The record of a church’s history after 125 years is something complex with many stories to tell about African Americans in New York, especially if it is Harlem’s Metropolitan AME Church. But leaders of the church are doing just that as they prepare to celebrate the milestone, remembering its important place in the community.
“This anniversary is not only a celebration of our past, but a recommitment to our future and continued commitment to our community,” said Rev. Dr. Linda C. Hill, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church, who has held that position since 2021. She says that church leaders are planning to construct a journal that highlights the church’s rich history and legacy. “For 125 years, God has sustained us, and we remain dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through effective preaching, teaching, and outreach to all people.”
The celebratory theme for the anniversary quotes biblical scripture: “Following the Charge, Running the Race, Keeping the Faith.”
Journaling a history
The print and digital version of the journal is planned within the coming months to coincide with the 125th anniversary. But even before the journal is released, public information already available about the church is a journey through history, recounting its relationship with New York City.
Founded April 3, 1901, by Rev. W.D. Wisher, it is the second oldest congregation of the AME Church in Manhattan. The church’s original home was at 239 W. 41st St. It later moved to 62nd West 135th Street, however the property was torn down in demolition and the historic Lincoln Theatre, which was the first theatre in Harlem to cater specifically to Black clientele was built in its place.
From 1917-1962, Metropolitan AME’s home was at 132 W. 134th St., but in 1962 it moved back to 135th, where it has been since that time. Currently the church is temporarily housed on West 119th Street and demolition of the old structure was expected to begin with anticipation of a planned new building to house worshippers.
During its lifespan Metropolitan has had a number of benchmarks in Black activist history, as research in the Amsterdam News archives reveals.
In 1960, Rev. J.L. Joiner was part of a committee that financially backed student sit-ins in the south as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the NAACP, and others were on the ground engaging in Civil Rights battles. In 1964, Metropolitan was one of dozens of churches in New York that provided “Freedom Schools” for more than 464,000 children who were boycotting the public schools to protest segregation and poor standards for Black and Latino students. In 1969, Metropolitan’s Rev. R.L. Pruitt led several churches in a push to keep Harlem Hospital open to serve the community.
These are just a few examples of the impact Metropolitan A.M.E. has had in its lifespan.
Rev. Hill says Metropolitan is looking for anyone in the community to help in the process of chronicling its history. The journal committee has already reached out to politicians who represent the area, as well as local businesses and vendors situated near the church. Everyone’s voice is appreciated and the church wants to amplify them in the journal.
“What we’re going to do is preserve our history. It is so critical I think as a people of color that we know what our history is,” said Rev. Hill.
NYC Municipal Archives
A lifelong relationship
Different clergy and church members reminisced and talked about their relationship with the church and how they have seen the church’s relationship with the New York community evolve over the years. Even though some of them describe themselves as transplants, their dedication to ministry and spreading fatih brought them all together.
Rev. Harrison Lewis has been a part of Metropolitan AME for more than 30 years. As the son of a preacher, making Metropolitan his New York City church was an important way to connect to his past.
“The church has been a staple in the Harlem community. We not only attend church and worship, we have flea markets, reach out in the community, and help people in need,” said Lewis. “It’s been a valuable place for me to come and try to get reconnected to my roots.”
Numerous ministries have provided outreach to the community, allowing for service in multiple areas.
“We had a kitchen that operated at Metropolitan that fed the community and Harlem hospital. People from the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn came for the food and that was a way to reach out into the community, but not only reach out into the community but help ourselves as well,” said Lewis.
Bill Moore photos
“The church means everything to me,” said Ayanna Hill — no relation to Rev. Hill, a longtime member of the church. “We also have our missionaries that were out there during the cold winter months giving coffee, giving hot chocolate, and giving bottles of water when it was too hot. We would have people that would come in when we used to keep clothing there. So if anybody needed clothing, needed shoes, needed anything to wear — even car fare to get some place, we gave it to whoever was in the church and whoever was in need.”
“Metropolitan has been and is a safe place,” said Rev. Hill in connection to the Church’s position on supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse.
While the Metropolitan’s journal committee is hard at work putting together the final project, Rev. Hill looks forward to sharing what they create and showcasing the best of their church community. The church is now looking towards telling the stories of the many ministers, worshippers, and visitors that are part of that tapestry.
“We’re gathering photos from previous administrations, we are trying to make sure that in the journal that they see themselves and who they are and how god has blessed the church for 125 years.”
Metropolitan AME is hosting a celebratory gala for the church’s 125th anniversary. It takes place May 30, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Alhambra Ballroom, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. You can call the church at 212-690-1834 for tickets.