Sunday Worship at Abyssinian Baptist Church

Abyssinian Baptist Church traces its history to 1808 and has been a pillar of Harlem for generations; its stone church on West 138th Street, also signed as Odell Clark Place, is one of the neighborhood's great buildings. Sunday worship joins preaching with spirituals and gospel and the rhythms of jazz and blues, and the church's own New Here page invites visitors to come as they are. This is a living congregation at worship, not a concert staged for tourists, and that difference is the whole reason to go.

Worship is held on Sunday mornings, in person and streamed online. The church asks first-timers to let it know they're coming through the form on its New Here page, and a welcome team greets guests; dress ranges from formal to casual. Go as a guest: arrive early, stay for the full service rather than leaving after the music, keep your phone silent and away, and never photograph members without asking. An offering is part of the service, so give what feels right. Check the website for holiday and special-event changes.