The Parsonage: Historic Home Still Standing
This “fine example of a freestanding frame house in the Greek Revival style” (according to the Brooklyn Historical Society) and Designated NYC Landmark is the Parsonage of the Dutch Reformed Church. It was constructed in 1853 next to the church facing Flatbush Ave, and was moved to Kenmore Terrace and 21st Street (its current location) in 1918.
I’m not sure if the church still uses the parsonage as a housing for clergy, but during the first half of the nineteenth century it was the home of one of Flatbush’s earliest historians, the Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Strong. Dr. Strong wrote what I believe to be the first formal history of Flatbush, based on a series of popular lectures he had given on the subject. Simply called “The History of the Town of Flatbush in Kings County, Long-Island,” it details the beginnings of the church (slightly interesting), the charter of Erasmus Hall (pretty interesting), and all the crazy shit that went down when Flatbush was occupied by the British for seven years during the Revolutionary War (VERY EXTREMELY INTERESTING). It’s online if you wanna go read it.
Although I kinda feel like I should say “gee I hope they fix this place up!” but I actually love peeling paint and messed-up window shutter. It takes it feel as old as it really is, and it’s still freakin’ cute. The next time you’re on Flatbush between Church and Albemarle, take a detour down 21st street and visit. While you’re at it, check out Kenmore Terrace and its adorable twin Albemarle Terrace, which make up their very own landmarked historical district for good reason.
The Parsonage of the Dutch Reformed Church on Kenmore Terr.
An image of Rev. Thomas M. Strong, at the beginning of his history of Flatbush. Rev. Strong lived in the Parsonage when it was on Flatbush Ave.
This circa 1908 photo by Charles Andrew Ditmas shows the Parsonage where it was originally built, on Flatbush Ave. next to the church. From Dimas’s book Brooklyn’s garden; views of picturesque Flatbush via Archive.org.
