On the East side of Coates Avenue, in Holbrook, just south of the main line of the Long Island Railroad, stands a small Colonial-style church building. It has been there since 1865. The land on which the building rests was originally held by the Secataug Indians. It passed through the N.Y. “Patents” to the Nicoli “Patents” in the year 1840. In the 1850’s Hugh and Anna McCotter became the owners and passed it on to Alexander and Francis McCotter.  The House of Worship was sponsored by the Presbyterian Mission Society of New York, after a plot of ground had been donated by Alexander and Francis McCotter, on August 25, 1864. A local group formed the Presbyterian Mission Church of Holbrook, naming as trustees – Ephram DuBois, Robert Everett, W. Wilson, Sidney Jung, and Samuel Fleet. The parcel given was sixty feet wide and one hundred twenty feet deep. An adjacent plot to the south, was also donated stipulating its use for a parsonage and in the deed it stated that the McCotters retained permission to cultivate the plot until a parsonage was built.

Construction of the building began in 1865 and was completed in 1866. It was twenty-six feet wide and forty-two feet deep, having just enough space to seat one hundred Worshippers. The building was “Carpenter-style-Gothic,” that is, the design and ornamentation was derived from the Carpenter’s handbook of the period, which illustrates columns, pilasters, cornice brackets, steeple and the pointed head windows and moldings. The side walls were eighteen feet high, the ceiling height – fifteen feet. The exterior covering was clapboards (still in good condition); the interior had been plastered; the original floor boards were of wide pine planks. The framing members, of spruce (portions of the framing had been fastened with eight inch long pine pegs). In the steeple hangs a large bell on a heavy metal support; the bell-mouth is thirty inches across and the ball-height is twenty-six inches. The bell is actuated by a pull rope riding over a six foot diameter bell wheel. The lighting system consisted of kerosene oil lamps and wall sconces. A log-burning stove stood in the northeast comer of the roomIn 1866, Holbrook was a thriving community. The Long Island railroad (construction started in 1844) had laid the single track through Holbrook, which later became the boundary line between the Town of Brookhaven and the Town of Islip, and built a station here. The station was the distribution point for the farm products and manufactured goods, the cut cord wood and greenhouse flowers from the north and south shore communities. A number of roads led to Holbrook. Among them, Smith Road, Patchogue-Holbrook Road, and others. A road on railroad property went from Patchogue-Holbrook Road to Ronkonkoma (before Railroad Avenue was constructed). Coates Avenue and Grundy Avenue were opened to Furrows Road to the south. A stage line operated between Patchogue and Holbrook along Patchogue Road during the 1870s. Later this stage operated from Patchogue to Waverly, to Selden to Port Jefferson. Another stage line started in 1875, went to Bohemia and Sayville (this line advertised that it preferred light-weight people and that the horse’s name was “Dell”).

Hugh and Hannah McCotter and Alexander and Francis McCotter had purchased large tracts of land in the towns of Islip and Brookhaven in the 1850’s and laid out streets and lots which they sold to buyers from maps. These lots were seldom developed into home sites. Elizabeth, a daughter of Francis McCotter, and the McCotters, persuaded the Board of Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church to sponsor a project for a church building in Holbrook. They donated the site for the church and the parsonage. The structure was completed, but we find that on June 20, 1871, it was sold at Public Auction in response to an action by William Robinson who was owed $703.48 as a lien upon the property and assessed to the Trustees. The lien was paid through the court action and an H. Parsons was the highest bidder. The property was transferred on October 1872, upon a payment of $800.00, to Elizabeth McCotter (now Wilson) who acted as the creditor of the church body. The property was deeded back to the Presbyterian Mission on November 28, 1876. Additional parcels of land were added to the church property at this time, making an area of 15,000 square feet.

Just north of the church building, across the railroad tracks several factories and warehouses had been built. One factory, called the Newins and Griswald Cigar Factory, had been in operation since 1877, and during the first five months, made 631,925 cigars and paid an excise tax of $3,791.00. They had planned to roll two million cigars a year. About 1880, Newins and Griswald, disturbed by the unionization of the employees, and an attempt to raise wages stated that they were a first class employer and felt hurt that the workers were unhappy. After a short period of discussion, they fired all employees and closed the factory. This had an adverse effect on the Presbyterian Mission Church, as most of the members had been employed in this factory. Other places of employment closed, the stage line ceased operations and Holbrook Station lost a place as a transportation center to the newly built stations at Patchogue and Sayville along a new Montauk line of the Railroad.

