The Thomaston Historic Landmarks Commission met on Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Thomaston Village Hall to nominate the Korean United Methodist Church Sunday School building at 715 Northern Boulevard as a Thomaston Village landmark. This recommendation is a historical first for the Village of Thomaston. The commission, comprised of Chairman Arthur Lesser, Joel Friedman, Monique Ono-Lee, and Leila Mattson, nominated the building in accordance with Chapter 120 of the Thomaston Village Code.

The Church complex, which was built in 1872, was designed by the prominent firm of Mundell and Teckritz; the Sunday School building was constructed in 1881 in the same style as the main church. According to the commission, the Sunday School building is a "rare remaining example of Victorian Gothic revival style in Long Island," as it duplicates the original main church building which burned down in 1948. The Korean United Methodist Church acquired the church buildings in 1977. Mr. Lesser remarked that as "the Sunday school building is unchanged from 1881, we feel it our responsibility to protect this structure so that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren [will be able to] enjoy it as well." He went further to add that the members of the commission had all agreed to take "a more activist role in preserving the architecture of our village."

The church buildings have played a significant religious, social and architectural role in the community. "The architectural detail and stained glass windows are remarkable and should be preserved," stated Joel Friedman. A copper beech tree, estimated to be almost 200 years old, as well as a large Norway maple, enhance the site. The preservation of the historical landscape would, according to Mr. Friedman, "promote the general welfare" of the community.

Alexandra Wolfe, director of preservation services at the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, applauded the effort of the commission. "The building is an intact, understated quiet Victorian Gothic-Antiquities Revival type of architecture that is worthy of your recognition," she commented. Other audience members joined in the accolades. Varda Solomon thanked the commission for their action and said that the Sunday School building is "an oasis of charm between all of the commercial development on Northern Boulevard." In a letter addressed to Thomaston Village Mayor Robert Stern which was read during the hearing, resident Bill Danziger also thanked the commission for their nomination. He pointed out that the Church was built on one of the highest spots in Great Neck.

The commission's recommendation will be submitted to the Thomaston Board of Trustees who will review and decide on the nomination at its next scheduled meeting on Dec. 8.