harlem gospel church visit

Attend a Gospel Mass in Harlem

Mis à jour le 28/02/2023. 62 commentaires

If you’ve ever dreamed of attending a Gospel Mass in Harlem among local churchgoers instead of being among tourists on the first floor then I’m happy to give you some advice and great tips .

The top 10 best tips you must know before attending a Gospel Mass in Harlem

Avoid big and famous churches . The smaller they are, the better the chances you will be among local Harlem churchgoers. The best tip is to walk around Harlem and to enter any random small church. You will always be welcome. Try to attend a service early in the morning . The earlier you show up, the fewer tourists you’ll find. I noticed that last year when I attended the first mass between 7.30 and 8.30 am. Don’t be a part of an organized tour !!! Staying in a small group is the best way to integrate the mass. If you can only attend the 2 nd morning mass, choose a small church and try to show up early. There is no need to book in advance. The mass is not a show but a place of worship where people gather for a spiritual purpose. Masses are free. It’s 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. Since you’ve followed all my advice in order to enjoy a great Gospel Mass, you won’t get in trouble 🙂 Sing, clap your hands and hug each other as much as you want!!! It’s just 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. You’ll discover that in New York, they enjoy their mass 200%!!

Which Gospel church should you attend in New York?

In New York City, there are a number of churches that perform Gospel masses. You’ll find churches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens but I sincerely recommend Harlem since the church is a great part of the locals’ lives. Thus, this would be a shame not to enjoy this experience at a NY Gospel Mass and then you’ll want to have brunch at Amy Ruth’s !

My favorite church in Harlem: the First Corinthian Baptist Church

It’s not small after all, but I have to say that I was never disappointed every time I went there. Unfortunately, a number of you have told me that during school vacations, the church gets really crowded with tourists. As a result, instead of being surrounded by locals, they send you to the first floor among tourists. So if you are planning to visit not during school vacation, then try to go to the First Corinthian Baptist Church but if it’s not the case then my advice is to walk around Harlem and enter any small church that inspires you.

The Gospel Mass takes place on Sundays at 7.30, 9.30 and 11.30am. Once again, I repeat, try not to go at 11.30 am and wake up early to attend the first mass of the day!!!

Address : 1912 7 th Ave New York (at the corner of 116 th street and Adam Clayton Powell) Website: www.fcbcnyc.org

My favorite church in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Tabernacle

The Brooklyn Tabernacle is in Downtown Brooklyn. 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. The choir is stunning! It is formed by 150 singers (approx.)!!! They sing for almost 40-45 minutes during the mass, it’s powerful! Your best bet is to arrive as early as you can to attend the first mass and be seated among the locals.

The Gospel Mass takes place on Sundays at 9.00, 11.00 am, and 1.00 pm. Address : 17 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Website: www.brooklyntabernacle.org

Additional Gospel Churches in Harlem and Brooklyn

Please note that I indicate the worship schedule but before going to a gospel mass, double-check the hours on their website! They can have special events! – Canaan Baptist Church at 10 am (132 W 116 th St, New York, NY) – The Salem United Methodist Church at 11 am (2190 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard/ 7 th av – 129 th Street) – The famous Abyssinian Baptist Church at 9.00 and 11.30 am (132 Odell Clark Place (Formerly 138th St.), New York, NY 10030) – Bethel Gospel Assembly at 10.15am (2-26 East 120th Street, New York, NY 10035) – St. Luke Baptist Church at 9.30 and 12 pm (1916 Park Ave, New York, NY 10037) – Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church at 11 am, and at 10 am during the summer (1975 Madison Ave, Manhattan, NY 10035) – Middle Church at 9.30 am and 11.45 am (112 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003) – First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn at 11.am and 10 am during the summer (124 Henry Street, Brooklyn, New York, NY) – Concord Baptist Church of Christ at 10 am (833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11216)

Is it possible to attend a Gospel Mass on Wednesdays in NY?

If you want to go to a mass on Wednesdays, a number of churches offer a service including 2 locations that I have had the chance to visit and that I can recommend 100%:- – The Abyssian Baptist Church: 7 pm (Mid-Week Manna) – Bethel Gospel Assembly: 7 pm (midweek worship service)

Map of the churches with gospel mass

Enjoy a gospel harlem tour.

If you want to be part of a group because it’s easier for you and you want to make sure you get into the church, there’s a great tour available but you must book right away, it’s called “The Harlem Gospel Tour.” You can book it on Wednesdays or Sundays.

Wednesday Tours Sunday Tours

A gospel mass is really an experience you won’t forget! You don’t need to be a strong believer or a regular churchgoer to enjoy a gospel mass 😉 If you want to have the gospel experience only, you can see the Harlem Gospel Choir at Sony Hall every Sunday!

My fist trip to New York was in 2007 when I was working for an airline company. I was born in the US, I lived in Mexico, in Europe in between Belgium, Spain and France… Well, let’s say I know about travelling! I bring my experience of NYC to the blog, to provide the best travel tips you could imagine!

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Gospel service in Harlem

Attend a gospel service in harlem.

Having had the chance to attend a gospel mass in Harlem , this was truly one of the most memorable moments of my stay in New York City. Whether you are a believer or not, it is an amazing and very authentic experience. In this post, I will give you some tips to help you find the best place to attend a gospel mass in New York City 😊

Where to attend a gospel service in New York City?

In some parts of the city there are a large number of small churches where you can attend a mass and listen to gospel music . When choosing a church, it is important to remember that it is primarily a religious ceremony . Although the atmosphere can quickly become very lively, these ceremonies are not shows where you can walk in and out as you wish.

You can find beautiful gospel churches in all of New York City's boroughs , but I really recommend going to Harlem , which is the cradle of African-American culture and is still the place to go to hear this kind of music.

You can also find very large churches, which are in all the tourist guidebooks and are used to receiving tourists at every mass. But they are not, in my opinion, the best way to experience an authentic gospel service.

Another way of attending mass: guided tours of Harlem with a gospel service . These tours are usually divided into two parts. The first part is dedicated to discovering Harlem , New York City’s multicultural district. Afterwards, you will attend a gospel service in one of the churches in the neighbourhood. This guided tour takes about half a day.

The tour will give you an overview and help you learn more about the history of the neighbourhoods and gospel music 😄 For this half-day full of discoveries, count £62 per person 🙂

My experience of gospel services in Harlem

By going to one of Harlem's largest churches , the First Corinthian Baptist Church , I was able to attend a beautiful sound and light show, comfortably seated on the balcony among the tourists, while only the congregation was on the ground floor. The musicians were excellent, the sound system perfect – but the experience, although very pleasant, was still far from what I expected.

Other, sometimes lesser-known churches are often much better places to go if you really want to live a memorable experience. In the Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church , I had the chance to attend an unforgettable gospel service. I arrived early and was able to sit among the believers while the church was still far from being full. Gradually, everyone had arrived and a particularly friendly atmosphere formed.

