ABOUT US

Ground Breaking of our Permanent building - November 2010

The Far Rockaway Church of Christ, located at 21-25 Nameoke Avenue, in Far Rockaway, NY is fast becoming one of the leading congregations of Churches of Christ in the Northeast corridor. In addition to the spiritual edification of its members there are those from the community who attend services and activities at the church on a regular basis.

The history of the Far Rockaway congregation is one of perseverance, determination and triumph. From somewhat humble beginnings in 1976 Bro. Walter Maxwell, Minister of the Roosevelt Freeport Church of Christ, realized that there was a need for a congregation in the Far Rockaway, Queens community. With optimism and faith, in 1977 he sent Bro. Steven Ludy along with Bro. Cornelius Heyward and a few other families who eagerly went to work and started a church there.

During the early years of the Far Rockaway Church of Christ, Bro. Steven Ludy served as Minister and Bro. Cornelius Heyward served in the capacity of Assistant Minister. After working to establish and grow a stable and faithful congregation approximately 10 years later, Bro. Steven Ludy relocated to Detroit, Michigan and Bro. Moses Johnson, retired Minister of the Huntington Church of Christ, served as the Senior Minister for several years.

Having dedicated his life to the church and demonstrating a resolute desire to see the church grow and prosper, in 1990, Bro. Heyward was ordained Minister, of the Far Rockaway Church of Christ. Since becoming Minister, the congregation has increased substantially from a few families when it began, to in excess of 200 members presently. The church maintains an average attendance of more than 125 members each Sunday.

The Far Rockaway Church of Christ had purchased two pieces of property measuring 150 x 50 and 100 x 135 sq. feet. At this point, the new edifice has been completed. The new building was to accommodate the increasing membership, in addition to ministries that serve the congregation and people from the local community. The reason for this decision is due to the fact that the church had outgrown its previous facility.

Since becoming the Minister of the Far Rockaway Church of Christ, Bro. Heyward has established a number of ministries to assist residents in the neighboring area including a food pantry, the Annual Cornelius Heyward Scholarship Fund, as well as other programs and projects for the youth, assistance to the elderly and disabled, clothing allocations to help the disadvantaged, and informational services to aid those in need of social services. The congregation is also involved with missionary work necessitating travel to and from South Africa, to support congregations there.


ABOUT THE MINISTER

Minister Cornelius Heyward, attended and graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Service. In 1972, he met and married Vanessa Denise, his lovely wife and the love of his life. Cornelius and Vanessa have been married for over 43 years and from their blessid union have three children, Josiah, Ciara and Asante.

Following his graduation from Far Rockaway High School in 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army. While in the military, he heroically served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1972. In October 1976, Bro Heyward was baptized into the Church of Christ at the Roosevelt/Freeport congregation. After several months, Bro. Maxwell, Minister of the Roosevelt/Freeport Church of Christ, realized that there was a need for a congregation in Far Rockaway and sent Brother Steven Ludy, along with Brother Heyward and several families, to work on starting a church there. During the early years of the Far Rockaway Church of Christ, Brother Heyward developed a powerful love and desire for searching the scriptures and studying the word of God. To improve on his biblical knowledge and hone his skills in the pulpit, he studied with the Sunset Extension School.

In 1990, Brother Heyward was ordained Minister of the Far Rockaway Church of Christ. Since that time, membership of the congregation has increased substantially as a direct result of his outstanding teaching and preaching of sound doctrine, as well as his effective leadership. In 2003, he retired from the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority and has dedicated the majority of his life, to the arduous task of overseeing the design and construction of the church’s new edifice.

The Churches of Christ are international and Minister Heyward has proven to be one of its most renowned and prolific ministers in the Brotherhood. A passionate sought after Gospel preacher, who is invited to share his oratorical skills at many congregations throughout the Brotherhood, is the recipient of numerous plaques, Political Proclamations and other honors.

Minister Heyward, has stood and continues to stand as a Christian Minister of tremendous faith, determination and courage. His compassionate and self sacrificing leadership has led many to Christ and thus their soul salvation over the years.

DEDICATION TO A PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Vanessa D. Heyward is the wife of Cornelius Heyward, Minister of the Far Rockaway Church of Christ. Together they have been doing the work of the Lord in the area, for over 35 years. With assistance from their faithful congregation, the Lord has blessed them to complete the new edifice, “The Far Rockaway Church of Christ” located at 21-25 Nameoke Avenue, Far Rockaway New York. And while they consider it a grand achievement, they realize their GREATEST BLESSING AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS to date are; their three lovely children, Josiah, Ciara and Asante. 

 Sister Heyward is very instrumental in the spiritual and social development of young ladies in the church. She teaches the junior bible class on Sundays as well as the ladies bible class. Serving as secretary along with many other tasks, she is never too busy to assist young ladies who often come to her for advice.

By profession, Sister Heyward worked as a legal Secretary for over 42 years.  For five years she worked as a Trademark  Paralegal, two years as an Administrative Assistant for the Director of Human Resources and the last 4 1/2 years as Office Manager/Confidential Secretary to the General Counsel of District 37.

Sister Heyward has retired from her secular job, to work full-time as Church Secretary. Talented beyond measure, her long range goal is to launch her own interior decorating firm.

The recipient of continuous bountiful blessings, Sister Heyward believes her cup overflows and that God has truly blessed her.  She also believes he is true to his word when she meditates on her favorite scripture. Phillipians 4:11  “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state, therewith to be content”

She OPENS HER MOUTH WITH wisdom & THE TEACHING OF  kindness is on her TONGUE.”  (PROVERBS 31:26).

As she gracefully and humbly manages the awesome commitment and responsibilities of the wife of Minister Heyward, we want her to know;  as she embarks on her new undertaking as our church secretary, where she will continue to serve and give her all;

The respect, admiration and love of her church family, will  always be with her, forever dear,  and close within our hearts.