The Cornerstone and the Community

A cornerstone does not stand for itself. It helps hold something greater together.

For 75 years, Institutional International Ministries—historically The Institutional Church of God in Christ—has been more than a church in Fort Greene. We have been part of the fabric of this community.

Since 1951, generations have gathered here to worship, grow, serve, and find hope. From our historic home at 170 Adelphi Street, Institutional has stood alongside families through changing times, invested in young people, cared for neighbors in need, and created a place where faith and community meet.

Now, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we believe honoring our legacy requires more than remembering where we have been. It requires building for what comes next.

Building Fort Greene

Building Fort Greene is our bold $5 million vision to restore and reimagine our historic campus so it can continue serving as a vital resource for the community for generations to come.

Our vision extends far beyond repairing a building.

We envision a renewed 170 Adelphi Street where young people can be mentored and developed, families can find resources and support, seniors can experience connection and care, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders can be equipped, and our neighbors can continue finding a place of hope, belonging, and opportunity.

Simply put:

We are restoring the house so the house can continue building the community.

The Institutional Legacy Gala

On November 13, 2026, we will gather for the Institutional Legacy Gala: The Cornerstone and the Community, commemorating 75 years of impact while helping launch the next chapter of Building Fort Greene.

The Gala is more than an anniversary celebration. It is an invitation to our members, neighbors, businesses, community partners, and friends to become part of what happens next.

We are honoring the shoulders upon which we stand while creating something meaningful for generations we may never meet.

Why We’re Doing It

Fort Greene has changed tremendously over the decades, but the need for strong community institutions has not disappeared.

Young people still need safe places to grow. Families still need support during difficult seasons. Seniors still need connection. Communities still need spaces where relationships are built, resources are shared, and people know they belong.

For 75 years, Institutional has been one of those places.

Now, we are building to ensure it remains one.

Your gift to Building Fort Greene is not simply an investment in brick and mortar. It is an investment in people, possibility, preservation, and the future of a community we love.

Help us Restore the House. Build the People. Impact the Community.

The legacy brought us here. Together, we will build what comes next.

This is not just a renovation. This is a reinvestment into the future of Fort Greene.

Institutional Legacy Gala

Team Members