When the pastor took his seat and the choir started to sing, people quickly stood up and started singing loudly to express their faith. With the joy and fervour contained in the singing, the atmosphere quickly became extremely warm, and I really felt that I was experiencing a very privileged moment in that church ⛪

My tips for attending a gospel service in Harlem

Avoid churches that are too big: it is in smaller churches that you can really attend an authentic gospel mass.
Avoid group visits: always try to have a maximum of 2 or 3 people only, so that you can fit in better with the congregation.
I highly recommend attending the earliest service possible. On Sunday mornings , mass times vary and some churches have several services. By attending the first service, you will avoid mixing with too many tourists. Nothing wrong with tourists, of course, but too many makes the experience a lot less authentic and awe-inspiring.
Arrive early, so that you are not among the last to enter the church.
Do not take photos or videos and put your phone on airplane mode. Again, masses are not spectacles, so try to share the experience with the believers.
If possible, plan to stay until the end of the mass. If your schedule does not allow it, sit in the back of the church near the door and try to warn the pastor or a regular that you will have to leave the church during the service.
Many people dress very carefully to attend Mass: feel free to do the same 😉

Have you booked your activities in New York City? 🌃

Attending a gospel service in New York City will definitely be one of the highlights of your stay in the Big Apple . But you will obviously do many other activities! For example, don't miss the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty . No matter what you wish to do, if you want to maximise your chances of accessing all the activities you want, I strongly recommend booking your activities in advance 😉 For the more far-sighted, you can even book a New York pass to enjoy as many of the city's attractions as possible.

Which church to attend a gospel service in New York City?

First of all, if the mention of Harlem has made you hesitate, you should know that this New York neighbourood has changed a lot in recent years. If Harlem used to be a true ghetto where crime was omnipresent, this is absolutely no longer the case – not since the first half of the 2000s. Today, you can walk through the streets of Harlem without any worry and discover a lively and very pleasant neighbourhood 😊

If you want to live the most authentic experience possible, you can go to one of the many small churches in the area. You can attend a gospel service in Harlem with the congregation, who will be delighted to welcome you as long as you follow basic etiquette. During the service, clapping and singing along is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.

However, if you would rather not go alone and instead prefer to have a guide with you to tell you the secrets of Harlem and Gospel music, that's certainly possible with a guided tour .

The Abyssinian Baptist Church

gospel service abyssinian baptist church

The reason I mention this church, which is probably the most famous Baptist church in New York , is actually to advise you against it. This very touristy church building is perfect for a visit – but if you're looking for an authentic gospel service, this is definitely not the place to go.

On Sundays, the 9 am service is reserved for the faithful, so tourists flock to the 11 am service. If you want to attend, you should expect to queue for at least an hour. The best way to enjoy a more authentic mass in this church is probably to go on Wednesdays for the 7 pm service , which is usually much less crowded.

The Salem United Methodist Church

This small, relatively non-touristy Methodist church is certainly not the most beautiful in New York , but you can attend a service there every Sunday at 11 am , for a moment of sharing and music in a very friendly atmosphere. To see the church's website, you can follow this link .

The Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church

I have already told you about this charming little church, where you can attend a typical gospel service. In this Harlem church, which is far from being one of the most touristic places, 3 services are celebrated every Sunday: a t 8 am, 11 am and 5 pm . Don't hesitate to arrive early, as you will then be able to listen to the choir preparing for the service 🎼

The Brooklyn Tabernacle

To see a gospel service in Harlem, you can go to the Brooklyn Tabernacle . In this evangelical church, which looks a bit like a theatre, you will be very welcomed. The choir is made up of more than 200 singers , and you will enjoy the incredible atmosphere and admire the great fervour of the faithful. Masses are held on Sundays at 9 am . To see the church's website, click here .

The Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

This church is another place where you can attend a gospel service in Harlem in a traditional setting. The services (every Sunday at 8 am and 11 am) last for 2 hours , with a lot of singing. The place is touristy and you'll probably be sitting on a balcony, but from the décor to the singers' costumes, everything about this church is full of authenticity, and you will have a memorable time 👍

Where does the tradition of gospel music come from?

The term gospel music comes from the expression goodspell , which became Gospel – the good news about Jesus in Christian religion.

The reason why the songs of this African-American musical culture are so emotionally powerful is that they have their roots in three centuries of slavery. For the black slaves who arrived in North America and worked in the cotton fields, singing was already part of their culture.

Their condition forced them to adapt, and new songs were created to enable them to communicate. Little by little, they discovered the Christian religion , and in the Bible, the story of the Hebrews held in Egypt and forced to work very much reminded them of their lives as slaves.

Without forgetting their original culture and traditions, the African-American slaves, who had obtained the right to attend Protestant masses , gradually began to improvise prayer songs, which were known at the time as Negro Spiritual . After the abolition of slavery in 1865, real choirs were formed. This musical tradition later evolved into Gospel music, which blended with Blues and Jazz and dealt with strong social issues such as segregation and poverty.

Moving in both sound and word, this musical style quickly became very popular. In the 20th century, it became widely used by pastors, who based their lyrics on the New Testament. By the 1960s , gospel music had already found its true identity, and in the churches these songs claimed faith in God and the hope that one day all inequalities could disappear.

That's it for this article on gospel mass in Harlem! I hope you enjoyed it and got inspired for your research on what to do in New York City 😊

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Gospel Music in Harlem and NYC

This post describes how you could hear gospel music in New York, whether in Harlem, in Brooklyn, or anywhere else.

And if you are looking for an authentic experience, then you are going to need to prepare yourself.

In the video below, Derrick, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot NYC , warns you about how long a gospel service can be and how limited space is.

We compiled this list from first-hand experience. We lead daily walking tours of Harlem, led by local guides like Derrick.

We also offer a special tour with Lady Altovise - Harlem Renaissance and Gospel Music Experience .

Lady Altovise is a local Harlem tour guide with us (Free Tours by Foot), and she helped us put together this post.

We also asked the roughly 200k members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group if they could recommend a gospel service in NYC.

Our group is made up of locals (including our tour guides), veteran travelers to NYC, and newbies.

You don't need to join the group to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Be sure to check out the group once you've finished with this post.

If after reading this, it seems too daunting, you might consider an organized Harlem gospel tour or Lady Altovise's Harlem Renaissance and Gospel Music Experience .

Tips and Etiquette
Our Top 3 Picks
Other Venues
Things to Do in NYC

GOSPEL SERVICE ETIQUETTE

Helpful tips on experiencing gospel music without an organized tour .

Find out service schedules ahead of time.

Churches have services at different times, and not all services include a choir. Look at a church’s website or call ahead to see if they have a Gospel Mass.

Know your etiquette.

When you go to hear gospel music in a church, you'll be stepping into houses of worship.

The use of cell phones, cameras, and video recorders is strictly prohibited (unless you have been given special permission to take photos).

Many church websites have visitor pages and may have important guidelines to follow.

For example, showing up in jeans and flip-flops is inappropriate.

Be sure to look at websites in advance or call, if you are unsure what proper etiquette is.

Gospel concerts are part of religious services, not simply a musical show.

A gospel performance at a church is part of their services.

The forces driving the sermons and the congregations listening to them are the same forces that drive the human spirit.

Give yourself enough time.

Be prepared to experience the whole service, which could take 2 hours or more.

Services with a choir singing will also include a sermon, and not only are the sermons quite moving but it can also be considered rude to leave in the middle .

So, give yourself enough time to enjoy the entire service.

Consider making at least a small donation to the church .

Congregations are happy to have visitors and share their celebrations, but no church nor choir can get by without the support of its members and guests.

Religious organizations are non-profits that provide many valuable services to their communities.

A small contribution to their donation basket is appreciated.

Avoid the tourist crowds .

Consider visiting a smaller congregation to avoid long lines. The experience will be just as special and less crowded.

Or, consider taking a guided tour or our informal gospel experience .

OUR TOP 3 PICKS

Lady Altovise's Harlem Renaissance and Gospel Experience.

