UPDATED With funeral arrangements at the bottom of the story
The Rev. Clarence Norman Sr., the longtime neighborhood leader, father to former Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr. and much loved and respected pastor of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, has died, the church announced Thursday. He was 85 years old.
Besides his namesake son, Norman had four other children. He began his calling as pastor in 1953 at the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, which has since grown to a 2,000-member congregation at the current church at Eastern Parkway and Rogers Avenue.
The entire KCP team sends our condolences to his wife, Ellen, his children and all who knew and loved Rev. Norman.
The following are some of the comments of local elected officials:
Public Advocate Letitia James: “My deepest condolences to the family of Reverend Clarence Norman Sr. and to members of the First Baptist Church. Reverend Norman’s passing has left an ache that will reverberate through Crown Heights, and all of New York City. Reverend Norman’s presence in the community was a blessing; he helped us all to be more kind, more loving, and more holy. I feel extremely fortunate to have known Reverend Norman well, and know that his legacy will stay with me and all whom he touched in his lifetime. It gives me comfort to know that his spirit will live on through his teachings.”
Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Assemblyman Walter Mosley: “It is with a heavy heart that I received news this morning of the passing of Reverend Dr. Clarence Norman Sr. He was a bulwark of the Crown Heights community and he will be sorely missed by his congregation at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights and the many lives he has touched. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones in this most grievous hour.
“One of the original members of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights in 1953, Rev. Dr. Norman Sr. went on to grow the congregation to more than 2,000 people. Through his career he was able to impact the lives of so many through his sermons and his work in creating affordable housing for his community through the Crown Heights Local Development Corporation.
“Rev. Dr. Norman Sr. was a highly revered member of the clergy, serving as pastor for over 63 years. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 from Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey, a Master of Divinity in 1964, and Doctor of Religion in 1971 from Howard University in Washington, DC. Rev. Dr. Norman Sr. also attended St. John’s University from 1968-69 for Graduate Study in Public School Administration and was awarded State Certification as Principal of Secondary School in 1969.
Let us honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Norman Sr. by continuing his work in creating a better community for all New Yorkers.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson: “I pause to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Clarence Norman Sr., founding pastor of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, and to express my deepest condolences to his wife, Mrs. Ellen Norman, and their five children. For 62 years, Rev. Norman Sr. faithfully served First Baptist as its spiritual leader yet remained committed to serving Brooklyn beyond the pulpit. A staunch advocate for equal opportunity, Rev. Norman Sr. improved the lives of many families throughout our borough by developing hundreds of units of housing for low-income families and senior citizens. He and his family, as well as his congregation, remain in my thoughts and prayers.”
Crown Height Assemblywoman Diana Richardson: “I send my deepest condolences to the Norman family, and to the congregation of the First Baptist Church on the news of the passing of Reverend Clarence Norman Sr. last night. Reverend Norman was and remains a beloved figure, and a pillar of the community we share. Through his ministry and his work in building opportunity for the residents of Crown Heights, Reverend Norman has built a legacy of love and respect that will long outlive his time on Earth. Reverend Norman was a shining example for all our residents of what is possible with hard work, diligence, and love. I take solace in knowing that he has now found peace in Heaven.
“I grew up in First Baptist, attending with my family for many years. Our family was very active, with my sisters and I serving as ushers, and my mom serving as president of a choir, amongst many other roles. First Baptist helped to mold my future, and helped to inspire me to pursue a life in public service. We all looked forward to Sunday, knowing that Reverend Norman would deliver words that would linger in our hearts all week. He took that “Friendly Church on the Hill” and built it into a community institution. He will never be forgotten. Never.”
Final Arrangements:
First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, 450 Eastern Parkway
Friday, July 17, 2015
Viewing: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
Wake: 6 – 8 p.m.
NOTE: A repast will follow the Wake
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Funeral: 10 a.m. – 12 noon
