The Abyssinian Baptist Church

Our thirteenth February 1922 post to mark Black History Month 2022

One hundred years ago today … The Abyssinian Baptist Church was full for Sunday services, according to the Age: 

The church was packed at both services Sunday. The pastor preached from the text. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." He stressed the manliness and sacrifice necessary to follow the Lord. The effect of the message was reflected by several people uniting with the church and by an offering of $498.95.

(“News of the Churches,” New York Age, 4 March 1922, p. 7.)

The Abyssinian had been in the news because of its long-anticipated move from its home at 242 West 40th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues to a 138th Street location, where it still resides. 

Note: we have reported on the Abyssinian’s location and moving plans here and here and referenced the church in features about Madikane Cele and Harlem’s Renaissance Theater.

The proposed new church, said the Age, produced the strong turnout:

The interest in the $50,000 campaign to help finance the construction of the new church and community house is deepening in enthusiasm. Mrs. Kate E. Carey gave a $100 Liberty Bond and $5 in cash to the fund Sunday morning, and Mrs. Mary Young gave a $50 note the Sunday before. The proposed new church edifice and community house will cost $300,000, instead of $200,000, as stated by The Age last week.

Te assistant pastor delivered an excellent message in the evening on "The Reward of Fidelity." It was the ninth annual sermon of the Washington Lodge, No. 26. Knights of Pythias. Representatives of several other lodges and courts were present as their guests. Chester S. Bumbrey introduced Joseply Nichols, who acted as master of ceremonies. A solo was rendered by Miss Hattie Johnson and the choir thrilled the audience with the anthem, "Let Mount Zion Rejoice." R. H. D'Sayles delivered an address on "Racial Cooperation," which was full of common sense. Besides making donations to the sexton, chorister, organist, soloist and preacher, the organization left an offering of $32.57 for the work of the church.

(“News of the Churches,” New York Age, 4 March 1922, p. 7.)

T

he Abyssinian had officially sold its 40th Street property on January 21, 1922, for 190.000 (“Abyssinian Baptist Church Sells Its 40th St. Property,” New York Age, February 4, 1922, p. 1).

– Jonathan Goldman, Feb 26, 2022

TAGS: Black history, African American culture, real estate, church, religion, Harlem Renaissance