed by Brooklyn architect Lawrence B. Valk and Sons, is the congregation’s second home on the site.

The Sacred Sites Program provides congregations with matching grants for planning and implementing exterior restoration projects, along with technical assistance, and workshops. Since 1986, the program has pledged 1,578 grants totaling more than $14.9 million to 836 religious institutions statewide.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy, a private non-profit organization, has led the effort to preserve and protect New York City’s architectural legacy for nearly 50 years. Since its founding, the Conservancy has loaned and granted more than $54 million, which has leveraged more than $1 billion in 1,850 restoration projects throughout New York.

The Conservancy has also offered pro bono technical advice to building owners, both nonprofit organizations and individuals.