The United Methodist Church of Sea Cliff will celebrate a remarkable milestone on Nov. 17, as the church marks its 150th anniversary. The festivities will honor not only the church’s enduring presence in the village but also its deep roots in the founding history of Sea Cliff.
The anniversary celebration will begin with a commemorative service at 10 a.m., led by the bishop of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Members of the congregation, former churchgoers, and community residents are invited, though reservations are requested.
“It’s a time for us to reflect on the church’s legacy and celebrate its connection to the community,” said Sarah Halliday, a trustee of the church board. “What the church is doing is bringing together a lot of information so that people who are interested can learn more about our history.”
The United Methodist Church of Sea Cliff traces its origins to the Sea Cliff Grove and Metropolitan Camp Ground Association, which purchased 240 acres of land in 1871. This early Methodist association transformed the land into a summer camp meeting destination, complete with a boardwalk, steamboat pier, water works, and a massive wooden tabernacle that could seat 5,000. Thousands came from New York City by train and boat, gathering in tents for worship and fellowship.
As families began settling in Sea Cliff year-round, a permanent Methodist congregation took shape. By 1874, the church held regular services in a small building on 14th Avenue, which was later known as the “Old Chapel.” This building eventually housed a variety of community events and even served as a meeting place for other religious congregations that emerged in Sea Cliff.
The church’s growing congregation moved to a new frame structure on Sea Cliff Avenue in 1879. Over the decades, this building became a central feature of village life, hosting community meetings and social events. The congregation flourished until 1913, when it required larger, more modern facilities. By 1914, the church had built a brick building on the same site, which served its needs for over half a century.
By the 1960s, the congregation had once again outgrown its building. With a new site purchased on Carpenter and Downing Avenues, the church dedicated its current building in 1968, when the old church became Sea Cliff’s Village Hall and Village Library. According to Halliday, the church’s modern design was inspired by the tents that housed their earliest worshippers.
The church has seen changes over the decades, adapting to meet the needs of the Sea Cliff community.
“We want to reconcile our passion with the Sea Cliff community,” said Pastor Miyeong Kang. “We want to be actively involved in Sea Cliff as a spiritual hub for this community.”
While the village is no longer made up entirely of Methodists, individual church members continue to be active in the community. Kang noted that many members volunteer with local organizations, and the church participates in the annual Sea Cliff Thanksgiving service, which brings together multiple faith communities.
The church’s history and relationship with Sea Cliff will be a focal point of the anniversary.
In preparation, church members gathered historical documents, and the church’s music minister has been compiling its written history. Halliday explained that this material helps celebrate the church’s role in the village’s past while providing a sense of continuity for today’s congregation.
“Sea Cliff was founded by Methodists, and our church remains a reminder of those roots,” she said. “Many of the small houses in the village center trace back to those original camp meeting families, and our church was part of that beginning.”
As the church celebrates its 150th anniversary, Kang expressed hope for a renewed role in the community. While acknowledging that the church’s involvement in community events has been more limited in recent years, she sees potential for growth.
“New families have moved to Sea Cliff, especially since the pandemic, and some have found their way to us,” she said. “We hope to strengthen our relationships with the broader community and to be a place of connection and support for those seeking a spiritual home.”
Anyone interested in participating in the church’s 150th anniversary can reach out to the church at (516) 671-0392.
