History
In his effort to assure that Abyssinian effectively functioned in its ministry to the spiritual needs of the members and the improvement of society, Dr. Proctor was ably assisted from 1972 until his retirement by Calvin O. Butts, III, D.Min., M.Div., B.A., who served as executive minister. Forming a partnership in the ministry, from 1972-1989, Drs. Proctor and Butts fostered responsible lay Christian leadership and outreach service through church programs and special projects such as the Abyssinian Crusaders Athletic Association, scouting, tutoring, and release time Christian education for youth of the church and the community. They also established a Food Buying Cooperative, “Project Vote” (voter registration drive), and a Housing Development Fund company for the construction of a 100 unit senior citizen’s apartment building on 131st Street.
Believing that music is vital to worship and witness, Drs. Proctor and Butts encouraged concerts at Abyssinian with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and such internationally acclaimed artists as Leontyne Price and Andre Watts. As a part of the Church’s ecumenical outreach, Abyssinian’s then Sanctuary Choir performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the occasion of the Vatican Art Exhibition. Local and foreign visitors have been inspired by the worship experience enhanced by the Church’s five manual, sixty-seven rank Memorial organ built and installed by the Schantz Organ Company. Renovation and improvement of the edifice built by Abyssinian under Dr. Powell, Sr., has been continual across 100 years and includes refurbishing of the stained-glass windows, and installation of an air-conditioning system.
