First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn is an intentionally inclusive and diverse Christian community committed to serving God in our  world. As followers of Christ, we seek to:  

• Be a fountain of spiritual and emotional comfort for all people; 
• Glorify God through music and song; 
• Be joyful participants in the worship and life of our community; 
• Be ambassadors and activists for peace and justice in the world; 
• Provide for the physical needs of those within our church, community and world; 
• Be models for our children and youth to be compassionate citizens of the world; and, 
• Be stewards of our financial blessings and foster congregational growth.

First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn is a member congregation of Parity (formerly Presbyterian Welcome), which labors for a world where all persons might live into the calling that God has placed in their hearts, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

We are located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, at 124 Henry Street, near several subway lines and at the intersection of three great neighborhoods: DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, and Brooklyn Heights. We are also near several other great neighborhoods, such as Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill. People come from far and wide to be a part of this community. Here are directions to the church.

Staff

Rev. Adriene Thorne, Pastor

Amy Neuner, Minister of Music and Choir Director

Matt Podd, Organist

Andrew Leonard, Youth Choir Director

Elizabeth Nestlerode and James Allison-Booth, Co-Directors of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries

Anne Solages, Church Administrator

Victor Forde, Church Sexton

More information about the staff, including their contact information.

Governance

The church is a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and follows the governing structure of the denomination. It is part of the Presbytery of New York City. The local church is governed by the Session, which is an elected body of Elders who serve for three-year terms except for the Senior Minister, who serves for as long as he or she is the Senior Minister. The committees of the church report to the Session and the Chair of each standing committee is a member of Session. Read more about the governing structure of the church and the Elders of the congregation.

The Corporation of the church is responsible for the property of the congregation. Read more about the Corporation and its officers.

History

First Presbyterian Church was established in Brooklyn in 1822 and has been in continuous existence since that date. The original building was on the site of what is now the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims. First Presbyterian sold that site to Plymouth Church in the 1840s. First Presbyterian Church constructed the current building at 124 Henry Street in 1846 and it was occupied in 1847. Read more about the history of the church.

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