Sixty-Eight Years on Eastern Parkway
First Baptist Church of Crown Heights stands on the corner of Eastern Parkway and Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn, a corner the City of New York co-named "Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman, Sr. and Ellen Norman Way" in honor of the couple whose lives shaped this congregation for more than six decades. The building itself was built in 1925 as the Park Manor Catering Hall, and since July 1, 1967, it has served as the spiritual home of a church that grew from twenty founding members to more than two thousand under its founding pastor's leadership.
The congregation is affectionately known as "The Friendly Church on the Hill," a phrase that captures both the warm welcome extended to visitors and the deeply held conviction, first spoken in 1953 by founding pastor Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman, Sr., that the church would be "a house on the side of the road, a friend to all." That vision still shapes the life of First Baptist today under its third Senior Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore, Ph.D.
The Founding and the Long Road East
On March 4, 1953, twenty men and women of faith gathered at the home of Sister Bessie Herbert on Reid Avenue in Brooklyn to organize a Baptist mission. They opened with the hymn "He'll Understand and Say Well Done," and Clarence Norman was chosen as their spiritual leader. On April 30, 1953, the New Hope Baptist Association officially recognized the congregation as the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, and Norman was ordained and appointed Pastor.
The early years were marked by growth and perseverance. The congregation moved from a storefront on Throop Avenue to a building on Moore Street, which they eventually purchased, only to be displaced when the City of New York acquired the property for a housing project. Undeterred, the church purchased the former Classon Avenue Presbyterian Church building in April 1962 for $97,000. Eight months later, a fire destroyed most of the building on December 23, 1962, leaving only the gymnasium and Sunday School room. The congregation returned to worship in what remained on January 7, 1963, and continued there for five years while searching for a permanent home.
That search ended in the summer of 1967, when First Baptist purchased 450 Eastern Parkway, the former Park Manor Catering Hall, and officially moved in on July 1, 1967. In August 1969, the church was renamed First Baptist Church of Crown Heights.
Sixty-Two Years of Pastoral Vision
Under Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman, Sr.'s leadership, the congregation grew from twenty founding members to more than 2,000. His vision extended far beyond Sunday mornings. In 1987, he founded the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights, which built or renovated over 800 units of affordable housing, constructing twenty-one buildings (including the David Chavis Apartments, The Albany Residence, St. John's Apartments, and three senior residential facilities), and launched programs ranging from Meals on Wheels to youth education, computer training, and job development.
First Baptist became one of the most civically influential congregations in New York State, with members simultaneously holding positions in the State Assembly, Senate, Brooklyn Democratic County Leadership, and the New York State Supreme Court. Beside him, through every season, stood First Lady Ellen Norman, whose faithful presence was woven into the very fabric of the congregation. Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman, Sr. passed away on July 8, 2015, after 62 years of faithful service. In November 2016, the City of New York honored his and Ellen Norman's legacy by co-naming the intersection of Eastern Parkway and Rogers Avenue in their honor.
A Season of Transition, a Season of Renewal
Following Pastor Norman's passing, the congregation called his Assistant Pastor, Rev. Dr. Daryl G. Bloodsaw, to serve as Senior Pastor. Bloodsaw had served alongside Norman since 2011, and his ministry was marked by socially conscious preaching, community engagement, and a commitment to preparing the church for ministry in a new century. He served until September 2019, when he answered a call to pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church West in Athens, Georgia.
In January 2020, First Baptist called the Rev. Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore, a Brooklyn native and scholar-pastor, as its third Senior Pastor. Installed on January 18, 2020, Dr. Moore led the congregation through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with creativity and pastoral imagination, building a robust hybrid ministry and launching new initiatives that kept the congregation connected and growing. Under his leadership, the church has launched new ministries, begun a $1.5 million Capital Campaign to renovate 450 Eastern Parkway, and deepened its commitment to affordable housing and community organizing through East Brooklyn Congregations.
A Brooklyn Pastor with a Global Reach
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Dr. Moore earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, and both a Master of Philosophy and a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Education from Columbia University. His scholarly research centers on rituals, tradition, and imagination in historically Black education, and his writing has been published by Harvard Education Press, The Huffington Post, and the Philosophy of Education Society. He has served on the teaching faculty in the Philosophy of Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Moore began his ministry at The Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem under the tutelage of Rev. Calvin O. Butts III. He serves on the Board of Directors of American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, the Interfaith Center of New York, and The Dinner Table Doc. He has received numerous honors for leadership and service, including induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. His voice on faith, politics, and culture has been sought by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, NPR, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Sunday at First Baptist
Worship at First Baptist gathers every Sunday at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. Services are typically two hours long and combine biblical teaching, heartfelt music, and a relaxed atmosphere where both the latest worship songs and the timeless hymns of the ancient church lift up God together. Worshippers are invited to come as they are. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month, Baby Blessings on the third Sunday, and Baptism on fifth Sundays.
For young people, Sunday School for Youth meets at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall from September through June, offering engaging activities, Bible lessons, and snack time for children and teens ages 5 through 18. Worship is also livestreamed every Sunday at 10:00 AM on YouTube and Facebook.
Christian Education for Every Age
Education is woven into the rhythm of the week. Sunday School for Adults meets on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM via Zoom, exploring core biblical teachings from Genesis to Revelation, lifting up figures from Africa and the African Diaspora who modeled resilient faith, and offering verse-by-verse study that connects scripture to today's spiritual and cultural realities. A Men's Bible Study gathers men for focused, Scripture-centered conversation that encourages critical thinking about faith and builds camaraderie. The Pastor and People Book Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM via Zoom, currently working through "Relational Intelligence" by Dr. Dharius Daniels.
