The situation is getting quite desperate at the United Methodist Church, aka the Green Church, on 4th Avenue in Bay Ridge. The congregation has forsaken the turn of the century structure and is reportedly already in contract with a developer for $12.5 million—or about $200,000 per congregant. When the deal closes, the developer plans to tear down the entire structure, which, Forgotten NY points out, is notable for being the only serpentine stone facade in New York City. Here’s how we wish the whole thing had played out: The congregation (which has dwindled to about 60 souls) could have put an easement on the church, sold it to a developer to rehab and preserve, donated the proceeds to a worthy religious cause of its choosing and then started spending Sunday mornings at a different church. Barring divine intervention, the only way the destruction can be averted at this point is if the Landmarks Preservation Commission steps up to the plate pronto. For some reason, LPC hasn’t exactly been tripping over itself to help out though. The group Save the Green Church is holding a meeting tonight at 7 o’clock at 7027 Ridge Crest Terrace to marshal a last-ditch effort. For more information, contact SaveTheGreenChurch AT yahoo DOT com.
Save Bay Ridge United Methodist Church [Forgotten NY] GMAP
Congregation Wants To Sell Soul to Devil-oper [Brownstoner]