St. James Presbyterian Church
New York City. In:The history of the Negro church. (published c1921) Published Date: c1921 Additional Name(s):Woodson, Carter Godwin , 1875-1950 -- Author Digital ID: 1232130 NYPL Call Number: Sc D 94-1319 St. James history and present: St. James is the oldest African American Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and was founded in 1895 by a group of Black Presbyterians, all of whom graduated from Lincoln University, a Black Presbyterian college founded by the Northern Presbyterian Church. It has occupied its current building since 1927 when the original St. James Presbyterian Church joined the "flight of the white" out of Harlem and left the building vacant. It has had a glorious history and at one time just before World War II had a membership of some 4,000 people. Following the War with the upward social mobility of educated Black and the increasing influx of immigrants from the South, St. James membership began a steady decline until finally in the year 2002 when its pastor, The Rev. Lenton Gunn died, membership dwindled to less than 100. Rev. Dr. Eugene Callender, the current Pastor, was asked to try to rebuild this historic congregation. His first service there had 50 people in attendance. The church now averages 175-225 people a Sunday. New members have joined with the rolls reading 180 and the choir is tremendous, performing frequently within the New York City Presbytery. It has also begun "Project St. James," a community outreach endeavor, which has brought new life to this fellowship of believers. St James Presbyterian Church (212) 283-4541 409 W 141st St New York, NY Back To MANHATTAN CHURCH PHOTOS Main Index Back To MANHATTAN Main Back To WORSHIP Main Back To BROOKLYN Main