Once again, in 1904, a mortgage held by Elizabeth McCotter for $1000.00 was foreclosed and upon the order of Judge Jeter Hand, was sold at the Riverhead Court House, to the highest bidder, the newly formed Holbrook Lutheran Church of Holbrook in the name of the Board of Trustees – Charles Gehring, Charles Flubacker and Claus Baack for the sum of $350.00. When the Presbyterians abandoned the church building, one item of interest was left. It is the Pulpit Bible which contains the inscription: “To the Presbyterian Church at Holbrook, L.I. from Mrs. H Ferguson, October 9th, 1866.” This Bible was printed by the American Bible Society of New York in 1857.

The Holbrook Lutheran Church, now renamed the St. John’s Evangelical Church of Holbrook, was founded in 1904 by the Lutherans in Holbrook. A very small group of Christians, 29 in all, established the church and from 1904 to 1906 held worship services in the members’ homes. It must have been an exciting two years for these people. The abandoned church they had bought was in utter disrepair. Many hours of hard labor must have been spent repairing, scrubbing and polishing before all was ready for the first service in their own church. The church building was repaired, inside and out, adding brick foundations in place of the settled locust posts, patched and painted the plaster walls and installed a metal ceiling.

The first spiritual leader was Rev. Herman Zoller. He organized the Holbrook Lutheran Church as a missionary station and led the new congregation until 1915 when he accepted a call to Emanuel Church in Patchogue. Hard times followed. It was difficult and sometimes impossible to find a visiting pastor. Attendance dropped and interest began to fade.

From 1920 to 1922 Rev. Adolf Meili served the two Lutheran churches in Sayville and Holbrook. He was succeeded by Rev. Otto Graesser. Again hard times plagued the small congregation and attendance dwindles and the offerings could not cover the expenses. The twelve years from 1915 to 1927 must have been very frustrating for the tiny congregation. It must have seemed to be a hopeless situation. Their great faith in God, the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit made it possible for them to continue their quest, a Lutheran Church in Holbrook.

Their prayers were answered when Rev. Albert Beyer accepted a joint call from Holbrook Lutheran Church and St. John’s of Sayville. When he arrived in 1927 a new era emerged for the congregation. Pastor Beyer was eager to rejuvenate the congregation. He called on the Baacks, Bliemillers, Flubachers, Heines, Harrisons, Kopplemanns, Schneiders, Steidels, Ulrichs, Wehrenbergs, Yerks, and others to rededicate themselves and to attend services regularly. Repairs, both inside and outside, of the church were begun. Heating and lighting were installed. A Sunday School was reinstated and a Council was initiated. The service was revised to follow the Hymnal. The final change was the church name, The Holbrook Lutheran Church became St. John’s Lutheran Church of Holbrook.

Once again dedicated Lutherans took an active part in their church and community. In 1928 St. John’s began keeping its own records. Previously all records of baptisms confirmations, marriages, etc. were kept in St. John’s of Sayville. A fire destroyed all records. As a result none are available prior to 1928.  In 1932 Pastor Beyer was taken by his Lord to his heavenly home. It must have been a sad day for the congregation of Holbrook and Sayville. What a tremendous legacy Pastor Beyer left.

Visiting preachers served St. John’s until Rev. Louis H. Martin was installed on January 15, 1933. Pastor Martin consoled and comforted the fledgling worshippers in the trying years of the depression and in time, was to see many accomplishments in the growing community. A new Sunday School wing enlarged the Church complex; a new organ raised its voice in His praise. Although Pastor Martin served both Sayville and Holbrook, his presence and example was a source of encouragement and growth. A long-deserved retirement of Reverend Martin in 1959 was the final factor that spurred St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church to the vibrant activity that is ours today.

