Published: September 20, 2026, 6:30 a.m.
By Amanda Faublas | afaublas@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — One of Staten Island’s most historic churches is celebrating a milestone anniversary while continuing efforts to preserve its legacy for future generations.
The Rossville AME Zion Church, located in the heart of Sandy Ground, will commemorate its 175th anniversary with a celebration on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Crystal Room, 67 Olympia Blvd. in Dongan Hills.
As part of the historic Sandy Ground community, the church has been a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for generations.
Established in the 1820s, Sandy Ground became one of New York’s earliest communities where Black Americans could own land, build homes and establish independent lives. At the center of that community stood Rossville AME Zion Church, serving as both a house of worship and a gathering place for local families.
For longtime church member and Sandy Ground descendant Yvette Jordan-Taylor, the anniversary represents both the church’s enduring presence and the commitment of those who have carried its mission forward.
“What this means, at least for me, is longevity and continuity in the community, which unfortunately a lot of times we don’t see churches that have sustained themselves for this amount of time,” Jordan-Taylor said. “This milestone is unique and really shows that those who started our church in 1850 really built a solid foundation.”
She added that the anniversary is also a testament to the generations that followed.
“For the descendants who succeeded them, it also shows that we recognize that foundation and are building upon it,” said Jordan-Taylor.
Rev. Charles Washington, pastor of Rossville AME Zion Church, said the anniversary represents both the church’s enduring faith and its lasting impact on the community.
“The 175th anniversary means everything to me. A community that is still thriving and leaving a legacy that is still growing,” Washington said. “As we add to this dynamic community, it is because of God Almighty, who has been at the forefront of all we endeavor.”
As the congregation reflects on nearly two centuries of history, church leaders are also focused on preserving the landmark for years to come.
The church is currently seeking support for a number of restoration and preservation projects. Planned improvements include replacing unsafe rear steps, repairing the deteriorating facade and upgrading aging interior features. Congregation members also hope to install an elevator to improve accessibility and restore the historic Baymen’s Cottages as educational spaces.
Additional work is needed to clear overgrown vegetation, remove hazardous trees and maintain the church cemetery to ensure it remains safe and accessible for visiting families.
