Abyssinian Baptist Church, Protestant church in Harlem, Manhattan, US
The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a Gothic Revival building on West 138th Street featuring stained glass windows and marble fixtures throughout its interior. A distinctive Coptic cross stands behind the altar, serving as a focal point in the worship space.
The congregation was established in 1809 by African American worshipers and Ethiopian sailors who came together in faith. The present building was constructed in 1922 according to designs by Charles W. Bolton & Son.
The congregation became a gathering place where Harlem residents came to practice their faith and maintain community bonds. People used this space not only for worship but also for social connection and mutual support.
Visitors should come prepared to respect the space and follow staff guidance about seating and photography. Dress code is formal, and it helps to arrive with awareness of typical church protocols.
Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who served as pastor here, became the first African American from New York elected to the US Congress in 1945. His election marked a turning point in political representation.
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