Who We Are

This is Your Story Too

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. –Mark 16:15

Our Story Began in 1808. Yours Begins Today.

For over 200 years, The Abyssinian Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope in New York City. Founded in 1808, we're one of the oldest African-American Baptist churches in the United States, housed in a landmark Gothic/Tudor building in the heart of Harlem.

But here's what really matters: we're not just preserving history—we're making it. Every Sunday, ordinary people step into extraordinary stories of transformation, community, and purpose. Whether you're new to faith, returning to church, or looking for deeper meaning, your story intersects with ours right here.

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Our Mission

Our Mission

To lead all people to Christ through love, service, community transformation, and global impact.

We don't just talk about faith—we live it out in ways that change lives, strengthen families, and transform communities. Through more than 40 active ministries, we're actively engaged in worship, spiritual development, social justice, and community service that extends from Harlem to around the world. 

Our Vision

At Abyssinian Baptist Church, we honor our historic legacy while embracing the future. United by a vibrant, evolving faith, we love, uplift, empower, and inspire. 

What Makes Us Different

What Makes Us Different

Historic Legacy, Future Vision - We honor our incredible 200+ year history while boldly creating new ways to serve today's world.
Authentic Community - No masks required. We're real people working through real life together, supporting each other through every season.
Justice-Minded Faith - We believe faith without action isn't faith at all. We actively work for equality, dignity, and positive change in our community. 
Multigenerational Family - From young professionals to seasoned saints, from new believers to mature disciples—everyone has a place at our table. 
Excellence in Everything - Whether it's our worship experiences, community programs, or children's ministries, we believe excellence honors God and serves people well.

What We Believe: Our Core Values

Values drive behavior. At Abyssinian, these core beliefs shape how we worship, serve, and build community together. These aren't just words—they're the DNA of our church family and the heartbeat of how we live out our faith every day.

We Honor Our Legacy, Imagine Our Future

We respect our historic 200+ year journey while boldly creating new pathways of ministry that speak to today's world.

We Worship Creatively, Serve Faithfully

We celebrate God through vibrant worship that honors traditions while embracing fresh expressions and service.

We Transform Lives Through God's Word

We embrace the Bible in word and deed, grounding our lives in scripture and applying its wisdom to today.

We Build Meaningful Community

We foster genuine relationships across all boundaries, creating a spiritual family where everyone belongs.

We Fight for Justice, Serve Our Community

We engage in social justice and community development as advocates for equality, dignity, and positive change.

We Develop Leaders Who Change the World

We equip leaders who carry the Abyssinian spirit of service into their families, workplaces, and communities.

We Pursue Excellence in Everything We Do

We maintain high standards in all ministries, believing that excellence honors God and inspires others.

We Stay Relevant While Remaining Faithful

We utilize modern approaches to make our historic faith connect with contemporary life and culture.

We Serve Others Through Our God-Given Gifts

We practice radical generosity, discovering and deploying our unique talents to advance God's kingdom.

Your Next Steps 

First Time Visiting?

We'd love to meet you! Come as you are—we'll handle the rest. Our Welcome Team will help you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Sunday Worship: 10 AM
Location: 132 Odell Clark Place, New York, NY 10030

Plan Your Visit