A Tutorial Program supports students in strengthening their understanding of school subjects and building confidence in their academic abilities.
A Sanctuary of Song
Music is the heartbeat of worship at First Baptist, and the Music and Worship Arts Ministry offers a place for almost any voice or instrument. The Celestial Choir, for children ages 6 to 12, ministers on the fourth Sundays. The Gospel Ensemble, rooted in the classic gospel tradition, ministers on the third Sundays. Higher Praise, the young adult choir for ages 20 to 40, brings a fresh sound on the fourth Sundays. United Voices, a mixed-voice ensemble spanning contemporary gospel and a wide range of sacred music, ministers on the first Sundays. The Unique David Chavis Male Chorus, named in honor of David Chavis, the first Chairman of the Deacon Board, preserves the quartet tradition and ministers on the second Sundays. The Mass Choir gathers members from all the choirs for special services and seasonal moments.
Beyond the choirs, the Dance Ministry offers praise through movement and is open to youth and adults with no prior dance experience required. The Djembe Ministry teaches the history and techniques of the "talking drum," using rhythm as a means of connection, memory, and cultural resilience. Jazz Vespers offers a worship experience that brings spiritual reflection together with the improvisational beauty of jazz.
Healing in Body, Mind, and Spirit
The Health and Wellness Ministries support the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the congregation and the wider community. Caring Hearts provides support, compassion, and resources for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The Faith > Fear Cancer Ministry offers a supportive community for those impacted by cancer, meeting on the third Sundays after service. The Healing Circle provides a safe and supportive space for those navigating grief and loss, meeting on the third Saturdays of each month. The Wellness Ministry offers culturally relevant resources, workshops, and connections to mental health professionals. The Victor Skelton Health Guild comprises trained medical professionals and First Aid-certified volunteers ready to respond in the event of a medical emergency during worship and other gatherings.
Reaching Beyond the Walls
The Missions, Outreach, and Social Concern ministries put faith into action in the surrounding community. Izetta's Angels, named in honor of Deacon Izetta Johnson, spreads joy during the Christmas season through a churchwide toy drive and partnerships with local shelters. The Lending Hands Ministry supports local schools, including P.S. 375, and leads the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway to help families gather around a full holiday meal. The Missionary Ministry cares for members who are sick and shut-in through visits and seasonal outreach. The Threads of Hope Clothing Ministry serves individuals and families through spring and fall clothing drives.
Family and Fellowship Across Generations
The Family and Congregational Life Ministries strengthen fellowship across the congregation. The Ever-Evolving Experience (E3) is the young adult ministry, creating space for adults to grow in faith, build community, and explore purpose. The Mighty Men of Valor brings men and boys together across generations, and the Women's Ministry gathers women for monthly spiritual growth. The Golden Life Ministry offers a weekday devotional gathering on Zoom at noon. The Seniors Ministry honors members ages 65 and older through monthly fellowship on the second Wednesday of each month. The International Ministry celebrates the Caribbean heritage and global roots of the congregation, with International Sunday celebrated in July. The Cultural Committee gathers members to attend Broadway and Off-Broadway shows together. The Hospitality Ministry and Joint Board of Ushers set the atmosphere of welcome, and the Culinary Committee prepares meals for church events, ministry gatherings, and funeral repasts.
Children and Young People
The Children and Youth Ministries create a caring and engaging space where young people can grow in faith, discover their gifts, and build lasting friendships. Sunday School for Youth meets at 9:00 AM on Sundays, the Tutorial Program supports students academically, and Girl Scouts provides a nurturing environment for young girls to develop leadership skills, build character, and engage in community service.
Faith at Work and the Work Ahead
The Marketplace Ministry supports business owners within the church and community through gatherings and initiatives such as the Holiday Pop-Up Shop. The Rephidim Ministry works to make First Baptist a Station of Hope for those who have been marginalized or stigmatized. The Scholarship Committee assists members and members of the wider community who are pursuing undergraduate education.
Since 1967, 450 Eastern Parkway has been the spiritual home of First Baptist. Built in 1925 as an elegant catering hall and reimagined by Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman, Sr. and a faithful congregation into a center of hope, the building now stands at the center of a Capital Campaign to renovate it for the next generation of ministry. The renovation will create welcoming, reimagined spaces for children and youth, accessible restrooms for elders, persons with disabilities, and young families, and enhanced sanctuary technology to deepen worship and expand the church's reach.
What We Believe
First Baptist Church of Crown Heights proclaims a risen Christ who works toward the liberation of humanity from every form of oppression: spiritual, social, political, and economic. The church seeks to live the Great Commandment, to love God with all that we are and to love neighbors as ourselves, while carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
The congregation holds that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully human and fully divine, and that through His life, death, and resurrection, believers encounter God's saving grace and the promise of new and eternal life. Salvation is understood as God's gracious work of restoring people to right relationship through Jesus Christ, a lifelong journey in which the Holy Spirit continually transforms those who follow Jesus.
As Baptists, First Baptist affirms the authority of Scripture, the autonomy of the local church, the priesthood of all believers, individual soul liberty, and religious freedom with the historic separation of church and state.
Plan a Visit
First Baptist Church of Crown Heights is located at 450 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, accessible by the B44, B45, B48, and B49 buses. Sunday worship is held at 10:00 AM in person and online. To plan a visit, call 718-778-1200 or email info@myfbcch.org.