Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church
Brooklyn NY
11210
Who we are
Our Vision
We strive to be a church that welcomes the Holy Spirit enthusiastically, embraces holiness totally, believes the Bible conclusively, worships the Lord exclusively, and loves one another exhaustively.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make disciples, and create a vibrant worship environment that facilitates and sustains spiritual growth.
We strive to be a church that welcomes the Holy Spirit enthusiastically, embraces holiness totally, believes the Bible conclusively, worships the Lord exclusively, and loves one another exhaustively.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make disciples, and create a vibrant worship environment that facilitates and sustains spiritual growth.
Church Website
Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church on Social Media
Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church YouTube Video
Facebook Video: Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church Facebook Video
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Melvin D. Boone
Leader Position:
Senior Pastor
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Rev. Melvin D. Boone
Leader Bio:
Reverend Melvin D. Boone accepted his call to ministry in 2000 and served for over ten years as an associate minister at the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rockville Centre, NY., under the mentoring of the late Reverend Elliot J. Hobbs. At St. Paul he served as an Armor Bearer to the Pastor and used his gifts of preaching, teaching and exhortation, in numerous ways including the men’s ministry, boys mentoring ministry, bible study and a number of choirs. While continuing his training at the AME New York Ministerial Institute, he was ordained Deacon in 2007. He has matriculated at both the New Brunswick and United theological seminaries.
Pastor Boone is the father of three children and a native of Long Island. As a young child he began his relationship with the Lord using his gift of song to sing God’s praise in neighborhood churches. His compassion for disenfranchised people became evident at an early age as he provided leadership to student lead and community organizations. As a young adult, he served the people of Lakeview, L.I. NY for fifteen years, as a Fire Commissioner duly elected for three terms by the residents of the Lakeview Fire District; he has retired as a Detective from the Nassau County Police Department where he served for twenty years. Seventeen of his years with the Police Department were spent as an Undercover Detective. Reverend Boone has also worked as a New York State Certified Instructor at the Police Academy and a Hostage Negotiator. While with the police department he served both as the Vice-President and President of the Nassau County Guardians Association, a fraternal organization for African American Police Officers and their affiliates.
Pastor Boone began serving in the United Methodist Church at the invitation of the late Bishop Martin D. McLee who appointed him as the Senior Pastor of the Monticello and Hurleyville United Methodists Churches in Sullivan County New York in 2014. In 2017 he was appointed to the Kings Highway UMC in Brooklyn New York by Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton. Reverend Boone is a servant leader who says his faith comes from a deep personal and practical relationship with the Lord and that life has taught him to “Live into his Faith.”
“Holy Spirit has given me an understanding that I am blessed, anointed and highly favored of the Lord, and that each accomplishment is not my own, but is evidence of God’s Grace, God’s favor, and to God’s Glory I am the least likely to be chosen for service in God’s kingdom, yet God has called me into service and has equipped me to be a steward of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach and encourage believers, and to compel the lost to receive the grace of the Lord. I endeavor to do so with great compassion and humility, acknowledging the presence of God’s spirit in all of creation. To see each individual as having sacred worth in God’s kingdom and encouraging others to do the same is of great importance in my ministry. As the body of Christ, the church, we create sacred, safe, and fertile spaces for spiritual growth and reasonable service.
Holy Spirit has revealed to me that heaven is a multicultural experience. As I serve the Lord with gladness I envision a church where cultural difference are appreciated and celebrated yet do not take priority over the loving, heavenly culture which we shall all embrace on that day of the Lord. When we see Him we shall be like Him! In the meantime, we labor together as the Body of Christ to bring a bit of heaven into our sphere of influence hear on earth. To God be the Glory!
Pastor Boone is the father of three children and a native of Long Island. As a young child he began his relationship with the Lord using his gift of song to sing God’s praise in neighborhood churches. His compassion for disenfranchised people became evident at an early age as he provided leadership to student lead and community organizations. As a young adult, he served the people of Lakeview, L.I. NY for fifteen years, as a Fire Commissioner duly elected for three terms by the residents of the Lakeview Fire District; he has retired as a Detective from the Nassau County Police Department where he served for twenty years. Seventeen of his years with the Police Department were spent as an Undercover Detective. Reverend Boone has also worked as a New York State Certified Instructor at the Police Academy and a Hostage Negotiator. While with the police department he served both as the Vice-President and President of the Nassau County Guardians Association, a fraternal organization for African American Police Officers and their affiliates.
Pastor Boone began serving in the United Methodist Church at the invitation of the late Bishop Martin D. McLee who appointed him as the Senior Pastor of the Monticello and Hurleyville United Methodists Churches in Sullivan County New York in 2014. In 2017 he was appointed to the Kings Highway UMC in Brooklyn New York by Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton. Reverend Boone is a servant leader who says his faith comes from a deep personal and practical relationship with the Lord and that life has taught him to “Live into his Faith.”
