The Abyssinian Baptist Church

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"Our ancestors left a great heritage for us…"
Continuing the legacy of leadership, the Present Administration, 1989

Upon Dr. Proctor's retirement in June 1989, the church membership called as its next pastor, Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, by now well seasoned in nurturing the spiritual growth of the membership and a highly skilled administrator. His commitment to the enhancement of God's kingdom on earth has manifested itself in his loyal attention to the daily activities and services of the congregation, as well as the pervasive impact of the church on community development initiatives: homelessness, senior citizen and youth empowerment, ecumenical outreach and cultural awareness.

Abyssinian Baptist Church, led by Dr. Butts, is committed to move forward in faith. It continues the long tradition of community advocacy and empowerment with a mission to create a viable and dynamic community in Central Harlem, the church's home for almost 70 years. To this end the following projects under his direction have been completed: (1) a funded $2,800,000 program for the acquisition and renovation of 26 apartment units for the homeless across the street from the church; (2) construction of a funded $9,000,000 100 unit senior citizens apartment building on West 131st Street; and (3) renovated moderate income condominiums in conjunction with the New York City Partnership. Rev. Dr. Butts is a man of vision and in 1989, he established the Abyssinian Development Corporation, a non-profit entity, to oversee these completed projects and also to further develop affordable housing and to revitalize the economic base of Central Harlem. Now completed are the Hattie Dodson and Lillian Upshur apartments, a combined 131 units, and the acquisition of the Renaissance Ballroom.

Rev. Dr. Butts has spearheaded numerous service programs which included, "Health Watch" - a youth AIDS prevention program; "Education 2000" to enhance math and science skills of youth in conjunction with the National Council of Negro Women; an extended athletic program; and an after school program.

Dr. Butts is very active in the struggle to eliminate racial discrimination and generate positive images and messages for the African-American community. As president of the Organization of African-American clergy, he led the fight against Police Brutality in the City of New York. This organization also spearheaded boycotts against other New York institutions for racist policies and employment discrimination against African-American people.

He also led a nationally acclaimed and most effective campaign in eliminating negative billboard advertising in the Central Harlem communities and in many communities around New York City. He was joined in this effort by prominent individuals in other areas of the country who carried out similar campaigns with equal success. Rev. Butts' billboard whitewashing has helped to further sensitize our country to the evils of drug abuse and exploitive advertising. Rev. Butts has waged a campaign against negative lyrics and images in the recording industry, specifically rap music, bringing attention to the effects of negative messages on our youth.

Rev. Dr. Butts is above all, a man of God and continues to be invited to preach in distinguished pulpits throughout the Tri-State area, the nation and the world. He has spread the word of God in Africa, Europe, The Middle East, Cuba and throughout the Caribbean Islands. Abyssinian continues to move forward in faith, a church with a vision - to be a vanguard for positive social change, to act decisively on behalf of its members who take seriously the Christian command of justice, peace and love, to spread the gospel, to feed the hungry, to heal the broken-hearted, to find shelter for the homeless, to clothe the naked, to give hope to those who have lost hope.

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