Farmingville, NY - On October 25, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Valerie Cartright met with Pastor Gregory Leonard and members of the Bethel AME Church in Setauket to announce that the New York State Historic Preservation Office has listed the Bethel Christian Avenue Historic District and the Old Bethel Cemetery on the New York State Register of Historic Places. The district includes many historically significant properties including the Bethel AME Church (est. 1874) and Laurel Hill Cemetery (est. 1815). The Historic District is located along Christian Avenue in Setauket, part of the Three Village community, which was the earliest settlement area in Brookhaven Town (1655). The Cemetery is located on Christian Avenue, and the corner of Woodfield Road.
“The Bethel Christian Avenue Historic District is very rich in local history,” said Supervisor Romaine. “The people who have lived and worshiped here for over 350 years have always taken great pride in the accomplishments of their ancestors. A listing on the State Register of Historic Places is a well-deserved honor for the entire community.”
Councilwoman Cartright said, “The Bethel Christian Avenue Historic District is a very special place within the Three Village area. The cemetery itself has significant personal and historical meaning to the Bethel AMC Church and the surrounding community. Longstanding community families are represented at the Old Bethel Cemetery and I am very pleased that both the Cemetery and the Bethel Christian Avenue Historic District have been listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places. This designation comes at an opportune time as this community celebrated the 170th anniversary of the Bethel AME Church earlier this year.”