Every Wednesday, Lady Altovise, a tour guide with Free Tours by Foot, presents her gospel performance.

There's no dress code and this is not a church service. Learn more here .

Times Square Church - 1657 Broadway

The Times Square Church is located in a renovated Broadway Theater in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is an interdenominational church with members from over 100 nationalities.

Their Adult Praise Choir (video above) performs 4 times per week.

They minister weekly during the Sunday 10 am and 3 pm services and Tuesday 7 pm prayer service.

Check their schedule to confirm the times and get further details.

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

You don't have to go to Harlem to hear excellent gospel music! The Brooklyn Tabernacle’s choir is more than 40 years old but better than ever.

In 2013 they were invited to sing to all of America at the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. which was televised.

The Tabernacle is located in easily reachable Downtown Brooklyn at 17 Smith Street between Livingston and Fulton Streets - (718) 290-2000.

Sunday services are at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm. Check to see first which services will have gospel shows before you head out to the Tabernacle.

Extra Bonus: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is located in Brooklyn Heights .

OTHER PLACES TO HEAR GOSPEL MUSIC IN NEW YORK CITY

If you prefer to visit a Harlem Gospel Choir, try to steer clear of the larger congregations, some of which are so popular with tourists, that visitors are sometimes turned away for lack of space in the pews.

Early morning services tend to be slightly less crowded.

Still, they are popular for a reason—the sermons, choir, and services are magnificent.

Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem

Some of the Harlem churches are quite big: A few of them are:

Abyssinian Baptist Church

420 W 145th Street in Harlem between Convent and St. Nicholas Avenues (212) 234-6767. Sunday worship service is at 10:00 am.
The congregation welcomes those who would like to worship with them. They discourage visitors who are only looking for a gospel performance.

Greater Refuge Temple

2081 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. at 124th Street in Harlem (212) 866-1700.
Sunday services are at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Mount Neboh Baptist Church

1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. between West 114th West 115 Streets in Harlem. (212) 866-7880.
Sunday service is at 9:30 am (during the summer).

Canaan Baptist Church

132 W. 116th Street between Lenox & 7th Avenues in Harlem. (212) 866-0301.
Sunday services are at 8 am and 11 am. Sunday service at 10:00 am (during the summer).

First Corinthian Baptist Church

1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. between West 115th and West 116th Streets (212) 864-5976.
Sunday services are at 8:00 am and 10:45 am.

Bethel Gospel Assembly

2-26 East 120th Street, between 5th and Madison Avenues, (212) 860-1510.
Sunday Services at 10:15 am.
*Please be advised to double-check times yourself.

GOSPEL TOURS

There are plenty of organized tours that will take you on a Sunday gospel tour.

Below we list some of the best. Before purchasing a tour, note that gospel tours are often included in tourist discount passes.

For example, both the New York Pass and Explorer Pass include two free gospel experiences (a Sunday morning gospel walk and a Wednesday evening walk).

To learn more about these money-saving passes, read our post on New York Passes to see if a pass may be right for you.

Harlem Spirituals

This highly regarded tour operator offers several gospel-themed bus tours, including jazz and brunch tours.

All gospel-themed tours operate on Wednesdays and Sundays . They offer a Sunday Gospel and Soul Food bus tour.

The video is of the Gospel and Soul Food Tour

Wednesday Gospel Bus + Walking Tour

This tour lasts 4 hours, includes a 1-hour gospel church service, and ends at a famous soul food restaurant (food not included).

They do offer a tour that includes lunch and lasts for an additional hour.

It starts at 9 am at 690 Eighth Avenue bet. 43rd and 44th Sts. Return to the Times Square area.
Available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
$65/Adult and $49/Child (age 3-11).
You can get $5 off if you have the New York Pass.

Inside Out Tours

Harlem isn't the only place in NYC to experience gospel music. Every Sunday Inside Out Tours offers a combination walking and subway tour. It's free with the New York Pass .

Sunday Morning Brooklyn Gospel Walking Tour

Departs at 9 am from 79 Broadway at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway in front of Trinity Church
2-hour walking tour and 2-hour gospel church service
You will need a MetroCard for two rides.

Harlem One Stop

This arts and cultural initiative also offers gospel-themed walking tours of Harlem. They offer a 10:30 am walking tour on Sundays.

The cost is $25 per person. Note that this tour is free for holders of a New York Pass.

To learn more about these money-saving passes, read our post on New York Tourist Passes to see if purchasing a pass may be right for you.

OPTIONS WITH FREE TOURS BY FOOT

We offer exceptional gospel tour experiences led by Lady Altovise.

Unlike the church services listed below, there is no dress code for this tour and performance, and there is no waiting in line.

Cost: THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING. Book this tour .

Note: This tour operates on Wednesdays at noon and pairs with our 2-hour walking tour of Harlem .

To learn more about Harlem and visit many of the neighborhood's attractions, join us for our free Harlem Walking Tour . Be sure to reserve a spot now!

We can show you where some of the churches we list below are located on our free New York tours.

Other Gospel Shows in NYC:

From time to time, gospel performances take place at venues around NYC like the Apollo Theater , Carnegie Hall , Radio City Music Hall , and Lincoln Center 's Avery Fisher Hall.

Visit each venue's website to see the music listings for any current performances are on. Note that such performances are rare though and you must purchase a ticket.

You are best off choosing one of the options above to hear live gospel.

TIP: After you attend a gospel concert, you may feel hungry after hearing such a rousing performance!

Join the locals at a local restaurant for soul food and enjoy such dishes as fried chicken, beef ribs, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, cornbread, and pecan pie for dessert!

Find out more about soul food and where to find some of the best in Harlem here .

Things to Do in Harlem
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Harlem Gospel Tour

Harlem is the cultural center of African American culture in the United States. It’s the home of the cultural movement that took place in New York City in the 1920s called the Harlem Renaissance and is still the place to go to experience the real Harlem culture.

Enjoy a Harlem Gospel Tour to dive deep into the lives of the locals who attend the authentic Harlem gospel mass regularly as part of their culture and routine.

How to attend a Harlem Gospel Tour

There’s no such thing as an authentic Harlem gospel choir that you get to see with a Harlem Gospel Tour. People leave the mass speechless and really emotional that’s how beautiful it is. Harlem Gospel is part of the Harlem culture and for many visitors a must-do in Harlem.

The Harlem Gospel tour that we recommend always gets sold out fast, which is why we advice you to book in advance.

The best Harlem Gospel Tour

Of course there are plenty of guided tours that take you to a gospel mass in Harlem, but there’s one we have tested for you guys and that we highly recommend. During the best Harlem Gospel tour you will also pass iconic music venues like the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club, you will get to see the home of Duke Ellington, Sugar Hill and Hamilton Heights.

This tour offers a great insight into the area of Harlem plus a wonderful Harlem Gospel mass. You will leave this tour with lots of impressions and new information about Harlem’s history as an important enclave for African American writers, artists, and musicians throughout the decades.

Make sure to chose the brunch option to also experience traditional Harlem Soul Food including fried chicken and spicy ribs, served with sides like buttery cornbread, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. At the end of your tour, you’ll be returned back to the departure point near Times Square in the afternoon.

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How and Where to Hear the Best Gospel in Harlem, New York City

by Grace C.

Last Updated: January 11, 2024

Hearing Gospel in Harlem is one of the finest musical treats New York City has to offer. But, unlike with other forms of music, New York has no commercial venues devoted to regular Gospel performances.

