In August 2023, an 8’x4’ section of the plaster ceiling in the Sanctuary crashed to the floor, which resulted in the closing of the sanctuary to the public. We are so grateful there were no injuries. Every Sunday at 11:00am, we continue to welcome members and neighbors to worship together in the Underwood Chapel, accessible from the 85 South Oxford Street entrance.

Designed by Grimshaw & Morrill and completed in 1862, the large brownstone building of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church is considered one of the finest early church structures in Brooklyn, built in the Romanesque Revival style. The sanctuary reflects the reformed auditorium style with its open space and curved pews arranged to face the pastor, whose preaching was the focal point of the service.

There are 17 Stained-glass windows by the Tiffany studios. They represent wonderful examples of American art glass, which feature layers of glass and textured glass. (Learn More)

In 1976, Hank Prussing, then a recent graduate of Pratt Institute, conceived the “Cloud of Witness” Murals to reflect the diversity of the community and the church. He went out into the streets of Fort Greene, taking photographs of neighborhood people and activities. In contrast to the stained-glass windows, which showcase the reverence and grandeur of worship, the mural wraps around the sanctuary and brings home the essential role the surrounding community plays in this vibrant church’s continuing mission of service.

The organ is a four-manual, fifty-six rank instrument built by the Austin Organ company in 1910. The mahogany case is from the previous organ, a Hook & Hastings of 1886. Some of the pipes in the present instrument are from this original organ. Now only 30% operable, the Pipe Organ is desperately in need of renovations and rebuilding. To learn more about the Pipe Organ Project, click here.

Learn more about the Sanctuary Ceiling & Pipe Organ Project Case Statement, including information on this church’s rich history, impact on the community, reputation as  Fort Greene’s “Town Hall,” and its support of music and the arts.

Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church has launched a campaign to raise $3.5 million for the restoration of the sanctuary ceiling, completion of ADA accessibility to the space, and make critical renovations to its 115+ year old pipe organ.

How to support the Sanctuary Ceiling & Pipe Organ Project Capital Campaign:

Make a One-time Donation Click Here

Mail Your Donation to the Church office, 85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Please write “Capital Campaign” in the check’s memo line.

Gifts of Appreciated Stock gratefully accepted. For details, send an email

Include LAPC in Your Estate Plan Learn More

Pledge Your Financial Support Complete this form

Whether large or small, your gifts are needed and appreciated to make this project a reality. All donations to the Sanctuary Ceiling & Pipe Organ Project Capital Campaign will be restricted solely for the purposes of this campaign. Thank you!

With gratitude to unofficial Church Historian Edward Moran for much of this information.