Sunnyside Reformed Church was born out of the optimism and rapid change of the 1890s. As Queens was transforming from open fields into a growing community, local leaders and neighbors saw the need for a spiritual home in Sunnyside. In 1896, Claus Olandt and others began organizing worship services, meeting first in homes and even at Paddy Gleason’s Centennial Hotel, until the congregation completed its first church building in 1899.

The early years were marked by resilience. Rapid urban development, the building of railroads and subways, and shifting populations threatened the young church’s survival. Yet the congregation persisted, even calling the Rev. Anne J. Allebach in 1916—the first woman ever to serve as a pastor in the Reformed Church tradition, decades before women’s ordination was officially recognized. Under her care, attendance grew and the church became known for its compassion toward the poor and unemployed.

Through the 20th century, Sunnyside Reformed Church adapted to the times: relocating and rebuilding in 1928, supporting neighbors during the Great Depression and World War II, and serving as a hub for scouts, civic groups, and community programs. By the 1950s, the congregation flourished, with hundreds in worship and ministries extending locally and globally.

Like many churches, Sunnyside faced challenges in the decades that followed—declining attendance, financial struggles, and changing neighborhood demographics. Yet again and again, the congregation reinvented itself, sharing space with immigrant congregations, hosting AA and NA groups, and building strong music and educational ministries.

In the 2000s, under Pastors Doug Estella and Neil Margetson, Sunnyside leaned deeply into outreach. After 9/11, the church became a center of compassion, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it launched food pantries, clothing drives, and new cultural programs to meet community needs.

Today, under the leadership of Rev. Brandan Robertson, Sunnyside Reformed Church continues to embody an inclusive, progressive Christian faith rooted in love, justice, and service. We remain a place where all are welcomed, questions are embraced, and community is nurtured. More than 125 years after its founding, Sunnyside Reformed Church still stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and belonging in Queens.