A call was sent to Reverend William K. Roser at Utica, South Dakota, and he accepted. Pastor Roser was installed as resident minister on February 28, 1960; his acceptance and success in the community was overwhelming. A second worship service, improvements and revision in services, Bible studies – all contributed to a closeness of congregation.

1904 – 1932

The Holbrook Lutheran Church, now renamed the St. John’s Evangelical Church of Holbrook, was founded in 1904 by the Lutherans in Holbrook. A very small group of Christians, 29 in all, established the church and from 1904 to 1906 held worship services in the members’ homes. It must have been an exciting two years for these people. The abandoned church they had bought was in utter disrepair. Many hours of hard labor must have been spent repairing, scrubbing and polishing before all was ready for the first service in their own church. The church building was repaired, inside and out, adding brick foundations in place of the settled locust posts, patched and painted the plaster walls and installed a metal ceiling.

Behind the original church (Left, circa 1904) was an open building to stable the horse and carriages. It was later closed in and became the Guild Hall where affairs were held and the Ladies Aide met. When it was torn down an extension was added, as seen in the picture to the right (Current).

The first spiritual leader was Rev. Herman Zoller. He organized the Holbrook Lutheran Church as a missionary station and led the new congregation until 1915 when he accepted a call to Emanuel Church in Patchogue. Hard times followed. It was difficult and sometimes impossible to find a visiting pastor. Considering that worship services had to be held on Sunday afternoons and that it never had assurance that a pastor would be available the membership dwindles, support was desultory and interest faded. Attendance dropped and interest began to fade. (Among the visiting pastors was Rev. Paul Pallmeyer of Huntington. He traveled the thirty-five miles from Huntington to Ronkonkoma by railroad train and then by horse and buggy to Holbrook.)

From 1920 to 1922 Rev. Adolf Meili served the two Lutheran churches in Sayville and Holbrook. He was succeeded by Rev. Otto Graesser who served until 1927. Again hard times plagued the small congregation and attendance dwindles and the offerings could not cover the expenses. The twelve years from 1915 to 1927 must have been very frustrating for the tiny congregation. It must have seemed to be a hopeless situation. Their great faith in God, the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit made it possible for them to continue their quest, a Lutheran Church in Holbrook.

Their prayers were answered when Rev. Albert Beyer accepted a joint call from Holbrook Lutheran Church and St. John’s of Sayville. Pastor Beyer had just retired from the large congregation of St. John’s of Brooklyn and was prevailed upon to assume this pastorate. When he arrived in 1927 a new era emerged for the congregation. Passtor Beyer was jovial, inspiring and a hard worker. Pastor Beyer was eager to rejuvenate the congregation. He called on the Baacks, Bliemillers, Flubachers, Heines, Harrisons, Kopplemanns, Schneiders, Steidels, Ulrichs, Wehrenbergs, Yerks, and others to rededicate themselves and to attend services regularly. Repairs, both inside and outside, of the church were begun. Heating and lighting were installed. A Sunday School was reinstated and a Council was initiated. The service was revised to follow the Hymnal. The final change was the church name, The Holbrook Lutheran Church became St. John’s Lutheran Church of Holbrook.
Once again dedicated Lutherans took an active part in their church and community. In 1928 St. John’s began keeping its own records. Previously all records of baptisms confirmations, marriages, etc. were kept in St. John’s of Sayville. A fire destroyed all records. As a result none are available prior to 1928.

On August 11, 1929, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary.

 In 1932 Pastor Beyer was taken by his Lord to his heavenly home. It must have been a sad day for the congregation of Holbrook and Sayville. What a tremendous legacy Pastor Beyer left.

1933 – 1969

Visiting preachers served St. John’s until Rev. Louis H. Martin was installed on January 15, 1933. This was the time of great depression and living conditions were extremely difficult. Many members had to leave Holbrook to earn a living elsewhere. But in God’s good time, this also passed and our congregation showed an increase in membership and attendance at worship services. To help, the worship services were changed to morning hours.  Pastor Martin consoled and comforted the fledgling worshippers in the trying years of the depression and in time, was to see many accomplishments in the growing community. A new Sunday School wing enlarged the Church complex; a new organ raised its voice in His praise. Although Pastor Martin served both Sayville and Holbrook, his presence and example was a source of encouragement and growth. By 1959, Pastor Martin had served forty-five years as servant of the Lord, 26 of them at Holbrook. Now the time had come for his retirement. It was a decided blow to the members, he had served us extremely well under severe and difficult conditions, serving two congregations simultaneously. The area of his pastorate extended 30 or more square miles.  A long-deserved retirement of Reverend Martin in 1959 was the final factor that spurred St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church to the vibrant activity that is ours today.

