By Courtney Dentch
A section of 120th Avenue in Jamaica is on its way to being named after the longtime pastor at the Rush Temple AME Zion Church.
Community Board 12 voted 32-1 at its May 11 meeting to name the street between Sutphin Boulevard and 143rd Street for the Rev. Eldridge Gittens, founder of the Rush Temple Church at 119-48 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica.
Gittens was the church pastor for about 40 years until his death last year, said the Rev. A. Alfred Carson, who took over the church leadership.
Aside from the church, Gittens organized Jamaica's first Little League, a Boy Scout troop and other social activities for children, Carson said.
“He was there not only for the congregation but he was there for the community at large,” he said.
Gittens was instrumental in bringing affordable housing to Sutphin Boulevard and worked as a leader to improve the neighborhood, said Gittens' son, Vincent.
“He was in the community for 50 years,” Vincent Gittens said. “He was an active body within the area. He worked tirelessly with the people in this community.”
About nine people from the church community came to support the proposal, which has gained the backing of City Councilman Allan Jennings (D-Jamaica).
“This would be not only to the benefit of the community but also to the benefit of children as well to know who Rev. Gittens was,” Gittens said.
The community board voted nearly unanimously to approve the name change. The change must also be passed by the City Council.
“Half of the buildings and the things in Jamaica are there because of him,” said board member Canute Bernard. “He should be known in history.”
