The Mamre S.D.A. Church now nestled on the corner of Utica Avenue and Avenue H, began in the Parkway Elementary School, owned by Dr. Linton Grant. The idea of establishing a Seventh-day Adventist Church in the area, began on January 28, 1989. The founding activists in this venture were Brother and Sister Stevel Beckford, Sister Pearl Brown, Dr. and Sister David Hosten, Sister Eva Hunt, Brother and Sister Franklin Jackson (now Pastor Jackson), Sister Deloris Smith and Brother and Sister Oswald Stubbs.
After prayerful consideration, thirty (30) people who held membership at the Flatbush S.D.A. church, met and celebrated the first Sabbath School on Sabbath February 4, 1989, at 670 Rockaway Parkway, in Brooklyn. Sister Norma Stubbs was the first superintendent, and Elder Franklin Jackson, the First Elder, delivered the first sermon.
On April 9, 1989, the Northeastern Conference Executive Committee, voted to accept the Mamre group as a mission with Brooklyn Temple as the mother church; under the pastoral supervision of Pastor Roy Ashmeade (deceased). By then, Elder S. Beckford had become the First Elder of the church. On Sabbath December 30, 1989, the first three (3) precious souls were buried with the Lord in baptism. There were Sister Lois Gregory (deceased), Brother G.V. Knight (deceased) and Brother Glen Lewis, who has since relocated.
The rapid growth of the mission, made it necessary to relocated to larger accommodations at 4412 Avenue I, on March 10, 1990. With God’s guidance, the support of the Northeastern conference and the brethren, the first major crusade conducted by Pastor Reynold Maxwell, added thirteen (13) new members to the Mission. On August 4, 1990, Pastor Craig Dossman was introduced as the Pastor for Brooklyn Temple and the Mission. The church was organized by Northeastern Conference on June 15, 1991, and voted into the sisterhood of churches on June 16, 1991. The first ordination took place in 1991, when four (4) deacons, namely, Brothers Dennis White, Herbert Maxwell, Trenton Jones and Vernon Griffiths, were ordained. Brother O. Stubbs was ordained as a local elder. Church membership then stood at 60 and Sabbath School at 85.
One of the projections of the Mamre Church was to own a building where its members could assemble and worship. On September 22, 1992, the Union and Conference voted for the purchase of this present location on Utica Avenue and Avenue H. In March 1993, the congregation moved to its new home amidst the obstacles and challenges we faced in its preparation.
Over the period 1993-1995, we welcomed Pastor Desmond Francis (and his family), as the new pastor. Unfortunately, we lost this dynamic and outstanding leader, when he accepted an administrative position at the Northeastern Conference. Nevertheless, although officially transferred, Pastor Francis remained unassigned to this church for nearly two years. With a membership of 200, the church had to function without a resident pastor. Leadership was further affected with the relocation of the first elder, Dr. S. Beckford. Despite these challenges, God continued to lead His church. Under the leadership of Elder Franklin Jackson and other officers, the church functioned remarkably well.
On March 1, 1997, God directed an assiduous and inspiring preacher, in the person of Pastor Bryan Carter along with his family, to become the part-time pastor of the church. He led the church until February 1999. During this period, the sixth (6th) anniversary and harvest festivals were celebrated. An in-house crusade conducted by Elder F. Jackson, brought tremendous success and 41 souls were added to God’s church. The membership then stood at 241.
Just before the spring of 1999, Pastor Cory Rowe, a very dynamic preacher, came on board with his family and assumed responsibilities as the first full time Pastor of the Mamre SDA Church. Under Pastor Rowe’s leadership, the church experienced considerable growth in membership – Sabbath School approximately 400 and church membership 385. In December of 2004, the church said goodbye to Pastor Rowe and family, and welcomed Pastor James Clark and family in January 2005. Under Pastor James Clark’s leadership, extensive renovation and expansion
were undertaken to provide larger accommodation and a banquet hall. Funds for constructing an elevator was considered. Membership then stood at 413 and growing.
Over the years, the church has served the community in various capacities through its many departments. Of special note are aggressive evangelism through tract distribution, Bible Studies and Spoken Word, Health Fairs, distribution of food and clothing to the needy, Prison Ministries, and a vibrant Seniors’ Ministry.
Three choirs – the Sanctuary, Youth and Children’s; as well as small groups, now provide music for Sabbath services.
A successful Home-Coming Celebration, which brought together former pastors, members, well-wishers and friends was held on the weekend of October 21-23, 2005. This also marked the 14th years of Mamre’s existence as an organized church. As Pastor James Clarke said goodbye to Mamre, we
welcomed Pastor Farrell Jones in 2009. He was hardworking and had a special interest in the children. During his tenure, an Enrichment Program geared mostly towards Seniors in the church and community, was organized with Sis. Leonie Bryan as the leader. A food distribution program for the church and community was also in progress along with various health programs from Church and City. After approximately 5 years, Pastor Farrell Jones’ goodbye was in the form of a retirement function in his honor. The church then welcomed Pastor and Sis. Kenneth Jones, Jr. and family in June of 2014.
Under God’s guidance and the cooperation and commitment of Officers and members of this church, Pastor and Sis. Jones are earnestly doing their part for the spiritual, physical, and social advancement of the church. A food pantry serving church and community, forms an important part of the church program.
The church wishes to express its gratitude to God and to the Northeastern Conference, as well as Pastors past and present, to members, friends and well-wishers and to the contractors for their sacrificial and dedicatory role in the building-up of His Church…. and “yet the Journey Continues”.
