As the Facade Descends, Middle Rises
On Monday, November 20, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, and members of the Middle Church consistory, staff and congregation were joined by dozens of people from our East Village community at the corner of 2nd Ave. and 7th St. as construction crews began to demolish our facade. Sadly, the December 5, 2020, fire—which originated in the building next door and destroyed our sanctuary—damaged the structure so severely that it could not be saved. Together, we wept and mourned as we said goodbye to the last pieces of this beloved space which housed so much joy.
While the day was heartbreaking and tender, the presence of news crews and neighborhood clergy also testified to how this moment marks the birth of a new chapter in our story: Middle is rising. We are currently rehabilitating our facilities at 50 E. 7th street to create the first phase of our Center for Spirituality, Justice, and the Arts. This will include space for in-person and digital justice, artistic and educational programming, and a two-story temporary worship/gathering space—all of which we hope to be ready by Christmas, 2024! Our ongoing Middle Rising Campaign has already raised more than $6.5 million of our $15 million goal to rise from the ashes. Click here to learn more about the campaign and make a gift to help us rise.
Amid turbulent times, we are still here. The fierce love of this community continues to grow with a spirit that cannot be destroyed by any flame. We invite you to join us at 11:45 a.m. every Sunday at East End Temple (245 E. 17th St.), and on our YouTube channel, Facebook page and middlechurch.org. (We are also live on YouTube at 3:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. PT.)
Click the links below to watch press coverage from this beautiful day!
PIX11- Crews begin tearing down historic East Village church destroyed by fire
Religion News Service – Manhattan’s Middle Collegiate Church begins façade demolition
Evgrieve – Demolition underway on the fire-damaged Middle Church façade