A guide to Gospel in Harlem, New York

American movies with Gospel and choirs inspire a lot of people to try the experience here in New York. Here on the blog, you will find a post about The Brooklyn Tabernacle, one of the most famous churches in the city, which is in Brooklyn. However, Harlem is also a famous neighborhood because of this tradition – and several churches provide this experience. I’ve researched about it and here is a guide to churches for you to have this experience – with information from Walks of New York. 

1st Corinthian Baptist Church – founded in 1933, this church is located inside an old movie palace – with amazing architecture. The congregation has nearly 7,000 members. The ambiance is casual with energetic services and great music, particularly its choir. Worships at Sundays in three times: 8 am and 11 am.  More information on the website.

Address: 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd.

Canaan Baptist Church of Christ – Canaan Baptist describes their services as “Afro-centric”. In the African-American religious experience, music plays a very important part of the worship service. The significance of our church music is rooted in the history of the slave experience in America. Our ancestors, as slaves, sang spirituals to keep them spiritually connected to the God they prayed to. Music was a means of survival. Canaan’s Music Ministry is vibrant and uplifting. It consists of spirituals, hymns, gospel, anthems, and prayer and praise songs. Every Sunday, just before worship begins, our prayer and praise team assembles to warm up the congregation and lift everyone to their feet. Each Sunday you will hear the amazing voices of either the Canaan Mass Choir, the Male Chorus, the Sanctuary Choir, the Silver Strands, the Voices of Canaan (VOC), the Wyatt Tee Walker (WTW) Inspirational Chorus, the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) Choir or the Church School Choir, accompanied by a full spectrum of musicians. Worships every Sunday, 10 am (1st Sunday – Holy Communion and 4th Sunday – Baptism). More information on the website.

Address: 132 West 116th Street.

Bethel Gospel Assembly – housed in an abandoned public junior high school, Bethel’s services include plenty of preaching, singing, and dancing, and can be a very moving experience. Bethel currently serves approximately 1,500 individuals in its two morning services and hundreds each week through the numerous programs conducted on a weekly basis. Worships at Sundays, 10h15 am. More information on the website.

Address: 2 E 120th St.

Greater Refuge Temple –  the services at this Pentecostal church include singing, shouting, foot stomping, and a 60-member choir. Prim church ladies often produce tambourines from their handbags, and dancing spills into the aisles. Worships on Sundays, 11 am and 4 pm, and also on Wednesdays, 7:30 pm.  More information on the website.

Address: 2081 Adam Clayton Powell Junior Boulevard.

Abyssinian Baptist Church – one of America’s oldest and most significant Black congregations, Abyssinian has an amazing architecture. But, the placet is usually crowded because the tourists and its services tend to be more reserved in tone. The Abyssinian is home to several choirs and a dance ministry. Tourists are welcome at the 10h worship service only. Tourists will not be admitted to the 10h Worship Service on the following days as well: New Year’s Day, Women’s Day – 2nd Sunday in March,  Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Homecoming – 2nd Sunday in September,  Men’s Day – 2nd Sunday in October and Christmas Day. More information on the website.

Address: 132 Odell Clark Place.

Metropolitan Baptist Church – the Metropolitan Baptist Church is charming structure built with a mix of the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture. The church building has an elegant structure which clearly reminds of the time it was built in. Worships on Sundays, 11am.

Address: 151 W 128th St.

General tips:

• Arrive in advance. Many queues end up forming in churches and you may not be able to get in if there is no more room to sit. In addition, earlier celebrations are usually less crowded.
• Be aware of the dress code – remember we’re talking about churches. Do not wear short clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses), or tank tops, flip flops, etc. Do not carry large backpacks, as many churches will not accept it.
• The worships are not performances or tourist attractions: they are religious celebrations, that is, do not talk, do not make noise, do not disturb.
• Cellphones and cameras are not allowed. 
• The entire service can last generally two to three hours. You shouldn’t leave before it is over.
• A donation is very appropriate.