MISSION STATEMENT

To Minister the Word of God to the Community without Restrictions, without Reservations, Praying and Caring for the needy and to equip the Congregation for Ministry.  Always following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

 WHO WE ARE

 On April 1, 2001, the Reverend Derrick A. Jones became our seventh pastor.  Rev. Jones is a dedicated servant of the Lord who takes seriously his mission “to equip the saints (of the CHCC family) for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).

CHCC is a loving church family committed to our Christian witness in the community, nation and the world.  We strive to give the Lord our best as a praying, tithing, loving and serving church.  (Luke 19:46, Malachi 3:8-12, John 13:24,35, Colossians 3:23)

If you desire additional information regarding the Reformed Church in America, please see www.rca.org.

 
 CHURCH HISTORY

The Cambria Heights Community Church , RCA began in a house at 116^th-04 219^th Street in the Fall of 1928.  Our current location was dedicated to the glory of the Lord on October 13, 1933.  It was the first church built in Cambria Heights .  Thus, it became popularly known as “The Community Church.”  

The Cambria Heights Community Church began in a house at 116-03 219^th Street in September of 1928.  This house was also the church’s first parsonage.  The desire to have a church to meet the religious and spiritual needs of persons within this community was fulfilled under the leadership of the Reverend Williams McNeil, a Missionary of the South Classis of Long Island.  The church was formally organized as a congregation of the Reformed Church in America, with leadership provided by a Consistory (a governing body of Elders and Deacons) elected by the congregation in September of 1928.  

In the fall of 1929, with the increase of Reverend McNeil’s missionary responsibilities, the congregation began using students and pulpit supply to conduct worship services.

On January 18, 1931, Milford M Gifford, a student minister was called. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree requirements at Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan in May 1932, he was ordained and installed as our first pastor on June 28, 1932.  Under Rev. Gifford’s leadership from 1931 to 1942, plans were made for the construction of a church building.  The congregation raised funds to buy the land, and also paid more than half the cost toward the construction of the basic unit of our present edifice at 116-02 220 Street.  The new building was dedicated on October 13, 1933, as the first church in Cambria Heights.  It became known as The Cambria Heights Community Church .

The second pastor of our church was Reverend Donald Edgar Hicks.  His pastorate began in 1942 and for thirteen years he served the church and the community.  Under his leadership the church was remodeled, redecorated and extended. 

Our third pastor the Reverend Gordon Curtis served from 1956 to 1960.

 The fourth pastor the Reverend Charles T. Botkin served until his retirement from 1961 to 1986.  With the development of the Civil Rights Movement, and the influx of people of African decent into the neighborhood, the community and subsequently the church underwent a major transition.  Rev. Botkin and the congregation faced many conflicts and challenges as the church strove to remain faithful in their Christian witness and outreach.  After twenty-five years of faithful service, Reverend Botkin retired on December 1, 1986. 

 In June of 1989, the Reverend James L. Seawood, the Dean of Evening Students at New Brunswick Theological Seminary was commissioned to serve as a contract minister.  He served until 1993.  The church purchased its first transportation vehicle under his leadership.

 The Reverend Everett L. Kilgo served as contract minister from 1994 to 1999.  Under his leadership, the music ministry of our church was enhanced.  A new organ, electric piano, hymnals and sound system were purchased.

On April 1 2001 the Reverend Derrick A. Jones a graduate of Virginia Union University and Princeton Theological Seminary accepted the call to serve as our pastor.  He became our church’s first installed African American pastor.  Under his leadership new life and vitality were brought to our church, and the new ministries established were Tape ministry, Young Adult ministry and Prayer Fellowship ministry.  Other existing ministries were revitalized.  The pastor’s study and the church offices were renovated; a new church sign and a new church van were purchased.  Rev. Jones served until September 15, 2005.  He accepted a position as Coordinator for Mission Stewardship and Supervisor of African Missions within the Reformed Church in America, with an office located in Chicago .


The Rev. Aulandar Young served as contract Minister from September 1st, 2007 thru  September 14th, 2008.   Under his leadership, the renovation of the Parsonage and Fellowship Hall which had already begun prior to his appointment were completed.

 We are grateful to God for the years of ministry shared by these pastors, the leadership and congregation of our church in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The Christian ministry and outreach of this church continues through the Consistory, Administrative staff, membership, and ministries of the church.  Our ministries are: Anniversary Committee. Stewardship, Personnel, Building and Grounds, Prayer Fellowship, Pulpit and Altar, Women’s Ministry, and Men’s Fellowship,  Bible Study, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Prayer Fellowship, Ushers, Volunteers, the After School Program, Summer Day Camp, Saturday Tutorial Program, Transportation, Youth and Adult Music Ministries which include the Inspirational Choir, Men's chours, teh RCA Singers, Joyful Noise and Voices of Praise.


Over the years, there have been many, many faithful and loyal people who have served the Lord and his church. We are indeed grateful to God for all of them.


We are thankful to God for bringing us this far on our way. We look forward to the Spirit of the Lordleading us as we continually strive to be a church that is "Committed to the Ministry of Christ for he 21st Century".


To God be the Glory fot the great things He has done and will do in and through Us !!