Instead, Gospel music has remained close to its roots—and the best place to hear it is still in the city’s African-American churches, especially in Harlem, where you can find it in its most authentic form.

Unsurprisingly, attending Harlem church services has become quite popular. So popular, in fact, that guests are sometimes turned away due to lack of space.

And with hundreds of churches in Harlem, how can you know which offer excellent Gospel music as part of their service? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you need to know about experiencing Gospel music in Harlem — and beyond. Make sure you don’t miss our guide to exploring Harlem , too!

Table of Contents

What to know about attending a Harlem Gospel church

Keep in mind that Harlem’s churches are houses of worship with devout congregations. Visitors should bear in mind that Sunday services are focused on worship; they are not “a musical show.”

Here are some other important guidelines for attending Harlem church services:

Arrive early for the service. Visitors often form long lines to enter. You could be turned away if seating is unavailable. Early morning services tend to be less crowded than services later in the morning.
Dress conservatively (no shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops!).
Never behave in a manner that is distracting to worshipers (i.e. talking, eating, etc.) during the service.
Use of cell phones, cameras, or video recorders is not permitted during the service.
You should stay for the entire service (generally two to three hours).
A contribution to the donation basket is appropriate.

With these guidelines in mind, we are confident that if you approach the community and the service in a respectful manner, you’ll be more than welcome to enjoy all that makes Gospel Music so special and wholesome.

Where to attend a Gospel service 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.

Services are on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., at 116th St. Subway: 2, 3, B, C to 116th Street.

Canaan Baptist Church of Christ : Canaan Baptist describes their 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.

Services are on Sunday at 10 a.m.

132 West 116th Street. Subway: 2, 3, B, C to 116th Street.

Bethel Gospel Assembly : 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 are on Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

2 East 120th Street. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 125th Street, 2, 3 to 125th or 116th Streets.

Greater Refuge Temple: Services at this Pentecostal church include singing, shouting, foot stomping, and a 60-member choir.

Prim church ladies often produce tambourines from their handbags, and dancing spills into the aisles. The joyful exuberance is contagious.

Services are on Sunday at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

2081 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard at 124th St. Subway: 2, 3, A, B, C, D to 125th Street.

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 are on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tourists are not admitted to the 9 a.m. service, or on certain holidays and church celebrations. See their Tourist and Visitor information for details.

132 West 138th Street (aka Odell Clark Place). Subway: 2, 3, B, C to 135th Street.

If the soul-stirring service leaves you with an appetite, check out our recommendations for great dining in Harlem , paired with other relevant sights to see in this neighborhood.

Gospel churches beyond Harlem

Of course, you can also find some extraordinary churches, congregations and choirs offering the traditional Gospel experience you’re looking for. Here are some examples to keep in mind if you find yourself in another area of the city.

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 multicultural choir that ministers Sunday services at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Tuesday 7 p.m. service and Thursday 7 p.m. prayer meeting.

1657 Broadway, at West 51st Street. Subway: 1, C, E to 50th Street, or B, D, E to 7th Avenue.

Brooklyn Tabernacle : A multicultural, non-denominational mega church 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.

Services are on Sunday at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m.

17 Smith Street, Brooklyn. Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall/Court Street, or A, C, F, R to Jay Street- MetroTech / Fulton Street.

Other Gospel performances

Beyond Gospel in Harlem, and those emblematic ones at Broadway and Brooklyn, you can find choirs doing extraordinary performances at some other points in the city.

Gospel Brunch at Ginny’s Supper Club : Part of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s celebrated Red Rooster restaurant , Ginny’s offers a buffet brunch, including Fried Yard Bird (fried chicken), Mac-and-Greens, and breakfast pastries.

Award-winning Vy Higgensen’s Gospel for Teens Choir performs spirited gospel tunes. Make sure to book in advance. Every Sunday at 11 a.m.

The Gospel for Teens Choir is part of the wonderful Mama Foundation for the Arts, which trains and nurtures local youth through music. See their website for other performances and gospel shows.

310 Lenox Avenue, between 125th & 126th Streets. Subway: 2, 3 to 125th Street.

If you’re looking for more options, Gospel concerts are periodically presented at the Apollo Theater , Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.

Make sure to check the music listings in Time Out NY Magazine or the New York Times’s Arts & Entertainment Guide for current performances.

Walks of New York runs group walking tours around the most interesting and iconic sites in NYC–If you’re planning a trip, come join us!

Update Notice: This post was updated on January 11, 2024.

About the author

Originally from Rhode Island, Grace has spent the last 25 years living in the Big Apple. With her knowledge of the best local eateries, attractions and shopping destinations across the city's five boroughs, Grace is the go-to gal for all things NYC. Whether you're a local in need of a fresh perspective or you’re new to the city, Grace loves sharing her extensive knowledge of the city.

More by Grace C.

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Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour

Quick Details

Calendar Schedule: April to December | Sundays

Hour Glass Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours (2 hours of tour and around 1.5 hours of service)

Clock Departure Time: 07:45 a.m. & 08.00 a.m. EST

Globe Other Language: Spanish & French

Checkered Flag Important Note: Out of respect for the congregation hosting us, please dress appropriately and refrain from wearing flip-flops, tank tops, or shorts.

Enjoy a neighborhood tour of the cultural capital of Black America and experience the soulful sounds of gospel music. Explore the streets walked by greats such as Billie Holiday, Malcolm X, and Michael Jackson while viewing legendary sites like the Apollo Theater, the Abyssinian Baptist Church, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Strivers’ Row, Hotel Theresa, and much more. After the neighborhood tour, you also have a chance to enjoy a gospel performance at a service in a local church.

Tour Highlights:

View the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, one of the largest research libraries dedicated to the history of African Americans.
Visit the exterior of the Harlem Hospital, home to the first major WPA commissioned work awarded to an African American artist.
Discover how Harlem became the second Dutch colony in Manhattan and learn the story of its enslaved African Americans as well as the arrival of African Americans during the Great Migration to Harlem.
Learn about the origins of Gospel Music and how its influences spread throughout the Christian churches and served as the foundations for many different types of American music.
View iconic Harlem sites like Abyssinian church, Strivers’ Row, the Apollo Theater, African Square, and many other locations.
Get a chance to experience local gospel music at a Harlem church.

This tour is wheelchair-accessible.

This tour is included in the New York Pass, Go City All-inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass.
Pass customers please visit the page and follow the instruction to make a reservation.

Meeting & End Locations

Meet your guide at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037
The guide will be holding up a Red, Inside Out Tours Flag .
The tour end location depends on the church we visit on the day, it is usually a couple of blocks away from Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chevron down How do I reserve the tour using my Attraction Pass?
If you are booking with a Go City PASS (Including New York Pass, All Inclusive Pass, or Explorer Pass), please book the tour from the page below: https://insideouttours.com/book-with-pass/
If pass holders select the wrong option and purchase full-price tickets and you will NOT receive a refund and will NOT be able to exchange paid tickets for a pass reservation. To book using a pass, please select visit this page & follow the booking instructions to make a reservation with a Pass.
Chevron down Can I reschedule my reservation?

Cancellations made with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice will receive the opportunity to reschedule. All requests must be put in writing and received by us. Please email us here !

Chevron down I'm running late, what should I do?

Once a tour has started we cannot delay for late arrivals or interrupt a tour guide so that latecomers may find them, as this adversely affects the tour experience for others. Please call 800-258-7359 and we will try our best to direct you to the next destination on the tour.

