CYPRESS HILLS (PIX11) – For nearly 30 years, the Citadel Cathedral of Praise & Worship has been a “beacon of faith, love, and hope” for its Cypress Hills community.
Now, they need $1.2 million to save it.
Owners of the church on Barbey Street filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024, then the property went to a foreclosure auction in 2025, court records show.
According to a GoFundMe trying to save it, Citadel Cathedral was sold “to the highest bidder” on April 2, leaving the community only a week to reverse the sale. So far, the GoFundMe has raised over $8,300.
“We have invested countless hours, energy, and prayers into building this church and its legacy. We cannot allow that legacy to be erased by a system that showed no mercy, even when we fought to find solutions,” wrote Jonathan Baston, the organizer of the GoFundMe.
Baston said the church was hard-hit by COVID-19, which led to a drop in attendance and decreased donations. But the church has been a community hub and a place for food drives, weddings and memorials, and more, he said.
“We know this is a huge ask—but we believe in miracles, and we believe in the power of community.” Baston wrote.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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