Abyssinian Baptist Church. Photo: Kris Graves
Attractions & Tours
Harlem
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Description
In 1808, the Abyssinian Baptist Church was founded in Lower Manhattan by a group of men and women who refused to concede to segregated seating at the First Baptist Church of New York City. (Abyssinia is the ancient name for Ethiopia.) Fast forward more than 200 years and the congregation’s home is Harlem, inside a Gothic-style building adorned in stained glass windows and marble furnishings. Throughout its history it has been home to ministers Adam Clayton Powell Sr. and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and served as a center for spirituality and community for African Americans.
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Features
Type
Religious Sites