Old First seeks to offer Hospitality to Community Groups and the Arts — this is carried out through our newly formed 4th Mission team.

Three members of the 1st St Quintet perform on a warm Sunday afternoon

The 4th Mission: Arts at Old First

Arts at Old First is a community arts project of the historic Old First Reformed Church that advances the church's mission to provide community outreach, predominately through hospitality to the arts. Based in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn, we believe that our historic sanctuary and building is a gift that should be shared with our broader New York City community, through hosting musical performances and other community events.

Visit Arts at Old First @ fourthmission.com to find out more.

Arts at Old First on Facebook

Michael Daves performs with Chris Thile, Chris Eldridge and Noam Pikelny of the Punch Brothers at the Brooklyn Bluegrass Bash, a 4th Mission: Arts at Old First benefit concert for the restoration of Old First's ceiling. Also on had were Tony Trischka and Territory, Andy Statman Trio, Aoife O’Donovan, the Calamity Janes, Kristin Andreassen and Friends, the Bilger Family and emcee Peter Sarsgaard.


Arts at Old First hosted the launch event of Rev. Dr. Daniel Meeter's book, "Why Be a Christian (If no One goes to Hell)?" Here Rev. Dr. Meeter is interviewed by Kate Kelly of CNBC.

Neighbors and Community Find Shelter and Space

Over the years, various community-wide groups have found space for meetings and gatherings at Old First.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services of Congregation Beth Elohim were celebrated at Old First for three years while Garfield Temple was under repair.

Literary Events

Book events and performances have been held at Old First; the sanctuary capacity of 1,300 filled to overflowing. Several major book readings and other programs have been hosted with independent bookstores from our neighborhood and Fort Greene. See The 4th Mission on Facebook for upcoming events.

Art at Old First

A recent acrylic by Rosebud Ebenezer, 2012

Old First has hosted art events. See Arts at Old First on Facebook for upcoming shows which may be planned.

A Few Musicial Groups who Found a Home at Old First

Old First Reformed Church has been home to Chocolate Chip Chamber Music, which made its debut as a children’s music series in May 2006 with preformances through May 2012. Look for the program to pick up again in the near future, and check their website: www.chocolatechipmusic.org

Sword Dancing at Old First
Videos on YouTube. Dancers have performed every spring in the Upper Hall for many years.

Please contact the church office if you or your group would like to rent space for a performance or recital. The sanctuary is currently under construction but the Lower Hall and Upper Hall may be booked.

Links to the websites of groups and friends who have used our church

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