UPPER WEST SIDE — As the temperature begins to dip, an Upper West Side church that was designated a city landmark — against the desire of the congregation — is fundraising for a much-needed boiler.
The West Park Presbyterian Church on Amsterdam Avenue and West 86th Street was almost unusable last winter due to frosty temperatures and its derelict state. Now the church, community leaders and preservationists are working together to keep the cold at bay.
“I would say it is a make or break issue for us,” said Rev. Robert Brashear.
The congregation met throughout the winter in near-freezing temperatures wearing winter coats inside, according to Brashear. The church office could not use the location until the warmer month of April.
“The people were very brave to go through the winter like that, but we will never do it again,” he said.
Without a boiler, not only would the congregation be forced out, but winter programs such as craft and art fairs would have to be cancelled, according to Brashear. The location of the congregation’s 100th anniversary on Dec. 5 would also be in doubt.
Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who is assisting with the fundraising, expects the boiler to cost between $60,000 and $80,000.
“West Siders feel strongly about this church,” said Brewer, pointing to the $11,000 that was raised in June last year to help with the restoration of the church building. Organizations such as Landmarks West also have signed on to help by applying for grants and appealing to the community for funds.
The building’s landmark status, given in April 2010, was controversial.
For many years the congregation was unable to hold Sunday services in the derelict building and had planned to raise funds by building condos on its property.
But many from the community, including Councilwoman Gale Brewer, fought for landmark status, which would prevent any changes to building's façade and foil the congregation’s development plans.
The decision by the City Council to give the building landmark status created some resentment within the congregation. One church member was arrested for writing graffiti that blasted Brewer’s efforts to landmark it.
Now all groups are working together for a common cause, according to Brashear and Brewer.
“Everyone is committed towards the same end and is working together cooperatively,” said Brashear.