“Holy Spirit has given me an understanding that I am blessed, anointed and highly favored of the Lord, and that each accomplishment is not my own, but is evidence of God’s Grace, God’s favor, and to God’s Glory I am the least likely to be chosen for service in God’s kingdom, yet God has called me into service and has equipped me to be a steward of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach and encourage believers, and to compel the lost to receive the grace of the Lord. I endeavor to do so with great compassion and humility, acknowledging the presence of God’s spirit in all of creation. To see each individual as having sacred worth in God’s kingdom and encouraging others to do the same is of great importance in my ministry. As the body of Christ, the church, we create sacred, safe, and fertile spaces for spiritual growth and reasonable service.
Holy Spirit has revealed to me that heaven is a multicultural experience. As I serve the Lord with gladness I envision a church where cultural difference are appreciated and celebrated yet do not take priority over the loving, heavenly culture which we shall all embrace on that day of the Lord. When we see Him we shall be like Him! In the meantime, we labor together as the Body of Christ to bring a bit of heaven into our sphere of influence hear on earth. To God be the Glory!
Administration
Admin Name:
Deaconess Gail Douglas-Boykin
Admin Position:
Lay Leader
Phone:
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Deaconess Gail Douglas-Boykin
Driving Directions to Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church
Travel/Direction Tips
Buses: B6, B41, B44, B103 and B11
Trains: 2/5 Train to Flatbush Avenue-Brooklyn College
Trains: 2/5 Train to Flatbush Avenue-Brooklyn College
Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church Service Times
Services at 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Children's Sunday School at 9:00 AM
As per Bishop Bickerton, the Episcopal leader of the New York Annual Conference, all persons attending worship - OR - activities bearing a similar risk profile as those covered by the Key to NYC program will need to show proof of vaccination. This requirement will continue while the Key to NYC program remains in effect or otherwise stated by Bishop Bickerton.
As we gather again for worship in-person, please continue to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire before joining us on Sunday mornings.
Masks are required.
Sunday School has resumed via Zoom. Please contact the church office for more information.
It's been more than 2 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Children's Sunday School at 9:00 AM
As per Bishop Bickerton, the Episcopal leader of the New York Annual Conference, all persons attending worship - OR - activities bearing a similar risk profile as those covered by the Key to NYC program will need to show proof of vaccination. This requirement will continue while the Key to NYC program remains in effect or otherwise stated by Bishop Bickerton.
As we gather again for worship in-person, please continue to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire before joining us on Sunday mornings.
Masks are required.
Sunday School has resumed via Zoom. Please contact the church office for more information.
It's been more than 2 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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Other information
Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church History
Vanderveer Park was the first residential development in this area of Flatlands. The Germania Real Estate Improvement Co. purchased the John C. Vanderveer Farm of 43 acres in May 1892 – a land that had been in the Vanderveer family since 1600 and among the descendants of Dutch settlers. This and other adjoining areas were renamed Flatbush by the Real Estate Developers.
When the family of Howard E. Sands came here in 1897, they had been active in Sunday School work and had every desire to continue. There was no Sunday School nearer than the Dutch Reformed Church at Snyder and the Flatlands Methodist at Bergen Beach. Their two children attended the Dutch Reformed Church and several other Churches that were located at a distance too far to commute by foot. This was all unsatisfactory to the Sands so they talked it over and decided to do something about it.
Sometime before this, in 1899, the Congregationalists started a movement to form a church in this area, but nothing became of it. One Sunday afternoon, Mr. Sands and his wife went visiting among their neighbors to find anyone who would be interested in forming a Sunday School. They found three men who joined them and formed a temporary committee. When they returned home, they learned that their two young daughters were canvassing among the neighbors seeking donations to build a Sunday School. They collected $5.20 – the first money raised toward the project. The money was used to purchase postcards to conduct a survey among the residents to assess how they felt about starting a Sunday School. Thirty favorable responses were received and the first meeting was held by Mr. Sands’ home on August 24, 1900 at which 23 families were represented.
The idea at first was to form a Sunday School but they decided at this meeting that the church and Sunday School should go hand and hand. On August 29th, at a second meeting at Mr. Sands home, the committee recommended the rental of a store at 2007 Nostrand Avenue as a temporary meeting place at the cost of $20.00 per month. On Wednesday, August 29, 1900, the place was put in readiness and by the following Sunday, September 2, 1900 the first session of the Sunday School was held at 9:00 a.m. with 44 scholars, followed by the first session of the church at 11:00 a.m. Several parents and friends came to offer their services as teachers and helpers.
On Wednesday evening October 17, 1900, the church was formally organized in the Chapel presided over by Rev. Dr. James E. Chadwick, Presiding Elder of the Brooklyn South District. The church was named Vanderveer Park Methodist Episcopal Church.