Chevron down What happens in inclement weather?

Our tours run rain or shine. In the case of severe inclement weather , tours will be canceled and a full refund will be provided.

Chevron down Do tour guides accept gratuities?

Gratuities are accepted and greatly appreciated. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.

Chevron down More Questions?

Check out Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Or contact us here!

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Everything about tourist attractions

Harlem Gospel Tour – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

With a long history, Harlem is renowned for the robust African-American culture present there, especially in music and religion.

Harlem Gospel Tour is a well-known cultural event in New York City’s historic Harlem neighborhood.

The tour allows guests to become completely engrossed in the uplifting gospel music vital to the Harlem neighborhood.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Harlem Gospel Tour.

Top Harlem Gospel Tour Tickets

# 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City # Harlem: Sunday Gospel Service with Locals # New York City: Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

What to expect, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, harlem gospel tour ticket prices, 4-hour harlem gospel tour in new york city, harlem: sunday gospel service with locals, new york city: sunday harlem gospel guided tour, new york city harlem highlights w/ gospel concert & transfer, meeting point, best time to take the harlem gospel tour, faqs about the harlem gospel tour.

The Harlem Gospel Tour participants can visit nearby churches noted for their exceptional gospel choirs and services.

Gospel music, which has its roots in African-American churches, is distinguished by its deep, spiritual messages.

The trip frequently includes live gospel choir concerts, so guests may personally experience the breathtaking harmonies and singing.

In addition to the music, the tour offers information on the area’s history, culture, and landmarks.

Knowledgeable tour guides tell tales and anecdotes about the importance of Harlem to the Harlem Renaissance, the African-American civil rights struggle, and the community’s impact on American society.

Tickets for the Harlem Gospel Tour are available online.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets bought offline.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Harlem Gospel Tour booking page , select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

General Admission tickets for the 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour cost US$79 for all visitors.

General Admission tickets for the Harlem: Sunday Gospel Service with Locals costs US$25 for all visitors.

The New York City: Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour cost US$89 for all visitors above the age of 12 years.

Tickets for children between the ages of three and 11 years cost US$75 for the Sunday guided tour.

Infants up to the age of two years can go for free.

The tickets for New York City Harlem Highlights w/ Gospel Concert & Transfer cost US$80 for all visitors above the age of 12 years.

Children up to 11 years of age can get the tickets at a discounted price of US$65.

4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City

Join a 4-hour tour of New York City’s Upper West Side and Harlem, where a guide will accompany you on the Harlem Gospel Church Tour.

A local guide will take you to famous sites, including Saint John the Divine Cathedral, Columbia University, Sugar Hill, Morningside Heights, and Hamilton Terrace.

Choose between three languages, i.e., Italian, English, and German, and enjoy the tour in your preferred language.

Visitors can also enjoy the cheerful and energizing gospel music by the choir.

The Harlem Gospel Tour NYC ends after the service when you are driven back.

Meals and drinks are not included in the tour.

Ensure you bring comfortable shoes, as sandals or flip-flops are prohibited.

Visitors should avoid wearing short skirts or sleeveless shirts.

The tour itinerary can be modified due to traffic conditions and special events like parades or the New York City Marathon.

The mode of transportation (vans or buses) depends on the number of passengers.

Ticket Price

General Admission: US$79

Harlem Sunday Gospel Service with Locals

Purchase a ticket and experience an immersive journey into the history of Harlem’s neighborhood and its houses of worship.

Join a local congregation for an enriching gospel worship experience and get a glimpse of the iconic scene of elegantly dressed women heading to church for Sunday worship, which has been captured in many films and photographs.

Sunday Gospel in Harlem is an invitation to participate in a non-traditional worship service that includes singing and praise dance.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the neighborhood’s history and the significance of its houses of worship.

Experience the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with joining the local church family for an hour of worship.

Get the chance to explore some of Harlem’s historic sites associated with the Harlem Renaissance.

General Admission: US$25

New York City Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

Experience the charm of Harlem’s neighborhoods with a local guide.

See the famous sights of 125th Street and discover legendary venues such as the Apollo Theater and Cotton Club.

Take an inspiring Sunday tour of Harlem to learn about the history of the neighborhood, from its origins as a rural Dutch farming community to its transformation into a summer retreat for New York’s most prominent families.

Learn how public transportation and real estate made Harlem a fashionable district for those fleeing congested Lower Manhattan.

Discover how African Americans from the southern states arrived during the Great Migration and formed communities to collectively address economic, political, and social issues.

Pass landmarks such as Columbia University, the Cotton Club, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, among others.

Find out where Duke Ellington lived on 125th Street, and then join a local congregation for their Sunday service and experience the uplifting power of gospel music.

Choose between five languages for the tour, i.e., French, English, Spanish, German, or Italian.

Ticket Price:

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$89 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$75 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

New York City Harlem Highlights w Gospel Concert & Transfer

Take a memorable tour of Harlem, the most colorful neighborhood in New York City, and be delighted!

Explore its past, from its modest beginnings as a Dutch farming village to its development into a popular summer resort for the city’s affluent families, understanding how the Great Migration of African Americans from the southern states influenced the growth of the urban black culture.

Learn about the Harlem Renaissance, which drew writers and artists and influenced the region’s diverse cultural landscape.

Admire enduring city symbols such as the Apollo Theatre, illustrious Cotton Club, Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture, and Duke Ellington’s former residence.

Discover the oldest residences in Manhattan, including the venerable Morris-Jumel Mansion.

Lastly, attend the ARC Gospel Choir’s midweek concert to be captivated by their soul-stirring melodies.

The hymns of praise at the Harlem Sunday Gospel Service will inspire and motivate you.

The tour offers convenient transportation to and from Times Square, live commentary in the language of your choice, and a life-changing performance of gospel music by the ARC Gospel Choir.

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$80 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$65 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): US$65

The meeting point for the Harlem Gospel Tour will vary depending on the tour option you choose.

It’s important to keep in mind that the meeting location may change.

Visitors should check the booking page before arriving to confirm the exact location.

Every Gospel Tour in Harlem has different timings.

As gospel services are frequently held on Sundays, Harlem Gospel tours may occur on certain days alone.

Generally, the tours last two to four hours, giving guests plenty of time to take in gospel music and discover the neighborhood’s cultural treasures.

Most tours start either from 9 am or 8.30 am.

The best time to visit Gospel Tour Harlem, New York, is on Sundays.

On Sundays, the Harlem church has its gospel services.

It’s crucial to remember that several times throughout the week are available for Gospel Tour of Harlem, depending on the tour provider and timetable.

It is advised to confirm the availability of certain tour times and dates with the tour operator or website.

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before booking tickets for the Harlem Gospel Tour.

Yes, it is best to book the tickets online to ensure availability and a hassle-free experience.

Transportation depends on the tour option selected. Please check the booking page to confirm if your tour includes transportation.

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

There is no specific dress code, but it is recommended to dress comfortably and respectfully.

Yes, visitors of all ages are allowed on the tour.

No, visitors are not allowed to carry food and drinks on the tour.

A typical 2-hour tour involves 1.5 to 2 miles of walking. For most of the trip, visitors should prepare to be on their feet or moving around.

Photography is allowed on the tour except during the church service.

Depending on the tour option you choose, visitors can choose between five languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German.

Yes, cancellations and rescheduling can be done up to 24 hours before the tour.

Yes, restrooms are available at various locations along the tour.

