Baptist church makes debut in Elmont

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The Bethany French Baptist Church opened its doors for the first time in Elmont on Sunday, July 8. The celebration acted as a dedication service and grand opening ceremony.

The church, located at 471 Elmont Rd., hopes to grow as a community and be a place of worship for many members. The church also plans to to celebrate diversity in the community. At the event, the leaders of the church explored their mission, vision and values in worship and praise.

”It is our sincerest wish to welcome Bethany French Baptist Church and all of its members to the Elmont community, ” said New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. ”Sunday’s grand opening church service was a wonderful opportunity to reflect the church’s accomplishments, and I look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.”

Pastor Rev. Pierre Leonidas founded the church in his living room in 1977. After moving to the Young Men’s Christian Association in Jamaica, the church relocated to another location on 160th street. Rev. Edy Bichotte became the senior pastor, and then he relocated to Elmont with a growing number of church attendees.

Previously, the church was Temple B’Nai Israel, the oldest synagogue in Elmont. The temple had to close its doors after 70 years because of dwindling numbers and a lack of Jewish members living in the area. The synagogue will still meet in the building until the end of the year.