Powers Street Mosque, Islamic prayer center in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, US
The Powers Street Mosque occupies a three-story wooden building at 104 Powers Street, featuring a symbolic minaret straddling the rooftop ridgepole. The structure maintains architectural details typical of late 19th-century church construction, with the crescent moon serving as the primary Islamic marker.
The structure was originally built as a Methodist Episcopal Church in the 1880s and became the first Muslim organization in New York State when purchased in 1931. This conversion marked a significant shift in the religious landscape of Brooklyn.
The mosque was established by Lipka Tatars from Eastern Europe, who maintained their Islamic faith while integrating into the Polish-Lithuanian community of North Brooklyn.
The mosque opens primarily for special occasions and religious celebrations, with services led by a part-time Bulgarian Imam. Visitors should check ahead to confirm if events are happening, as it operates on a limited schedule.
The building maintains a church-like exterior with traditional features from its original purpose, while only a crescent moon on the roof marks its current function. This subtle marking shows how the place's identity quietly fits into the urban landscape.
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