Our History

Vanderveer Park was the first residential development in this area of Flatlands. The Germania Real Estate Improvement Co. purchased the John C. Vanderveer Farm of 43 acres in May 1892 – a land that had been in the Vanderveer family since 1600 and among the descendants of Dutch settlers. This and other adjoining areas were renamed Flatbush by the Real Estate Developers.

When the family of Howard E. Sands came here in 1897, they had been active in Sunday School work and had every desire to continue. There was no Sunday School nearer than the Dutch Reformed Church at Snyder and the Flatlands Methodist at Bergen Beach. Their two children attended the Dutch Reformed Church and several other Churches that were located at a distance too far to commute by foot. This was all unsatisfactory to the Sands so they talked it over and decided to do something about it.

Sometime before this, in 1899, the Congregationalists started a movement to form a church in this area, but nothing became of it. One Sunday afternoon, Mr. Sands and his wife went visiting among their neighbors to find anyone who would be interested in forming a Sunday School. They found three men who joined them and formed a temporary committee. When they returned home, they learned that their two young daughters were canvassing among the neighbors seeking donations to build a Sunday School. They collected $5.20 – the first money raised toward the project. The money was used to purchase postcards to conduct a survey among the residents to assess how they felt about starting a Sunday School. Thirty favorable responses were received and the first meeting was held by Mr. Sands’ home on August 24, 1900 at which 23 families were represented.

The idea at first was to form a Sunday School but they decided at this meeting that the church and Sunday School should go hand and hand. On August 29th, at a second meeting at Mr. Sands home, the committee recommended the rental of a store at 2007 Nostrand Avenue as a temporary meeting place at the cost of $20.00 per month. On Wednesday, August 29, 1900, the place was put in readiness and by the following Sunday, September 2, 1900 the first session of the Sunday School was held at 9:00 a.m. with 44 scholars, followed by the first session of the church at 11:00 a.m. Several parents and friends came to offer their services as teachers and helpers.

On Wednesday evening October 17, 1900, the church was formally organized in the Chapel presided over by Rev. Dr. James E. Chadwick, Presiding Elder of the Brooklyn South District. The church was named Vanderveer Park Methodist Episcopal Church.

With the history still in the making, the church was formally incorporated on November 14, 1900 under the supervision of Rev. Dr. Arthur Byrt, Superintendent of the Brooklyn Aid Society. On May 29, 1901 a committee was appointed to purchase land at Glenwood Road & East 31st Streets at the cost of $3,300. On July 5, 1901, purchase was made and a 5 year mortgage was assumed. A large tent was constructed on the premises and shortly thereafter, gave up the premises at 2007 Nostrand Avenue. On July 10, 1902 ground was broken for new church. On July 27, 1902 the cornerstone was laid. On October 12, 1902, the Chapel was dedicated to the Services of God at the cost of $6,000.00.

The history followed the ground breaking ceremony of the service building in 1925 with the cornerstone being laid on March 15, 1925. Vanderveer members kept their faith in God and he brought them through war and the depression of 1929. On June 28, 1974 a three alarm fire broke out in the fellowship hall. The Rev. Alfred C. Thompson, who at the time was pastor of the twelve years, experienced the greatest tragedy of Vanderveer Park. The fire started at 11:30 p.m. and needed 120 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Rev. Thompson who also was once a fire department Chaplain assisted in the three alarm fire. The roof, ceiling, church office and the front half of the church were destroyed. Rev. Thompson served as pastor of Vanderveer for a total of 22 years.

Help came from many neighborhood churches who offered the use of their buildings to provide a place for Sunday worship and choir rehearsals for the choir to sing praises to glory of the Lord. Mrs. Sydney Seevers, organist/choir director at the time was dedicated and faithful to her music and to her God. She served as organist/choir director of Vanderveer for over 50 years. Thus the members remained faithful, and as Jesus promises “he’ll never leave or forsake you” and Vanderveer Park was restored once again in beauty.

As you can see the church went through many trials and tribulations over the years, and we are still standing strong and tall. We have every reason to be proud of the accomplishments we’ve endured. We pay great tribute to our founder Mr. Howard Sands and all who labor to bring Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church into existence.