13 Aug A Renaissance in Harlem

1920

Shortly after the start of the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, Abyssinian purchased lots on West 138th Street between Lenox and Seventh Avenues for the construction of a new church building and community house.

That summer, the church initiated a tithing campaign through which 2,000 members ultimately pledged to give one-tenth of their weekly income to fund construction.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Harlem church and community house