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About Us

The First Presbyterian Church of Far Rockaway, formerly known as the Russell Sage Memorial Church, is a historic Presbyterian church located in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York. It was commissioned by Olivia Slocum Sage as a memorial to her late husband, Russell Sage (1816–1906), as they used to summer in the area. She also commissioned a large, memorial stained glass window of a landscape, designed by Tiffany Studio.

 

Designed by the architect Ralph Adams Cram (1863–1942), the church was built between 1908 and 1910 and is a Neo-Gothic-style building laid out in a traditional cruciform plan. It is constructed of brick with concretetrim and a steeply sloping slate-covered roof. Connected to the church are a parish hall and manse. The surrounding landscape, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, is a contributing element to its designation of historic significance.

 

The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

 

We are a multicultural congregation located in the heart of Far Rockaway, Queens. Our outreach to the larger community include a Saturday morning food pantry and clothing closet open to all. We are also proud members of Queens Power, a community power organization that strives to meet the needs of the citizens of the borough of Queens and beyond.

Our Leadership & Staff:
Rev. Aqueelah Ligonde

Transitional  Pastor

Vinnette Anderson

Executive Administrator

2021-22 Elders 

Andy Andrews

Claudette Bravo Hosang

Monica Clarke

Stella Emeagwali

Andrea Ramsay

Mercy Ibeka

Ronnelle Melwood

Edna Richards

Eugene Workman

Elder Lola Hall

Clerk of Session

 Leo Hepburn

Church Custodian

2021-22 Deacons

Darrell Bennett

Sophie Holder

Judy Holliday

Phyllis James

Joan Johnson

Arlene Ramsay- Green

Charmaine Richardson

 

 

 

 

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Our Mission

Our external mission is to be an authentic pillar of spiritual support in our community grounded in faith, hope, and love.

 

Spiritual support means:

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  • We will share encouragement through our words, actions, and thoughts.

  • We will walk alongside our neighbors as they discover their God given gifts.

  • We will nurture the spiritual growth of our neighbors by:

    • Inviting them to know Christ for themselves through an understanding of God’s Word

    • Being a companion throughout their spiritual journey

    • Being welcoming, caring, and compassionate to our sisters and brothers

    • Reaching out to our sisters and brothers in need within our church and community

    • Nurturing their faith journey from generation to generation 

We will embrace the Christian values of:

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  • Steadfast Prayer

  • Abiding by the Word of God 

  • Loving one another as Christ loves us

  • Caring for one another in love and respect

  • Enduring relationships of every generation (from generation to generation)

  • Being a diverse and welcoming community of faith

  • Being good and faithful stewards of our time, talent, and treasure

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