Hearing Gospel in New York City in one of the finest musical treats Big Apple has to offer. But unlike with other forms of music, New York has no commercial venues devoted to regular Gospel performances. Instead, the melodies of the Gospel, a music genre with a deep connection to African-American religious and cultural traditions, fill the Sunday air in New York City areas like Harlem. You’ll find churches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens but we sincerely recommend Harlem since the church is a great part of the local’s lives.
This post describes how you could hear the gospel in New York City, whether in Harlem, in Brooklyn, or anywhere else. A gospel mass is really an experience you won’t forget!
Experience Gospel in Harlem
1st Corinthian Baptist Church
This huge church, housed in an old movie palace, is known for its welcoming congregation (nearly 7,000 members), casual ambiance, energetic services and great music, particularly its choir. No matter what your religion, race or age this is a must place to visit with amazing praise and worship and spiritual teachings and enlightenment. If you are a tourist arrive early as seating can be limited.
Services: Sunday at 7:30 am, 9:30 am and 11:30 am. 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., at 116th St. Subway: 2, 3, B, C to 116th Street.
COVID 19 situation: In an effort to keep the community safe and healthy, 1st Corinthian Baptist Church will not host any Worship Experiences onsite until further notice. A live stream is available every Sunday at 10:45 AM by visiting www.fcbcnyc.tv.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
One of America’s oldest and most significant Black congregations, Abyssinian is certainly worth a visit. However, it is usually swamped with visitors and tour groups, and its services tend to be more reserved in tone. The Abyssinian is home to several choirs and a dance ministry.
Service: Sunday at 11 am. Tourists are not admitted to the 9 am service, or on certain holidays and church celebrations. Tourists wearing tank tops, flip-flops, shorts, or leggings will not be allowed to enter the Abyssinian Sanctuary. Women and men are required to cover their shoulders upon entering the church.
COVID 19 situation: Virtual worship services and live stream information available at https://abyssinian.org/abystream/ and Youtube.
Canaan Baptist Church
Canaan Baptist describes its services as “Afro-centric,” with dynamic preaching, emotional participation of the congregation, and inspirational singing. In fact, the church has several renowned choirs that perform spirituals, gospel, and praise songs as part of the services. Canaan’s services are intentionally spirited and full of the vitality traditional to the African-American religious experience.
The combination of music, with the imprimatur of Gospel, and dynamic preaching produces a worship experience that is intellectually challenging as well as emotionally satisfying.
Service: Sunday 10 am.
COVID 19 situation: Live stream available via Facebook and Youtube.
Bethel Gospel Assembly
Bethel Gospel Assembly is a church located in the heart of Harlem. From Bethel’s inception on November 18, 1917 it has been a foundation in the Harlem community. Housed in an abandoned public junior high school, Bethel’s services include plenty of preaching, singing, and dancing, and can be a very moving experience. The church is very welcoming and encourages visitors to attend.
Services: Sunday 8 am and 11:30 am, Wednesday 6:45 pm.
COVID 19 situation: Live stream available via Youtube.
Gospel churches beyond Harlem
Times Square Church
Located in a former Broadway theater, TSC describes itself as a “Music Ministry.” The church includes a large male choir, a youth choir, and their 140-member multi-cultural choir. Many people representing over one hundred nationalities gather to worship together every week. Volunteers from the congregation participate in over forty ministries, ranging from feeding the homeless in New York City to staffing an orphanage in South Africa. A major emphasis at Times Square Church is giving aid to the disadvantaged.
Sunday services at 10 am and 6 pm, Tuesday 7 pm service and Thursday 7 pm prayer meeting.
COVID 19 situation: Live online services available at https://live.tsc.nyc/
Brooklyn Tabernacle
A multicultural, non-denominational megachurch in downtown Brooklyn. The 280-voice Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is renowned and has won several Grammy awards for their recordings. The church is often praised for its infectious, congenial spirit. Basically, it looks like a concert venue. You won’t find the typical church benches but seats like in any Broadway theater, a giant screen hanging on the back wall of the stage, and several TV screens all around the room.
Services: Sunday 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm.
COVID 19 situation: Online services and live stream infromation available here.
Looking for most authentic gospel experience? Follow this simple rules
Look for smaller churches. The best tip is to walk around Harlem and to enter any random small church. You will always be welcomed. Try to attend a service early in the morning. The earlier you show up, the fewer tourists you’ll find. Awoid organized tours. Staying in a small group is the best way to integrate the mass.
Mostly is strictly forbidden to film and take photographs inside the church, unless you’re well hidden or among tourists but it’s true to say that it’s not recommended. Sing, clap your hands, and hug each other as much as you want! It’s an incredible experience.
You’ll quickly notice that the attendees are very friendly and they usually don’t hesitate to come to see you and hug you during the little celebration of friendship. It’s a real treat. Open your eyes and ears wide since you will experience great moments of joy.