No, pets are not allowed on the tour.

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This article was researched & written by

Urvashi Goyal

She is a city fanatic who loves exploring different cities, understanding their culture, meeting people, and discovering hidden gems. She likes to holiday in offbeat places that mainstream tourists are yet to discover. When on holiday, she avoids crowded tourist traps. Favourite cities: Bern, Los Angeles, and San Francisco

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Harlem Wednesday Morning Gospel Tour

Private Harlem Soul Food & Jazz Tour
Harlem Food Tasting Walking Tour

New York City Sightseeing Tour

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Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Walking Tour
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Tour Information

Languages support.

Delve into Harlem’s culture with this mid-week tour around the neighborhood. You will enjoy a guided bus tour and learn more about how Harlem became the center of the black cultural and artistic movement The highlight of the trip is the a capella gospel concert at one of the local churches.

If you are not available for a Wednesday service, you can take a Sunday Morning Harlem Gospel Tour !

Highlights

Visit a local church and feel the spirit of the mid-week church service with the Harlem Gospel Ensemble.
See the Apollo Theater and the Theresa Hotel along 125th Street.
See Harlem’s most popular landmarks – City College, Morningside Heights, Sugar Hill, the Morris Jumel Mansion, Sylvan Terrace, Strivers Row, Hamilton Grange.
See the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – one of the biggest research libraries for African American culture.
Professional and friendly guide.

* Soul Food is traditional African American cuisine originating in the United States South. If you want to get a real taste of it, check out our Harlem Food and Tasting Tour !

Take a look at our complete range of Harlem tours dedicated to exploring this vibrant neighborhood

What’s Included

Harlem bus tour
Photo stops at key points of interest
Gospel concert
Soul Food Lunch
Tips/gratuity for guide and driver
Other meals and beverages
Guests can take brief walks during stops in the neighborhoods visited. The average stop is about 15 minutes.
Church services may be held in the north of Harlem or the Bronx, but the tour will cover the Harlem itinerary.
Child seats are not available.
The tour is not suitable for pets.
Proper dress is a requirement. Harlem Spirituals Inc. reserves the right to refuse boarding customers, who are improperly dressed and will not refund the service.
For passengers with no mobility and or on wheelchairs, we recommend giving us at least 4 weeks’ notice so that we can secure a coach with a wheelchair lift if available,
A maximum of one person in a wheelchair can be accommodated per bus and this service is subject to confirmation
Wheelchair lifts are 49" X 28" and can carry a maximum weight limit of 700 lbs. We kindly ask that you submit the dimensions and model of the chair as bus lifts may not be able to accommodate scooters and other large-sized electric chairs.
Many of the churches that we visit have steps. To accommodate their wheelchair-bound congregation members, churches use portable mobility ramps or lifts.
With advance notice, wheelchair-bound customers with some mobility can be accommodated in the front rows of the tour bus with their wheelchairs folded away in the luggage compartment. Someone must accompany customers with special needs to assist them on the coach.
Check out our terms & conditions for more information.
Contact Us for other questions or requests.
Cancellations received 2 days before the tour date will be assessed a processing fee equivalent to 50% of the initial reservation.
Cancellations received less than 24 hours before the tour date will be assessed a 100% cancellation fee.
Unused tickets are non-refundable. No-shows are not refunded.
Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.

Private Triboro Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn & Queens

Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Walking Tour

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Harlem Gospel Concert by Harlem One Stop

Indoors Family-friendly Shows & entertainment
Cute Star Icon Book your slot!

Booking required

What you'll do.

Journey through Harlem’s rich history and visit a gospel church to experience uplifting musical and spiritual praise.

Watch a Harlem Gospel Concert with the New York Pass®

With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
Includes a visit to a gospel church for a 1-hour concert.

If it is Wednesday, it’s Gospel in Harlem. Enjoy a 60-minute Wednesday Gospel Praise concert at a neighborhood Black historic church. This is not a church service but an hour of inspirational gospel and spirituals with the choir. Visitors are invited to join in the musical fellowship.

A deeply religious neighborhood known for its proud African-American roots, Harlem is home to over 400 churches, from where the sweet sound of gospel music can frequently be heard soaring through the air. You’ll get to experience the joyful spiritual and musical celebration first-hand.

Harlem Gospel Concert highlights

Visit a local church and participate in a mid-week musical fellowship with local congregation and choir. The hour includes gospel and spirituals led by professional choir singers.

Gospel church - experience the musical and spiritual joy inside one of Harlem’s gospel churches.

Know before you go

This attraction requires advanced booking.

Getting in: meet your guide at the northeast corner of West 145th Street & St Nicholas Avenue, in front of 702 St Nicholas Avenue side next to the subway entrance. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

Please note:

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Recording devices and photographs are not allowed.
Late arrivals (more than 10 minutes) may not be allowed to join once group has left meeting point.
We suggest a contribution to the church’s offering plate of a minimum of $5 each.

Where you'll be

Northeast corner of West 145th Street & St Nicholas Avenue,, in front of 702 St Nicholas Avenue side next to the subway entrance., New York, US

Operating hours

Wednesday: 5:30 PM, with the concert finishing at 6:45 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 365 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

Check out our FAQs or live chat with our customer service agents now

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Travel bucket list idea:

Gospel in Harlem

New York, United States of America (USA)

God-fuelled singing, clapping and dancing Gospel – it really is as uplifting as it looks, and there is no better place in the world to experience it’s rousing effect than Harlem.

This once-notoriously dangerous neighbourhood – now not just safe but ‘up-and-coming’ – throngs with churches that rock the rafters every Sunday morning.

Worth some time to wander around this fascinating neighbourhood packed with African-American history, before rounding it all off with some authentic ‘soul food’.

Don't miss

After the service, round off the experience by going for brunch and ‘ soul food ’ at the super-trendy nouveau-soul joint Red Rooster or old-school ‘Queen of Soul’ Sylvia’s .

If Rooster and Sylvia’s are mobbed – there are often long queues after services finish – head to Fredrick Douglass Boulevard below 125th Street for some decent, if less authentic, alternatives.

While you're there

It’s worth a stop are the Studio Museum (144 West 125th Street), which also happens to have great art and gifts, while West 125th Street’s street vendors sell Harlem T-shirts.

Legendary Harlem music venue the Apollo Theater (launched James Brown, Diana Ross and more) is still going strong, and open in the evenings for performances.

Getting there & doing it

To get to Harlem, take the subway A, C, 2 or 3 trains and get off at the 125th Street stop.

The Abyssinian Baptist (132 West 138 Street) is the best-known church for Harlem’s gospel choir tradition, but you need to go 2 hours early to get in.

Alternatives include New Mount Zion (171 140th Street), Mount Neboh 1883 Seventh Avenue (at 114th Street) or Greater Refuge Temple (2081 Adam Clayton Blvd) – or just walk around and try one of the smaller churches for a more authentic, intimate experience.

Dress respectfully and mind your manners.

When to do it

Services run every Sunday, all year round.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Harlem Sunday Morning Gospel Tour

Rating 4.08 / 5 [941 ratings]

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Harlem Wednesday-Morning Gospel Tour

Rating 4.26 / 5 [286 ratings]

Harlem Gospel and Brunch Tour

Price: $115

Rating 4.60 / 5 [69 ratings]

Harlem Gospel Multimedia Walking Tour

Min age: 12

Rating 4.14 / 5 [48 ratings]

Gospel Mass in Harlem plus VIP Contrasts

Rating 4.7 / 5 [20 ratings]

Destination guides

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.

