A historic Bushwick church went up in flames. What's next for its members?

On a sunny Friday afternoon in Brooklyn, Rev. Dr. James E. Steward II got a call: his church was ablaze.

The famed church, fitted with a slightly crooked steeple that made it easily recognizable, had went in flames. Steward, who lives a few blocks down, rushed to the scene. The historical landmark was on fire for hours, with locals gawking as orange flames burst out of its steeple.

By Tuesday, June 23, large fencing stood around the mostly destroyed building. A blue sign still stood behind the wooden fence, reading: "Supported by community."

Even days days after the fire, the air still smelled like ashes. Lost to flames was its iconic steeple.

"It was devastating," Steward said of his reaction when he first saw the fire. "Jarring."

South Bushwick Church was built in 1853, when the area was unrecognizable to what it is now. Steward said the church has around 50 members, although many others in the area stop by for the occasional service.

"For more than 170 years, South Bushwick Church has been more than a building. It has been our spiritual home, a gathering place, a beacon of hope, and a source of service for our community," the website of the church read.

"Through worship, prayer, outreach, fellowship, and compassionate ministry, generations have encountered God's presence within these walls."

"Today, those walls have been damaged, but our mission remains intact."

Days after the devastating fire, the church held virtual services, not only to continue their worship, but to hold a space for processing.

It isn't immediately clear what comes next for the building, or what caused the blaze. But Steward is spearheading efforts not only for repairs of the church, but where members will go in the meantime.

Luckily, he said, tens of thousands of those reached out already, offering help. Many spaces in the community put forward their spaces, and virtual services will be all that they have at least for the next few weeks, says Steward.

"We did amazing things here," he said, looking back on the charred remains of the church, which he has served at since 2013. As Steward stood outside of its fencing, multiple people walking by asked him how he was doing, with one group asking if he wanted anything from the deli down the street. It was clear that Steward, alongside the church, had made an impact on the community - and locals wanted to help.

Currently, the church has a GoFundMe, which has raised around $9,200 so far of its $2 million goal.

The money is needed for emergency stabilization of the building, a temporary space for members to hold services, and rebuilding efforts, says the church.

"Every donation, regardless of size, will help us continue serving Brooklyn and rebuild a place where future generations can gather in faith and fellowship," the GoFundMe read.

"We believe that while fire may damage a building, it cannot destroy a community rooted in hope."