ADC opened the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, the first new high school built in New York City in more than 50 years. Under Dr. Proctor, the Church became aligned with the American Baptist Churches, USA, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. 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. The congregation began after an incident in 1808, when visiting free Ethiopian seamen and allied African-American parishioners left the First Baptist Church in protest over being restricted to racially segregated seating. Butts. For 16 years he led a growing congregation that completed the purchase of the Waverly Place property. Abyssinian celebrated its 205th Anniversary. Witness is a detailed history of the church beginning with its formal organization in 1809, up to its 200th anniversary year in 2008 and explores the important role Abyssinian has played in the history of New York City. DuBois, and a participant in many advocacy activities of the Progressive Era. Taylor was the undershepard until he was called to rest in February 26, 1948. The church and its associated community house were designated a New York City Landmark on July 13, 1993. *This structure is the current church dining hall, administrative offices, rehearsal space, nursery and credit union. William Spellman became pastor. Proctor and Butts advanced outreach services through church programs and special projects such as the Abyssinian Crusaders Athletic Association, scouting, tutoring, and release time Christian education for church and community youth. On October 9, 1949, he was installed and charged as Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Abyssinian’s membership numbered approximately 14,000. The church established a Food Buying Cooperative, a voter registration drive, and a Housing Development Fund company for the construction of Abyssinian Towers, a 100-unit senior citizen’s apartment building on West 131st Street. An adroit politician, Powell successfully wielded power as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor. [3] Powell handed the reins of the church to his son Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in 1937. Much of the celebration was chronicled at www.abyssinian200.org. John VanVessler became Abyssinian’s first pastor. Dr. Austin Jefferson Jr. Pastor emeritus, officially retired on September 4, 1988.
In September 1996, Reverend Doctor George R. Pointer was called and continues to serve as the Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church with a vision for ministry for the 21st century. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. began service to Abyssinian as an Assistant Pastor and Director of Abyssinian’s Kitchen and Relief operations which fed and clothed thousands of Harlem’s needy during the Great Depression. After the church structure was paid for, the congregation began purchase of a $40,000 home for the aged on St. Nicholas Avenue. Rev. Calvin O. Butts, III, D.Min., begins service as executive minister. Abyssinian embarked on an expansion plan to build a $12 million, five-story education and community center. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. became Abyssinian’s 17th pastor. Abyssinian was one of the first churches to respond to the call for a Harlem Week of Prayer, started to mobilize the religious community in support of people with AIDS and their families. In 1989, the church was one of the first to respond to Pernessa C. Seele's call for a Harlem Week of Prayer, started to mobilize the religious community in support of people with AIDS and their families.
On December 30, 1908, in Abyssinian’s 100th anniversary year, the Rev. This led to the development of Abyssinian’s own HIV/AIDs ministry.
[3] The church purchased property on the same street for a new sanctuary,[6] paid for by tithes and offerings.[5]. It continues to act decisively on behalf of its members who take seriously the Christian command of justice, peace and love, to spread the gospel, feed the hungry, heal the broken-hearted, find shelter for the homeless, clothe the naked, and offer salvation in Jesus Christ to those who have lost hope.
In 1989 Butts founded the Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC), creating a non-profit arm of the church to work on community development and social services. The church name was inspired by the ancient name of Ethiopia, Abyssinia. The center is expected to be completed in late 2017. Seele has since founded Balm in Gilead, Inc., now an international non-profit providing education and prevention for HIV/AIDS, and developing other health initiatives in the United States, Africa and Caribbean. The Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, senior pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church, preached at worship services marking the anniversary.