CM James Guest Speaking At Brown Baptist Church, Supports Restoration Project

**For Immediate Release**
November 25, 2009

Brown Memorial Baptist Church Restoration Project is wholeheartedly supported by Council Member Letitia James

Council Member James will be guest speaker at Pre-Christmas Gala held to raise funds for restoration of historic church - on December 4th at Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

(Brooklyn, Nov. 25, 2009) Brown Memorial Baptist Church is holding a Pre-Christmas Gala to raise funds for restoration work of the Early Romanesque Revival architectural style building, originally constructed in 1860. The distinct structure is highly ornamented; it features vaulted ceilings, decorative medallions and walls, plus stained glass windows designed by Tiffany Studios.

City Council Member Letitia James is slated as guest speaker for the event. “I’m proud to be able to give back to one of my favorite churches,” she said. The semi-formal dinner dance will feature special entertainment by Deborah Cleavist and DJ Ernest Davidson. Please call Audrey Harrigan at 732-297-3686 for more information. You can also email Dr. Harrigan at dryharrigan@yahoo.com. For media inquiries contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191.

For nearly a century, Brown Memorial Baptist Church (BMBC) has served as a central hub of support for the community, offering a range of concrete services – from advocacy and counseling to disaster relief – to those who turn to the church for help. Over the last fifteen years, the church has significantly extended their vision and reach, adding a number of strategic, proactive programs to the overall community-building agenda. While organizational structure and strategies have evolved with the times, BMBC’s mission has always remained the same: to support the aspirations, honor the efforts, and empower the community.

In 2002, BMBC ran a major capital campaign to restore the badly damaged façade, roof, and pinnacles of our landmark church building. That campaign – which combined a $200,000 New York State Historic Preservation grant with $700,000 of individual donations – permitted the church to complete the renovation effort on time and on budget. It also, however, cut deeply into the community’s ability to support our social service programs. This year, BMBC undertakes the second stage of the renovation – replacing a damaged and out-dated electrical and heating/cooling system, repairing the ceiling of the sanctuary, and reinforcing several interior spaces so they can be better used by the after-school and drama programs.

What: Rebuilding The Temple, Pre-Christmas Gala - tickets: suggested donation - $65 each, attire: semi-formal

Where: Brown Memorial Baptist Church, 484 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 - Fellowship Hall (Entrance on Gates Avenue)

When: Friday, December 4, 2009, Reception, Dinner and Dancing - 7:15pm – 1:00am

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