Here we are, mid-September. A dash of Indian summer, a dash of rain from the hurricane season and everyone is getting back in the groove. Congratulations to all of the candidates who ran for City Council in the primary election, especially in the Harlem community. Bill Perkins overwhelmingly got the Democratic nomination, but let’s also give a round of applause to Cordell Claire, because she is a strong, determined and concerned political contender to be reckoned with. Bill Perkins celebrated his victory big time at Paris Blues, located on Seventh Avenue at 121st Street. Honored at the celebration was one of the first responders from 911, who went on to work at removing and redesigning some of the steel left from the twin towers. Very fitting and very timely.
It has been 16 years since the disastrous 911 terrorist attacks, perpetrated by Islamic terrorists. Let us never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our country, the United States of America. We should honor them by always cherishing and practicing the principles of democracy: freedom of religion and speech, and justice and liberty for all. The challenge is to instill in those who think otherwise that these rights apply to all citizens of the United States. Not just to some, but to all Americans, especially the oppressed and those who are treated unjustly and unfairly because of the color of their skin.
Every now and then, journalists and columnists alike get to review articles they have written from the past. With many thanks to Louise Hannibal Boyce, I had the pleasure most recently of doing just that. Louise, a very active member of St. Phillip’s Church, located on 134th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, sent me a copy of an article I wrote for the New York Amsterdam News, covering the collapse of the church ceiling. My, how I was amazed to read my writing as one who reads, not one who writes. The article appeared in the Saturday, Nov. 9, 1996, edition of the paper. Somewhat relevant to today, and newsworthy, I would like to share the article with you, so here goes.
However, before I do, just a few tidbits. Harlem, at last, once again, has its own ice cream store. It’s called Sugar Hill Ice Cream, and it is located on Lenox Avenue between 118th and 119th streets. Obviously the owners must be new to the hood as this section is known as Central Harlem and not Sugar Hill. A little disturbing, but the ice cream is real, served on real cones, and it’s good. The second item is calling to all visual artists, both amateurs and pros, as Blick’s Art Store is coming to 125th Street. I don’t know if it will be as large as the Blick’s off Bleeker Street in Lower Manhattan, but it’s a Blick’s just the same. Currently there is a well-stocked art supply store on Seventh Avenue next to the Alhambra Theatre/Ballroom, and I hope the big name Blick’s doesn’t run them out of business. Hopefully, the old adage, competition is healthy, will prove to be true.
Now, to take you back, way back, not quite to the dinosaur age, but here is what life looked like in 1996: The second annual Global Day was celebrated this year, most befittingly, at St. Phillip’s Protestant Episcopal Church, on West 134th Street. Joining the congregation, which included the Rev. Howard Blunt, assistant Rev. Marcus Lashley, Senior Warden Emily Frye and Junior Warden Courtney Brown, were John Imperiale, vice president of community relations, and Richard Jackson, both of Chase Manhattan Bank, and Eugene Webb, chairman of Webb & Brooker Real Estate Inc.
Armed with brooms and cleansing agents, everyone rolled up their sleeves to give the church a good scrubbing. The church has a wealth of history dating back to the 19th century, a time when African-Americans were denied all religious recognition, such as marriage, birth and death rituals, by the Protestant Episcopal Church. Much was accomplished in the days before modern technology, as obstacles were overcome by Blacks determined to improve their quality of life.
Two such men were religious and social activists Bishop John Henry Hobart and the Rev. Peter Williams Jr., who would not stop in their pursuits for church recognition. One of their crowning achievements was realized when St. Phillip’s moved up to its present location, to attract and serve African-Americans who were beginning to settle in the village of Harlem.
The firm Tandy & Foster, headed by Vertner Tandy and George Foster Jr., two African-American architects who were the first Black architects to be registered in the state of New York and among the first to practice within the architectural profession in the United States, respectively, designed the neo-Gothic style institution. On March 25, 1911, the church was officially dedicated by Bishop H.C. Potter.
St. Phillip’s is one of the three oldest churches in Harlem and for 85 years it has provided parishioners and community members alike with myriad services. It was perhaps the church’s strength of integrity that allowed it to endure the roof collapse caused by the buildup of heavy, wet snow, in February 1996. Also damaged were the altar, choir pews, marble floor, steps and the Aeolian Skinner pipe organ, which has been rendered unplayable. Estimated costs for repairs have totaled $1.5 million.
Helping further to define the purpose of Global Day—which promotes unity among mankind through work, religion and recreation—Chase Bank is assisting St. Phillip’s in obtaining a loan to start the much needed renovations. “This church represents hope and life and the affirmation of life,” said Frye. “With the help of all hands that were on deck on Global Day, and concerned citizens, the life within the walls of St. Phillip’s will reign for a very long time.”
Although St. Phillip’s Church continues to thrive, the question I now ask in 2017 is, whatever happened to Global Day? It seems now, more than ever, that we need to come together, to help support one another as a community, as a nation and as a globe if we are to save planet Earth and live peacefully on it. In the words of the late Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?”
Until next week … kisses.