First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Presbyterian church building from 1813 in Jamaica, Queens, United States.
First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica is a church complex from 1813 on 164th Street in Queens comprising three buildings: the main sanctuary, a manse, and the Magill Memorial Building. The site offers various spaces used for worship, education, and community activities.
The original stone church of the congregation was built in 1699 on Jamaica Avenue and served as a British prison for patriots during the American Revolution. The present building was erected in 1813 and represents a later chapter in the community's long history.
The congregation draws members from approximately 35 different countries of origin who gather for weekly services and community events. This diversity shapes how the community worships and connects with neighbors today.
The site is accessible by public transportation and situated in a residential neighborhood of Queens that is easy to reach. Visitors planning to tour the buildings should call ahead to confirm hours and availability for viewing the interior spaces.
In 1920 the church sanctuary was placed on logs and hauled by mules from Jamaica Avenue to its current location on 164th Street. This unusual relocation is a remarkable feat of engineering that reflects the congregation's determination to stay in the community.
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