Abyssinian Baptist Church

The Abyssinian Baptist Church, originated when African-American parishioners and Ethiopian seamen protested racial segregation at the First Baptist Church by walking out. They formed their own congregation, which they named after Abyssinia, the historic name for Ethiopia. Thomas Paul, an early minister, helped guide the church’s formation. This congregation played a vital role in advocating for social justice and became a cornerstone for African-American religious and community life in New York City.

The church worshiped in several places before building the present church structure. 1st at 40 Anthony Street, now Worth Street (1811-1854). Next it rented space at Broadway Tabernacle, then to buildings in Greenwich Village, which was then the center of Little Africa.

The current building in Harlem, was designed in Gothic Revival and Tudor Revival styles – it has also been described as "Collegiate Gothic". It features stained glass windows and marble furnishings.