Abyssinian Baptist Church


New York City. 


In:The history of the Negro church. (published c1921) 
Published Date:c1921 
Collection Guide:Africana & Black History 


Digital ID: 1232128
NYPL Call Number: Sc D 94-1319

For History of the church:
A Brief History of The Abyssinian Baptist Church
"Where Two or Three Are Gathered in My Name…"
The Early Years, 1808-1908
 
In 1808, a few African-Americans, armed with their faith in Jesus and strengthened 
by mercies already seen, left the worship service of the First Baptist Church of 
New York City and withdrew forever their membership. 
These African-Americans, accompanied by a group of Ethiopian merchants, were 
unwilling to accept racially segregated seating in God's house and determined 
that they would organize their own church. During June, they established 
themselves in a building on Anthony Street (later Worth Street) calling 
themselves the Abyssinian Baptist Church - a name inspired by the ancient 
name of the nation from which the merchants of Ethiopia had come, Abyssinia. 
The Rev. Thomas Paul, a minister from Boston, aided the new congregation in 
becoming organized as the First African-American Baptist Church in the state 
of New York. Abyssinian called as its first pastor the Rev. Vanvelser......
 
 

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