Brooklyn Church Celebrates 175 Years with Documentary Series

The congregation of Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn marked a significant milestone on August 10, 2025, celebrating its 175th anniversary with the launch of a six-part documentary series titled “The Audacity of Faith: Freedom From Freedom To.” The series, which showcases the church’s storied history, premiered during a special service where attendees donned white garments, symbolizing unity and reverence for the church’s legacy.

The documentary, produced by Jahleel Hills, a sixth-generation member of the church, aims to connect younger generations with the rich history of Berean. It features archival photographs and animations that illustrate the church’s founding in 1850 as a sanctuary for free Black Americans and white abolitionists. From the church’s origins, the series will highlight pivotal moments, including its role as a station on the Underground Railroad and the establishment of a credit union for members in 1950.

Hills, who also operates Hype Man Hills Productions, expressed that his involvement felt personal rather than professional. “It really just feels like I’m a part of this history,” he stated. His connection to the church runs deep, having grown up participating in its youth group and ministries alongside his siblings. Antionette Nelson, a long-time member and co-founder of the independent music label 1990 Records, initiated the idea for the documentary to ensure the church’s legacy is preserved for future generations.

A Collaborative Effort to Tell a Vital Story

Nelson, alongside the church’s history committee, spent months researching and scripting the documentary. In seeking someone to bring the project to life, she turned to Hills, recognizing his expertise in the entertainment industry. “I could just hear the music in the background, see the images,” Nelson recounted, emphasizing the need for someone with Hills’ unique skill set to articulate the church’s story visually.

Each episode of the documentary will run between two to five minutes and will be released monthly over the next six months. Nelson hopes to distribute the series through the church’s social media platforms and local cultural institutions, aiming to reach a broader audience beyond the congregation. Acknowledging the challenges of engaging younger viewers, she noted the importance of adapting storytelling methods to ensure relevance. “We have to do something a little bit different,” Nelson remarked.

Statistics reveal that many young adults struggle with traditional reading methods. According to national literacy statistics, 54% of adults aged 16 to 74 read below a sixth-grade level. This data influenced Nelson’s decision to present Berean’s history on film, ensuring accessibility for all.

Connecting Generations and Reinforcing Legacy

The documentary represents an intergenerational collaboration, with elders sharing wisdom and younger members providing technical expertise. “All the youth want is permission,” Nelson observed, stressing the importance of creating spaces for younger generations to engage with the church. This sentiment resonates with findings from a 2021 Pew Research Center study, which indicated that nearly half of young Black Americans rarely attend religious services.

The Rev. Arlee Arkofa, the church’s pastor for over 36 years, expressed hope that the documentary would help revitalize membership, which has declined significantly since the 1960s, when the church was filled with hundreds of attendees each week. “We are excited about being able to support [Hills] and his dreams,” Arkofa said, referencing the challenges faced by young adults in New York City, particularly regarding the high cost of living.

Hills views his project as a means to uplift the church that shaped his upbringing. While exploring his family history, he discovered that his great-great-uncle, Coyal McMahon, was a Broadway performer in the 1950s. This revelation inspired him to realize that his family has a legacy of creativity and achievement. “Learning history, it really gives you a sense that I could do anything,” Hills reflected.

For Nelson, the ultimate goal of “The Audacity of Faith: Freedom From, Freedom To” is to instill excitement and respect for Berean’s history in younger generations. “If I can leave anything to the next generation, it’s that legacy,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of connecting the church’s past to the identities of its current members. As the church moves forward, this documentary aims not only to celebrate its rich history but also to inspire future generations to recognize and preserve the legacy of Berean Baptist Church.