With the history still in the making, the church was formally incorporated on November 14, 1900 under the supervision of Rev. Dr. Arthur Byrt, Superintendent of the Brooklyn Aid Society. On May 29, 1901 a committee was appointed to purchase land at Glenwood Road & East 31st Streets at the cost of $3,300. On July 5, 1901, purchase was made and a 5 year mortgage was assumed. A large tent was constructed on the premises and shortly thereafter, gave up the premises at 2007 Nostrand Avenue. On July 10, 1902 ground was broken for new church. On July 27, 1902 the cornerstone was laid. On October 12, 1902, the Chapel was dedicated to the Services of God at the cost of $6,000.00.
The history followed the ground breaking ceremony of the service building in 1925 with the cornerstone being laid on March 15, 1925. Vanderveer members kept their faith in God and he brought them through war and the depression of 1929. On June 28, 1974 a three alarm fire broke out in the fellowship hall. The Rev. Alfred C. Thompson, who at the time was pastor of the twelve years, experienced the greatest tragedy of Vanderveer Park. The fire started at 11:30 p.m. and needed 120 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Rev. Thompson who also was once a fire department Chaplain assisted in the three alarm fire. The roof, ceiling, church office and the front half of the church were destroyed. Rev. Thompson served as pastor of Vanderveer for a total of 22 years.
Help came from many neighborhood churches who offered the use of their buildings to provide a place for Sunday worship and choir rehearsals for the choir to sing praises to glory of the Lord. Mrs. Sydney Seevers, organist/choir director at the time was dedicated and faithful to her music and to her God. She served as organist/choir director of Vanderveer for over 50 years. Thus the members remained faithful, and as Jesus promises “he’ll never leave or forsake you” and Vanderveer Park was restored once again in beauty.
As you can see the church went through many trials and tribulations over the years, and we are still standing strong and tall. We have every reason to be proud of the accomplishments we’ve endured. We pay great tribute to our founder Mr. Howard Sands and all who labor to bring Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church into existence.
When the family of Howard E. Sands came here in 1897, they had been active in Sunday School work and had every desire to continue. There was no Sunday School nearer than the Dutch Reformed Church at Snyder and the Flatlands Methodist at Bergen Beach. Their two children attended the Dutch Reformed Church and several other Churches that were located at a distance too far to commute by foot. This was all unsatisfactory to the Sands so they talked it over and decided to do something about it.
The idea at first was to form a Sunday School but they decided at this meeting that the church and Sunday School should go hand and hand. On August 29th, at a second meeting at Mr. Sands home, the committee recommended the rental of a store at 2007 Nostrand Avenue as a temporary meeting place at the cost of $20.00 per month. On Wednesday, August 29, 1900, the place was put in readiness and by the following Sunday, September 2, 1900 the first session of the Sunday School was held at 9:00 a.m. with 44 scholars, followed by the first session of the church at 11:00 a.m. Several parents and friends came to offer their services as teachers and helpers.
With the history still in the making, the church was formally incorporated on November 14, 1900 under the supervision of Rev. Dr. Arthur Byrt, Superintendent of the Brooklyn Aid Society. On May 29, 1901 a committee was appointed to purchase land at Glenwood Road & East 31st Streets at the cost of $3,300. On July 5, 1901, purchase was made and a 5 year mortgage was assumed. A large tent was constructed on the premises and shortly thereafter, gave up the premises at 2007 Nostrand Avenue. On July 10, 1902 ground was broken for new church. On July 27, 1902 the cornerstone was laid. On October 12, 1902, the Chapel was dedicated to the Services of God at the cost of $6,000.00.
The history followed the ground breaking ceremony of the service building in 1925 with the cornerstone being laid on March 15, 1925. Vanderveer members kept their faith in God and he brought them through war and the depression of 1929. On June 28, 1974 a three alarm fire broke out in the fellowship hall. The Rev. Alfred C. Thompson, who at the time was pastor of the twelve years, experienced the greatest tragedy of Vanderveer Park. The fire started at 11:30 p.m. and needed 120 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Rev. Thompson who also was once a fire department Chaplain assisted in the three alarm fire. The roof, ceiling, church office and the front half of the church were destroyed. Rev. Thompson served as pastor of Vanderveer for a total of 22 years.
As you can see the church went through many trials and tribulations over the years, and we are still standing strong and tall. We have every reason to be proud of the accomplishments we’ve endured. We pay great tribute to our founder Mr. Howard Sands and all who labor to bring Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church into existence.
I want to know Thee
Father, I want to know Thee, but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shalt Thou make the place of Thy feet glorious. Then shall my heart have no need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself wilt be the light of it, and there shall be no night there. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church listing was last updated on the 14th of March, 2022
