Religious Institutions The Christian population of Harlem has always been the largest religious group. The most notable congregation is the Abyssinian Baptist Church. The Abyssinian Baptist Church was founded in 1808 and is New York’s oldest remaining African American church. The current building, situated at 132 Odell Clark Place (138th Street) between Malcolm X Boulevard and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard opened in June 1923.
Outside view of the Abyssinian Baptist Church
Inside view of the Abyssinian Baptist Church
In addition to Christians, Harlem also contains many Muslims. The most famous mosque in Harlem is Mosque Number Seven, which stands at 102 West 116th Street off of Malcolm X Boulevard, and is called Malcolm Shabazz Masjid, in honor of Malcolm X.
Malcolm Shabazz Masjid
Judaism is another religion in Harlem, although it is not nearly as prevalent as Christianity or Islam. Arthur Wentworth Matthew founded the religious organization called the Commandment Keepers. This group believes they are direct descendants of King Solomon and Queen Sheba, through the Ethiopian Jewry. The Commandment Keepers share some views of mainstream Jews although they follow a modified version of classical Jewish law. The only synagogue of this sect in New York City is the Commandment Keepers Congregation at 1 W 123rd St in Harlem, which opened in 1919. It is an all black segregation. 1
The Commandment Keepers Congregation
Overall, Harlem is an extremely religious neighborhood. Walking down Malcolm X Boulevard, one can see as many as three or four churches on one block. Harlem is definitely one of the most religiously centered neighborhoods in New York City.
1 http://macaulay.cuny.edu/student-projects/neighborhoods/harlem/religion/religion.htm
