Church History

The Presbyterian Church was founded in 1907, growing out of weekly Bible Study meetings held by a group of local women.
At that time, the area consisted primarily of farmland, served by a single General Store.
Families rode horse-drawn buggies to Jamaica and Springfield in order to attend services, and there was a great demand for an opportunity to worship God closer to home.

In an effort whose success was later heralded in the press, funds to erect the original edifice were raised by staging plays and revues in a decorated barn. James Nevins, a Brooklyn realtor, donated the plot of land where the church now stands. Minister William Hendrickson was its first supply pastor and two years later in July 1909, the Rev. Frank Lee was installed as our first permanent pastor.

We have been well-served by leadership who dedicated their lives to serving Christ through their ministry at the PCSA. Rev. Lee was succeeded by Rev. Hilton R. Campbell in 1913; by Rev. John Erickson in 1915; in 1920 by Rev. John A. Harrer; by Rev. James Mayne in 1924; in 1928 by Rev. Arthur Ashe and by Rev. Dr. Williams from 1934-1936.

In 1936 Rev. Francis Wallace was installed. During his tenure, the Addisleigh United Presbyterian Church joined with the St. Albans Church (1937). He would serve faithfully for the next twenty years, expanding outreach to the community, and helping to ethnically diversify our congregation.

In 1962, Rev. L. Charles Gray was installed. His spiritual leadership brought worldwide recognition to the PCSA when he participated in the Christian Peace Conference in Guyana and the National Council of Churches. With many congregants working as educators and entrepreneurs in the community, PCSA further established itself as a persevering factor in the social and economic development of southeastern Queens. A gifted orator, organizer, and patron-of-the-arts, Rev. Gray enthusiastically encouraged music and performances in both classical and contemporary genres. Our current stage and theatre space are dedicated in his name.

After serving first as a popular Youth Minister, Rev. Dr. Edward Davis was installed in 1985 as the eleventh pastor of PCSA. The 80’s were a tumultuous time for the country, and our locality. Through it all, our church stood as a beacon of stability from which prayers to God found their vociferation and essence, and families found safe sanctuary. Known for his bold optimism, many ministries flourished under Rev. Dr. Davis. He energetically guided PCSA well into the 21st century. After more than four decades in the pulpit, he retired in 2021.

After a careful search and many prayers, we were blessed to find our Interim Pastor already within our walls. Rev. Eric Toodles was approved and ordained in January 2022. A longtime member of this community, Rev. Toodles comes from a family that has served the Lord and this church for generations. His hard work built a bridge and strong foundation for our future in worship and devotion to Christ.

Rev. Dr. Walter Silva Thompson Jr. currently serves as Staff Pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Saint Albans, bringing with him a rich and varied ministry shaped by pastoral leadership, academic rigor, and deep community engagement. Originally from Houston, Texas, his early call to ministry emerged through hands-on service, including work with Teen Challenge as a Bible instructor, helping young people steer away from drug involvement. While in Philadelphia, he discerned a clear call to full-time ministry, earning a B.A. in Sociology from Eastern University and a Master of Divinity in Practical Theology from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is presently a doctoral student at Duquesne University, continuing his commitment to theological reflection grounded in real-world concerns.

Over the course of his ministerial career, Rev. Dr. Thompson has served congregations of diverse sizes and cultural contexts across the United States and abroad. His pastoral journey includes his first pastorate at St. Joseph Baptist Church in Philadelphia, followed by a pivotal decision to decline doctoral studies at the University of Edinburgh in order to serve Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. He later ministered at Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and spent nine formative years at Morning Star Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens, shepherding a congregation of approximately 800 members. Most recently, he served as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in East Hampton, New York, leading a smaller, multicultural congregation. Married to Dr. Linda Silva Thompson, Dean of the Monroe College School of Business and Accounting, he is the proud father of two children, Maya and Ethan, and has preached, studied, and lectured internationally in Argentina, Scotland, Jamaica, Switzerland, and throughout the United States. His dynamic energy, eloquence, and Leadership are a Blessing to this congregation and community.

We look forward in Faith!

WHO WE ARE

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CYCLE OF LIFE

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