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Harlem Saturday Gospel and Brunch Tour

Live Gospel Concert

Local, enthusiastic tour guides

Discover Harlem’s rich history

Don’t miss Harlem’s only Saturday Gospel and Brunch Tour!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and culturally rich community of Harlem, where the captivating and soul-stirring melodies of Black gospel music will uplift your spirit every Saturday. Gone are the days of waiting until Sunday to revel in the electrifying live performances. Following the thrilling gospel concert, treat yourself to a delightful brunch and embark on an eye-opening walking tour that will unveil the hidden gems of Harlem.

Live one-hour gospel concert

Go off the beaten track and see some of Harlem’s hidden treasures

Enjoy a delicious brunch

See the landmarks like Hotel Theresa, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Apollo Theater and more

Find out where Martin Luther King was almost assassinated in Harlem

Stroll across 125th Street, the heartbeat of Harlem

Click the tabs to find out more

Trip details, the specifics, price (usd).

Adults $105 Children (7-11) $65 Children (0-7) free

Meeting point

Emanuel A.M.E. Church, 37 West 119 th Street, NYC

Availability

April-December

Live gospel concert, a delicious brunch, and sightseeing

Not included

Transportation

What to bring

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring an open mind and heart, camera, and a smile on your face

Good to know

Tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

What you'll do

Stop racing uptown to Harlem Sunday mornings to experience gospel music in one of our local churches. Our Harlem Saturday Gospel and Brunch Tour starts at 11:00 am at Emanuel A.M.E. Church with a one-hour hand-clapping, foot-stomping, soulful rhythms of a Black gospel music concert. After the gospel concert, we make our way to one of the local restaurants on Lenox Avenue for a delicious brunch.

To top off the tour we will tour the Mount Morris Park Historic District area. Here, you will find a multitude of churches rich with history amongst where our prominent individuals made their homes. Some of the most well-known musicians and entertainers started their journeys here, and much of the music that began here is now immortalized in American pop culture for future generations to enjoy. Make our way across 125th Street, the heartbeat of Harlem, and finish at the world-famous Apollo Theater.

Our Harlem Saturday Gospel and Brunch Tour is truly a day well spent, both outdoors and indoors. This will be an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.

Check out what our guests are saying

Nyc entertainment | 2022.

Nice Harlem Gospel and Bruch tour

Carolyn gave a nice morning tour through Harlem including a lively gospel service culminating in a delicious brunch. I learned a lot! It was a good experience. I would recommend this tour!

Hannes P | 2021

Great Tour with Carolyn and Jonathan

Highly recommended and informative tour of Harlem. Carolyn and Jonathan are wonderful people, and we had a great last day in New York with them. Attending a Gospel church during this tour was a highlight of our trip. Thank you Carolyn and Jonathan 😉

Terry B | Dec 2019

We loved this activity. Our tour guide, a Harlem resident, was excellent. She was very knowledgeable about the multi-ethnic population of Harlem both past and present. The brunch was in a well-chosen and delicious restaurant; the group was congenial. We definitely recommend this. Read more

Brittneydeanne | June 2018

We started with a bit of a walking tour through the area, and our tour guide Carolyn was so knowledgeable and friendly. She gave us all time to look and take photos and ask questions. We stopped at a church for a couple of hours- which was WONDERFUL. The music and preaching were fantastic and the congregation were very welcoming. Then we went for a great brunch. Overall, I would do this again for sure. Read more

Helen | 2017

Very informative and fun. Great to walk around Harlem with our guide. Gospel and church visit was a fun experience and brunch was a great end to a nice day and nice to get some time to talk about Harlem and everyday life. Read more

Gospel Mass in Harlem: hours and duration

Attending a Gospel Mass is one of the biggest cultural attractions to immerse yourself in the soul of New York. You're most likely to find a Sunday morning mass service, but read on for other alternatives.

Harlem is a district full of ethnic diversity. An essential visit to return from New York having known all the ins and outs of the city.

And one of the main attractions of this neighborhood is to visit a Baptist church and enjoy a live gospel mass, a show that, in principle, you can only enjoy on Sunday mornings and you already have some clues in How to go to a Gospel Mass in Harlem .

Even so, there are certain Sundays that tourists are not allowed to enter and schedules vary depending on the church you go to. Do not stop reading because, below, I leave all the details for you to live an experience to remember.

Schedules to attend a gospel mass in Harlem

If you are wondering what is the best day to attend a gospel mass in Harlem, you should know that most of them take place on Sunday morning.

The sessions vary depending on the church . In fact, some churches hold two sessions on the same morning, but the usual starting time is between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Alternative schedules

As I mentioned, there may be exceptions to the usual Sunday masses, and there are a few churches that also hold gospel mass on Wednesday evenings around 7 p.m.

An example is Abbyssinian Baptist Church and Bethel Gospel Assembly that hold a gospel mass session open to the public on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Book a Harlem Gospel Mass Tour

Dates when you can't enjoy a gospel mass in Harlem

If you are attending a Gospel Mass on a Sunday, please note that there are certain Sundays of the year when access is limited to tourists and visitors who are not regular parishioners.

Women's Day, which falls on the second Sunday in March.
Palm Sunday
Easter Sunday
Mother's Day
Hom ecoming, which corresponds to the second Sunday in September
Men's Day , which takes place on the second Sunday in October
Limited Access Days include Christmas Day and New Year 's Day when they fall on a Sunday
There are some churches that during the month of August interrupt the admission of visitors to Sunday gospel masses and move it to another day of the week, usually Wednesdays.

How long does a gospel mass in Harlem last?

To see a gospel mass in Harlem you can either go on your own, in which case it will last around two to two and a half hours depending on the participation of the congregation, or you can attend a mass by booking a tour . In this case, the time you will spend inside the church will be one hour .

Duration if you attend a gospel mass on your own : Two hours or two and a half hours.
Duration if you attend a gospel mass as part of a tour : One hour.

If you do not go to the service as part of a tour, you will have to wait in line to get in, which does not ensure that you will be able to get in depending on the number of people attending that day. Therefore, it is very important to arrive at the church early .

Schedules of attractions near a gospel mass church in Harlem

Visiting a gospel mass is an excuse to go to Harlem but in this district you can enjoy a myriad of proposals.

See a show at the Apollo Theater , visit the Morris Jumel Mansion, walk down Sylvan Terrace, see a show at the Cotton Club, stroll through the residential neighborhood of Strivers' Row, visit the Schombur Center for Research in Black Culture or tour the Sugar Hill neighborhood are just some of the wonders this area has to offer.

Apollo Theater hours: Shows usually start between 7:00 and 8:00 pm.
Morris Jumel Mansion Hours: The museum is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Coton Club hours: The club opens at 8:00 p.m. for dinner and cocktails. The brass band plays from 20:00-20:30 h. and the show starts at 21:00-21:45 h. For brunch, the Cotton Club is open from 12:00 noon until approximately 2:30 pm.
Schombur Center for Research in Black Culture Hours: The library is open every day except Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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The Best Gospel Churches To Visit In NYC

New York City's gospel scene is a global magnet, drawing in visitors from far and wide to experience the transformative power of gospel music and the rich cultural tapestry that surrounds it.

