Dean Street Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York, 1883-1983

Collection

Identifier: MSS-Chu-NY-1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Dean Street Baptist Church collection spans from 1883 to 1983 over three boxes.

The History folder holds written histories of the church, some loose meeting resolutions, the annual report from 1978, and information about the organ.

The Programs folder holds pamphlets and bulletins, some from church anniversaries, as well as one issue of the church's Minnesbladet from 1906.

The Correspondence folder spans from 1913 to 1984, with earlier letters in Swedish. Many letters are from the Baptist General Conference Home Missions department regarding pastorships.

The Finance folder holds check requisitions from the General Home Missions to Dean Street Baptist Church, dating 1972-1974.

The Newspaper Clippings folder holds articles from the Standard and the Chronicle, both publications of the Baptist General Conference. There is also a newspaper clipping on the 1979 stabbing of Pastor Robert Byler.

Two folders of photographs show images of the church building, church members, the Sunday School, and street scenes around the city.

The Album from the 25th Anniversary in 1908 shows photographs of the church on Atlantic Avenue and Dean Street, pastors, organizations, and other members.

Three large Membership ledgers record church members from the founding of the church to 1978.

Five Minutes ledgers record meeting minutes from the church between 1884 to 1934.

Dates

1883 - 1983

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researcher use.

Historical note

The First Swedish Baptist Church in Brooklyn organized on December 21, 1883 with 90 charter members, and officially recognized on January 15, 1884. E. Lundin was the first pastor. It met that year at Central Baptist Church, and in 1885 rented the Chapel of the Dutch Reformed Church on Joralemon Street. In 1886, they moved to a church building on Atlantic Avenue, and in 1892, construction began on a lot at 515 Dean Street, dedicated in 1893. English slowly replaced Swedish until 1936, when it became the stated language of the church. The church was renamed Dean Street Baptist Church in 1941. By the mid-century, the church demographic shifted from mostly Swedish to Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Black. In 1979, Pastor Robert Byler survived a stabbing by an assailant. In 1980, the church shifted its ministry to become Dean Street Mission Project, focusing on social and youth ministries. In 1982, the congregation disbanded, becoming Premiere Eglise Evangelique Baptiste Hatienne.

Extent

5.5 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

Swedish

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection was arranged by the archivist during processing in 2023. Any origianl order has been lost.

Custodial History

Robert Ferrandiz, former church member, sent the meeting minutes ledgers to the History Center in the 1980s. In 2015, he sent the 25th Anniversary album, programs from the 50th, 65th, and 75th Anniversaries, and the membership ledgers.

The photographs were taken from an envelope labeled "Home Missions Baptist General Conference" in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Other collection materials, especially the correspondence, mostly came from the Baptist General Conference Home Missions department.