132 Odell Clark Place (138th Street)
Architect: Charles Bolton
Date Constructed: 1923
Baptist

The original congregation of this church was formed in 1808 by black Baptists who had the choice to either accept segregated seating in New York’s existing Baptist church, or start their own. After the turn of the century Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. became the pastor of the congregation, and under his leadership the current church was built. It was completely funded by the congregation—a massive work of community mobilization and involvement. Since its inception, the popular church has been an important center for political activism, civil rights struggles, and liberation theology.