For generations, the steeple of the South Bushwick Reformed Church helped people find their way home.

“It was a beautiful steeple that stood out. I think that’s how people would tell how far they were on Bushwick Avenue,” Council member Jennifer Gutiérrez said.

What You Need To Know

The South Bushwick Reformed Church caught fire on Friday, with flames also spreading to the rectory and a neighboring building, the FDNY said

Founded in the mid-1800s, the church traces its roots to one of Brooklyn’s oldest congregations dating back to the mid-1600s

FDNY said no one was inside at the time of the fire, and the cause is under investigation

On Friday afternoon, the smoke and fire that engulfed it were something people could see for miles.

“We called 911, and it just started getting smoky, smoky, smoky, smoky, and then the top just went up in flames,” business owner Anthony Williams said.

Williams added that moments later, one of the church’s most recognizable features came crashing down. The fire also spread to the rectory and a neighboring building.

“It was crazy. It was something like you see in the movies,” Williams said.

Founded in the mid-1800s, the church traces its roots to one of Brooklyn’s oldest congregations dating back to the mid-1600s. The loss is especially painful for preservationists and congregants who spent years trying to save the landmark after its steeple was damaged during Hurricane Isaias in 2020.

“We’ve done so much over the past four years to make sure that this church can survive for another 100 years; to see this happen is so tragic,” Council member Sandy Nurse said.

Even with just 50 congregants, supporters said its impact stretches far beyond Sunday services, helping the community with its numerous programs.

“This church and its pastor and its community and congregation are literally built into the fabric of this neighborhood,” Nurse said.

Now, as the smoke clears, neighbors said the focus turns to helping the congregation rebuild.

“The community needs to show up and take of this church and the families that were here,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said.

“I hope we can do something to repair it or rebuild it if possible,” nearby business employee Jose Cortezano said.

FDNY said no one was inside at the time of the fire, and the cause is under investigation.