The Abyssinian Baptist Church — Attraction in New York

I arrived early, since the last time I visited I was refused entry because I was very late. There were well dressed people blocking the entrance, so I had a hard time getting in. As I climbed the stairs to enter, a well dressed woman, standing on the landing as if she was welcoming people, looked me up a down from head to feet and then looked away. As I tried turning to enter to sit downstairs a man tried directing me to sit in the balcony. I pointed out to him that there were seats downstairs and that is where I wanted to sit. He allowed me. 2 minutes after I was told that I was sitting in a reserved area and that I had to move. I tried to move immediately but before I could get away, 2 other persons around starting poking me to get up. I moved further down front in an empty pew. About 10 minutes later a well dressed man came over and started talking to me. He told me that persons in the church complained to him that tney were concerned for their safety because I had a small backpack with me. I take this backpack everywhere I go, especially if I am taking public transportation. I was dressed in a clean t shirt, a clean pair of jeans and I had on clean socks and underwear. My sneakers were also clean and I wore my best cologne that day. I did take a shower that morning. The man asked me to walk outside with him so that he could search my bag. I told him he could search it right there and proceeded to show him my fruits and nuts and reading material. I walked out 10 minutes later because I could not stand the embarrassment any more. I hopped on the train and walked into a predominantly white church and it was smooth sailing. I enjoyed the service, felt totally at home and as I worshipped I did not for a second feel that my attire mattered. At the second church, the music was beautiful and there was perfect balance between the voices and instruments. The choice of music was also diverse and not...

I came from Ireland to spend a couple of days in Harlem, NY, and have been waiting for this moment a long time ago. I am passionate about gospel and came here to get some answers. This Sunday, I was walking down the 138th street at 10am. Despite the rain, a lot of cars were parking, people were happy and smiling at each other, there was a good energy around the entrance of the church. As I came closer to the entrance, everyone was looking at me like they didn’t understand what I was doing here. I felt I wasn’t welcome, so I’ve crossed the street to admire the church a moment, and quickly had a look at my phone. Suddenly a young lady asked me to step back with a hand gesture, and she insisted for me to go away (I was just waiting next to a car). I was surprised, so I immediately stepped back, but then I decided to go back to the entrance again. Then I saw a european couple trying to come in as well, so I tried to get in with them, but they were immediately denied. As I do not see any valuable reasons why, as a Christian, I was denied from one of the best Churches in Harlem, I assume my skin was too pale and my clothes too casual for them. I would have appreciated if someone took the time to talk/got to know me or at least gave me some insights/reasons why, by seeing me 10 metres away from the entrance, they knew straight away they...

I have never attended this church, I worked in Harlem many years ago, I've traveled to many places around the globe and now, I live in a Southern state. I understand the Black church and how the Abyssinian church was one of the first post emancipation religious organizations that preached a Black liberation gospel. The white people who are complaining about not being able to attend to satisfy their curiosity, perhaps they don't remember all of the white "christian" churches that refused admission to Black people during Jim Crow era and after. Some white nationalist christian groups are outright Apartheidist. For others,perhaps you didn't pray BEFORE you chose to go. Have you considered your motives? It's NOT a museum... maybe it wasn't "your time" to have your ears tickled or be entertained. Think about IT!!! Your obvious need for spiritual growth should begin outside of a building. The negative complaints are a reflection on those who sought admission to a place where it appears, the Spirit of the Lord said ......