The Spirit of the Lord is here, I can feel it in the atmosphere, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “To God be the Glory,” were hymns illustriously sung by congregants, as they joined Jamaican born Reverend Dr. Clive E. Neil on Oct. 30, to commemorate the 170th Anniversary of Bedford Central Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn.
Rev. Neil, who has pastored the house of worship, located at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Dean Street for the past 34 years, welcomed, and blessed the momentous occasion, attended by nationals from 30 different countries. Bedford Central that was birthed under an apple tree in a field at Vanderbilt and Atlantic Avenue, in 1852, was the centerpiece of praise and glory, beginning with an invocation and song by Minister Sadie Walters. Jackie Woodbine’s poem “Why I Love Bedford Central” followed by a choreography by praise dancers, set the tone for a day of spiritual excellence.
Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick Cohall in his eminent sermon titled, “The Power to Reshape Our Future,” read from the book of Jeremiah. “Then I went down to the potter’s house and behold, I saw him working at the wheel, but the pot he was shaping from clay was marred in his hands, so the potter formed it into another pot shaping it as seem best to him,” said the preacher, who praised Rev. Neil for his solid leadership.
Rev. Cohall, head of Lennox Road Baptist Church, noted that Bedford Central has been a light house in Brooklyn, a stable institution, a place of refuge and hope for God’s people.
“Bedford Central is known beyond the borders of this city, and only time will reveal how many people were influenced, and had their lives changed by this ministry. Any institution, religious, or secular that has lasted for 170 years must be doing something right.”
The clergy, in his illustrious message, said followers have been called out, and given specific assignment to change the world in which they live, from darkness to light, hope for the hopeless, providing help and healing to broken lives.”
“The world has drastically changed in the last three years. I don’t think there is any church that has remained the same since the pandemic. Many pastors have left the ministry, America is experiencing violence against politicians, gun violence is escalating,” he said.
He stressed upon the importance of the church transforming the lives of people. Continue to be relevant. Always speak in the positive. I am your way maker. Even in times of loss, don’t be afraid to grow. Let the world know that Bedford Central is alive and well. Hold up the hand of your pastor. Give him the strength as he embarks on his 171st year. It is extremely difficult to be a pastor, he shared.
“Exceed your expectations, reflect on the past for your future. Envision a harvest that God is expanding your boundaries, giving you strength to exceed your limitations. Set lofty goals for your future,” he told the congregation, of scores who danced and sang joyfully during the hours-long celebration.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, who was welcomed, called Bedford Central a beacon of light in the community. “It is wonderful to be back here to celebrate 170 years of continuity of Brooklyn Central, under Pastor Neil’s leadership, that is Par Excellence, adding, “we are truly blessed to have him, may God give him strength to continue his ministry.
The politician then used the platform to encourage constituents to vote. “We are in election season to choose your leadership in a democracy that is only protected by your participation, she said, joining colleagues, Senator Zellnor Myrie, and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, to present Resolutions passed in the Senate and Assembly, honoring the church’s 170-year existence.
The politicians praised Rev. Neil for his commitment to the future of Bedford Central, as he celebrates decades of service to the community.
“Thanks for your leadership. Keep us in your prayers, and continue to bless the church and the community,” said Assemblymember Cunningham.
Senator Myrie joined his colleagues in calling on constituents to vote. “People are actively trying to suppress your vote. Exercise your constitutional right to vote, he urged.
Representative Hakeem Jeffries joined the celebration virtually, and extended congratulatory greetings, saying, “When two or three are gathered in his name the Lord is in our midst. I would certainly like to thank you for the presence of the lord right now as we deal with trial and tribulation.”
“As we celebrate this magnificent occasion there are so many things for us to be thankful for. We are thankful for this great church family. I’m thankful for 170 years of the Bedford Central Presbyterian Church you’ve been a shelter in the time of storm, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, and because I know we serve such a good God I’m confident that the best is yet to come. God bless you,” said Rep. Jeffries.
In concluding the day of commemoration, worshippers were invited to a taste of the islands in the church’s annex, accompanied by steelpan music.