This was a crucial time for both Sayville and Holbrook congregations. The time had come for each to go its own way and call a resident pastor. The decision was wrought with many and diverse unknown factors. Could we at Holbrook carry on a program of the Lord’s work in the face of such increased expenditures as the purchase of a parsonage and the entire support of a Pastor? We could and did. A parsonage was purchased and the offerings and pledges were doubled and vibrant call was made of our own resident pastor.

A call was sent to Reverend William K. Roser at Utica, South Dakota, and he accepted. Pastor Roser was installed as resident minister on February 28, 1960. Pastor and his family had moved into the newly acquired parsonage on Maple Street and soon was firmly established and well received as a member of the Holbrook Community.
Pastor Roser urged revisions and improvement in the church services, adding a second worship service, initiated Bible studies, inspired increased membership and cooperated in many ways to improve and expand the congregation.

In 1966 the building committee launched upon a building program. On December 4th a Ground Breaking Ceremony was observed for a new Christian Educational Building. The building about 4000 sq. ft. would serve as Sunday School, Pastor’s Study, Church Office and a kitchen. The building is designed to accommodate about 300 people at special activities.
In 1967 a deceased member, Mr. Henry Moeller, willed a certain amount of money to erect a church building. In 1968 a new building program was initiated for the erection of a new church sanctuary. Also in 1968 on May 19th the dedication of the New Christian Education Building was celebrated.

1979 – 1999

On December 6, 1970 our new church was Dedicated. The church reflects the doctrinal attitudes and basic beliefs of the Lutherans of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Holbrook in order that the worship Liturgy would be expressive of this Faith. The new church is a traditional church building. Three aisles, timber roof, arches arrange themselves in solemn procession along each side to a chancel or sanctuary of adequate size, containing a free standing altar, baptismal font, pulpit and lectern.

April 28, 1974 we celebrated our 70th Anniversary. At the Anniversary Vesper Service the sermon was delivered by the Rev. Egbert J. Dunker, who was the pastor to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sayville and was our Circuit Counselor. The order of worship was led by Rev. William K. Roser. The organist and choir director was Mrs. Margaret Hayward.

On April 17, 1975 the Town of Islip deemed our White Church a Landmark and worthy of notice, respect and the preservation due it for its role in the history of the town.

In November 1975 Pastor George S. Altvater became our second full-time resident pastor, after serving as our interim pastor after the departure of Pastor Roser in January.

In 1976 the Vacation Bible School was reintroduced. During August over one hundred children attended the ten day sessions under the guidance of more than twenty instructors. It was a tremendous success.

1979 we celebrated our 75th Anniversary as a congregation. The Lord has bestowed many of his blessings upon us and helped us to grow. In 1904, several Christian families gathered together to form a new congregation which was to become known as St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Holbrook – Missouri Synod. A Dinner-Dance at the Bavarian Inn in Lake Ronkonkoma on April 20th was enjoyed by many. The honored guests were Pastor Altvater and his wife Miriam, and Pastor Meyer of Emanual Lutheran Church in Patchogue and his wife Marie. Fred Kuehl, President of the Council proposed a toast. Mr. Paul Steidel gave a short summary on St. John’s and Pastor Altvater presented certain members with a token of appreciation.

December 6, 1980 there was a Service of Thanksgiving and Praise for the Tenth Anniversary of our New Church. At that time the new Trinity Memorial Window was explained in an insert in the bulletin. The newly crafted stained glass window installed in the west wall of the Church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, The Triune God, defined as One God subsisting in three separate Persons. The stained glass window is composed of many symbolic characteristics of the Trinity.

