On October 17, 2015, a special service was held to mark the 150th anniversary of the construction of the little white church. A proclamation was presented NYS Assemblyman Alfred C. Graf. It reads:
“Whereas, it is the intent of the legislator to recognize a historic milestone reached by St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Building; and
whereas, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Church Building is a historical Landmark and a source of pride tin the towns of Holbrook and Islip. This building is now celebrating 150 years of hosting worship and service to the community; and
whereas, the church first served the community as the Presbyterian Mission Church of Holbrook. Construction on the building began in 1865. The building, designed in Carpenter-style-Gothic, was twenty-six feet wide and forty-two feet deep upon completion and had just enough space to seat one hundred worshippers; and
whereas, in 1904, the church as reestablished under a new name, the St. John’s Evangelical Church of Holbrook, and over the course of two years, 29 congregation members scrubbed, polished, and repaired the church building, which had fallen into disrepair to the extent that service had to be held in members’ homes during this period; and
whereas, one again, in the late 1920s, the church building was in much need to repair. These repairs were completed under the directiocn of new pastor, Rev. Albert Beyer. Along with the repairs, heating and lighting were installed in the church building, which then had its name changed to the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Holbrook.
whereas, in the mid-1900s, after enduring the trying years of the Great Depression, a Sunday School wing was added to the complex and a new organ was installed, both under the direction of Pastor Rev. Louis H. Martin; and
whereas, the Church Building of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation has survived tough times these last 150 years, including the final year of the Civil War and its aftermath, the closure of several major businesses in the town which employed most members of the congregation, several foreclosures on the property in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the Great Depression. The church building had fallen into disrepair due to abandonment and age, but was always revived through strong leadership and the dedication of the congregation; now therefore, be it
Proclaimed, that as a duly-elected member of the Assembly of the State of New York, I do recognize
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Church Building
Celebrating 150 Years
In recognition of 150 years, good stewardship and service to the community; congratulations and best wishes to an organization worthy of the esteem of our community, the County of Suffolk and the great State of New York. |
