By Leonardo Blair, Senior Reporter Tuesday, June 23, 2026
The South Bushwick Reformed Church (L) in Brooklyn, New York, on a sunny afternoon in 2009. The church (R) burns in a fire on June 19, 2026. | Public domain; FDNY
James E. Steward II, the longtime pastor of the South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York, has vowed to rebuild the church after a massive fire destroyed its historic building on Friday, and he’s seeking the public’s help to raise $2 million to do so.
“For generations, South Bushwick Church has been a place of faith, hope, healing, and community in Brooklyn,” Steward wrote in his $2 million GoFundMe appeal that has raised about 1% of his target so far.
“Following a devastating fire, our beloved church building has suffered significant damage. While we are grateful that no lives were lost, the loss of our worship space and ministry center has deeply impacted our congregation and neighborhood.”
A statement from the FDNY said firefighters responded to calls about a three-alarm fire at the building, which has stood since 1853, at 855 Bushwick Ave., on Friday afternoon. When they arrived, they “encountered a heavy fire condition.”
“Within 20 minutes, the incident escalated to a third alarm, bringing a response of 63 units and 192 EMS and fire personnel,” the statement said.
Officials found no evidence of suspicious activity at the scene, but an investigation remains ongoing.
Steward, who has led the church for 14 years, said in the campaign that donations will go toward emergency stabilization of the property, a temporary worship space, replacement of damaged equipment and furnishings, community outreach ministries, architectural and engineering assessments and restoration and rebuilding efforts.
In an extended statement shared on Facebook, Steward added that the fire that destroyed the church erupted on Juneteenth.
“This tragedy occurred on Juneteenth, a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the enduring strength of a people who refused to let oppression have the final word. As an African American pastor leading a historic congregation in Brooklyn, I cannot overlook the significance of that reality,” he noted.
“Juneteenth reminds us that even after profound loss, there can be liberation. Even after seasons of hardship, pain, and struggle, there can be restoration. Even after devastating setbacks, there can be new beginnings.”
Steward thanked the community and emergency responders for their response to the fire and urged them to continue praying.
“While we would never have chosen this moment, we draw strength from the symbolism of a day that reminds us that resilience is part of our story. We believe that the same God who sustained generations before us will sustain us now,” he said. “As we begin the long journey ahead, we do so believing that God is still at work. We will grieve what has been lost, honor what has been built, and faithfully prepare for what comes next.”
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