Cuyler Presbyterian Church
historic place
The Cuyler Presbyterian Church, a historic place in Brooklyn, New York, is located at 358–360 Pacific Street. The church building was constructed in 1892, designed by architect Edward Sargent. Adjacent to it, the former parsonage, a Greek Revival style dwelling, dates back to approximately 1851. The church was organized in 1886 as a mission of the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, named after its pastor, Dr. Theodore Cuyler. For about 50 years, the Cuyler Presbyterian Church served as a central point for the Mohawk community in what was then known as North Gowanus, a neighborhood they called "Little Caughnawaga." Many Mohawk men, known as "skywalkers," were ironworkers who helped build New York's bridges and skyscrapers. Pastor David Munroe Corey led the church for 29 years. He learned the Mohawk language, delivered monthly services in it, and in 1939, helped translate a Mohawk hymnal. The church also hosted annual pow-wows. In the early 1980s, the congregation merged, and the building became a private residence. Cuyler Presbyterian Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. It remains a significant site for understanding Brooklyn's architectural and cultural history, particularly its connection to the Mohawk community.