At the top in vivid colors, we see the creating hands of God the Father, holding the earth, moon and stars. Below the hands is the dove, representing God the Holy Spirit. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, is represented in two figures. The first is kneeling, bearing the burden and shame of our sin, and over is an empty cross with a red cloth over the crossbar. The second figure is the victorious Son returning to his former glory.

Pastor Altvater retired in 1989.

On July 23,1989 we installed Pastor William W. Bloom, Jr. Rev. Bloom was born in Harvey, Illinois in 1939. He graduated from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1961 and from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 1965. He married Patsy Ruth Alexander in 1964. Their marriage was blessed with three children.

Pastor Blooms Installation was officiated by The Reverand Ronald F. Fink, President of the Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Other participants were The Reverend Herbert M. Kern, Pastor Emeritus Calvary Lutheran Church, East Meadow, and Counselor for Circuit 12. The Reverend Robert Ernst, Pastor Grace Lutheran Church, Mastic Beach and Counselor for Circuit 12. The Reverend George S. Altvater, Pastor Emeritus St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. John Grosch, President St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Bruce Nathan, who had served the congregation during the vacancy, also served as Assistant Pastor from 1990 to 1995.

2000 – Present

In April 2004 St. John’s celebrated its 100th Anniversary. A Family Service was held April 16th. Pastor William W. Bloom Jr. retired in 2006.

Our interim pastor was Pastor Brian Noack, who was also an assistant Pastor at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sayville, and when he became a full time minister there, Pastor Kenneth Hessel served as interim.

A search went out for a full time Pastor. The call was arranged as a placement through the seminary. On July 11, 2009 we were blessed with Reverend George A. Kirkup who was ordained and installed as our Pastor. The presiding minister was Reverend Dr. David Benke, President of the Atlantic District, LCMS. The preacher was Rev. Bruce Nathan (former pastor here and at the time was pastor of Holy Trinity, Middle Island). After the service there was a Celebration Dinner.

In 2015 we celebrated the 150 year old Little White Church. The church was originally built in 1865 and finished the following year. Sadly the same year (2015) we lost a dear member Kathleen Reinke. Kay for years took it upon herself to be sure the little church was kept in repair. Members of the church would save all their pennies and bring them to Kay. We can’t help but think of Kay when we see the little church.

A proclamation was presented by NYS Assemblyman Alfred C. Graf for the anniversary.  It reads:

“Whereas, it is the intent of the legislator to recognize a historic milestone reached by St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Building; and

whereas, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Church Building is a historical Landmark and a source of pride tin the towns of Holbrook and Islip. This building is now celebrating 150 years of hosting worship and service to the community; and

whereas, the church first served the community as the Presbyterian Mission Church of Holbrook. Construction on the building began in 1865. The building, designed in Carpenter-style-Gothic, was twenty-six feet wide and forty-two feet deep upon completion and had just enough space to seat one hundred worshippers; and

whereas, in 1904, the church as reestablished under a new name, the St. John’s Evangelical Church of Holbrook, and over the course of two years, 29 congregation members scrubbed, polished, and repaired the church building, which had fallen into disrepair to the extent that service had to be held in members’ homes during this period; and

whereas, one again, in the late 1920s, the church building was in much need to repair. These repairs were completed under the directiocn of new pastor, Rev. Albert Beyer. Along with the repairs, heating and lighting were installed in the church building, which then had its name changed to the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Holbrook.

whereas, in the mid-1900s, after enduring the trying years of the Great Depression, a Sunday School wing was added to the complex and a new organ was installed, both under the direction of Pastor Rev. Louis H. Martin; and

whereas, the Church Building of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation has survived tough times these last 150 years, including the final year of the Civil War and its aftermath, the closure of several major businesses in the town which employed most members of the congregation, several foreclosures on the property in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the Great Depression. The church building had fallen into disrepair due to abandonment and age, but was always revived through strong leadership and the dedication of the congregation; now therefore, be it

Proclaimed, that as a duly-elected member of the Assembly of the State of New York, I do recognize

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Church Building

Celebrating 150 Years

In recognition of 150 years, good stewardship and service to the community; congratulations and best wishes to an organization worthy of the esteem of our community, the County of Suffolk and the great State of New York.”