Black History Month: 8 historically significant African American churches

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Abyssinian Baptist Church — Harlem, New York

Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem, New York, a historically African American congregation whose history goes back to the early 19th century. | Facebook/The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York, Inc.

Abyssinian Baptist Church was founded in 1808 by 16 African American Baptists who refused to sit in segregated seating at First Baptist Church of New York City.

Reportedly the first official African American Baptist church in New York state, the congregation became known for its social and civil rights activism.

It was also where a Union Theological Seminary student from Germany named Dietrich Bonhoeffer would attend and teach Sunday School, being influenced by the church.

“I conducted Bible study for some Negro women and once a week helped out in a weekday church school. Hence not only did I become well acquainted with several young Negroes; I also visited their homes several times,” wrote Bonhoeffer in a letter at the time.

“This personal acquaintance with Negroes was one of the most important and gratifying events of my stay in America.”