November 29, 2023

A Guide to Gospel Music in NYC

New York City's gospel churches stand as enduring testaments to the city's rich cultural heritage and the transformative power of music. Rooted in the early days of African American congregations gathering in small storefront spaces, these institutions have evolved into vibrant centers of faith, community, and artistic expression, drawing visitors from around the world. Today, the city's gospel scene remains a vibrant force, resonating with the soulful melodies and heartfelt messages that have become synonymous with New York City's unique spirit.

Nowadays, there's a variety of ways to immerse yourself the city's gospel traditions. Enjoy a spirited Gospel Brunch at Sylvia's and Red Rooster , join Harlem Spirituals' Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour , or even visit churches directly for open-door services. Below, you'll find a curated list of churches you can visit directly.

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Ok … On to the list

Gospel Churches in Harlem

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Abyssinian Baptist Church

The most popular church is Abyssinian Baptist Church. It holds a gospel mass on Sundays that is not included in any tour, but is open to tourists who wish to attend. The mass is estimated to last two and a half hours, and it is frowned upon to leave before it is over.

To gain access to the mass, tourists should go to the tourist entrance point located at the southeast corner of West 138th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis based on seating availability. It is advisable to arrive early, as there is usually a long queue.

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Bethel Gospel Assembly

Bethel Gospel Assembly is another well-known option for a gospel service, along with Abyssinian Baptist Church. This church has a special feature: Sunday mass is celebrated in both English and French. The French mass is at 9:00 a.m., and the English mass is at 10:15 a.m. Additionally, this church allows photography and videography during the ceremony, which is rare.

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First Corinthian Baptist Church

The First Corinthian Baptist Church stands as a cornerstone of Harlem's gospel tradition, offering visitors a captivating immersion into the power of gospel music. To fully embrace the authentic atmosphere and connect with the local congregation, consider planning your visit outside of school vacation periods.

During these peak seasons, the church may experience an influx of visitors, primarily other tourists, which can sometimes affect the overall experience. By visiting during non-vacation periods, you can better immerse yourself in the church's vibrant community and fully appreciate the soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt messages that resonate within its walls.

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Canaan Baptist Church

With dynamic preaching, emotional congregation participation, and inspirational singing, Canaan Baptist describes their services as “Afro-centric.” The church has several renowned choirs that perform spirituals, gospel, and praise songs as part of the services. The service takes place every Sunday at 10am.

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Greater Calvary Baptist Church

The Greater Cavalry Baptist Church has served as an important pillar of the city’s jazz scene for many years. They’re famous for their gospel choir that has performed alongside famous acts like U2 and even released a studio album! In addition to weekly services, the church frequently serves as a venue to hear blues, jazz, and other popular styles of music too. Service at Greater Cavalry Baptist Church is every Sunday at 10 am.

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The Greater Refuge Temple

The Greater Refuge Temple is a Pentecostal church located in Harlem, a few blocks from the Apollo Theater. The 60-member choir is known for its lively performances that include audience participation and unique percussive instruments. In addition to their weekly Sunday service, they also host regular concerts and community events that welcome all. Worship services are held every Sunday at 11:00 am, 4 pm, and 8 pm.

Gospel Churches in Midtown and Brooklyn

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Times Square Church

Located just outside of Times Square in Midtown, the Times Square Church is an interdenominational house of worship. The church is situated in the former Mark Hellinger Theater, a movie palace that was originally built by Warner Bros. and later converted into a Broadway theater. The church welcomes people from all walks of life and denominations and hosts frequent community events and children's camps. It also has a renowned gospel choir with over 130 members who share their faith through song.

Services at the Times Square Church are held on Sundays at 10 AM and 1 PM, Tuesdays at 7 PM, and Wednesdays at 7 PM. The church also offers virtual services on Sundays and Wednesdays.

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Brooklyn Tabernacle

The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a non-denominational church in Downtown Brooklyn that is renowned for its namesake choir. The 280-member ensemble has recorded 40 albums and won seven Dove Awards and six Grammy Awards.

The church is designed like a concert hall, with high domed ceilings and two levels where visitors can sit and worship. An estimated 10,000 people attend services each week to worship and hear the world-famous choir. Services are held at 9 am and 12 pm on Sundays and are also live streamed.

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The Temple Of Restoration

Founded by Bishop Angelo Barbosa in November 2000, The Temple of Restoration is a Pentecostal Ministry that has grown into one of the biggest churches in Brooklyn. In addition to their main location near the Barclays Center, they also have several locations throughout the city and country, as well as international congregations in Brazil and South Africa.

In addition to being a welcoming community with a mission of helping the poor and disenfranchised, The Temple of Restoration is also a great place to hear gospel music in NYC every Sunday. Services are held at 7:30 am, 10 am, and 6 pm.

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Gospel Church in New York City

Every city has museums and theatres, but do they have gospel churches? This unusual activity is a must and one of the most popular things to do in New York.

You’ll find museums and theatres in all cities, but will you find a Gospel Mass? It's certainly not the most usual of activities, but one we highly recommend. Choirs, music, and dancing are some of the best ingredients you’ll find in a Gospel Church.

Where and when?

Although you can find Baptist Churches in all of Harlem , one of the most famous churches and one we were lucky to attend is the Antioch Baptist Church . Here you’ll feel very welcome and it's a great place to enjoy the Gospel experience.

Although there are different masses, we suggest attending the 11 am Mass on Sunday.

What to wear and where to sit?

It's a good idea to dress conservatively and well (long trousers, shirt, dress, etc) for this type of event in order to respect the worshipers. It’s a very important event for them and they tend to dress up , something that you'll notice when you walk into the Church.

Tourists are welcome in this temple, but it’s advisable to sit at the back to let the worshippers sit at the front, and also to be able to leave when you like since the Church Services are over two hours long .

The easiest way to attend a Gospel Mass

The most hassle-free way to experience an authentic Gospel Church and at the same time discover the top attractions of Harlem is to book our tour:

Harlem Morning Gospel Tour
Harlem Gospel Mass

125th Street, number 515 .

Every Sunday at 11am.

Free entry (donations requested).

Subway : 125th St. Station , line 1.

Nearby places

Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (1.2 km) Museum of the City of New York (2.4 km) Guggenheim Museum (3.4 km) Central Park (3.6 km) Metropolitan Museum of Art (3.9 km)

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Prayer, Bible lessons and a big red bus: How an Ohio group is bringing God to public school

LifeWise Academy is on a mission to reach school children with the gospel. Opponents say the weekly Bible studies blur the line between church and state.

WHITEHALL, Ohio — After a morning lesson on multiplying fractions, about half of the students in a fifth-grade class at Etna Road Elementary School packed up their work and headed to the campus library.

The other half, all wearing matching red T-shirts, put on their coats, lined up single-file and boarded a red bus with the words “LifeWise Academy” painted on the side.

While their classmates back at school browsed shelves of books, the children on the bus sang praise to Jesus.

“For there is no other name ... by which we must be saved.”

The students soon arrived at a church a half-mile away where, for the next 30 minutes, they would pray, read the Bible and sing worship songs — activities that have become a routine part of their week thanks to an Ohio-based nonprofit on a mission to put God back in the public school day.

LifeWise Academy is permitted under a pair of little-known, decades-old U.S. Supreme Court rulings that allow for off-campus religious instruction during school hours.

Students leave school; students in a school bus

When LifeWise launched in 2018, the initial goal was to serve 25 schools by 2025, but it surpassed that long ago. By the start of this year, LifeWise had set up chapters in more than 300 schools in a dozen states, teaching 35,000 public school students weekly Bible lessons that are usually scheduled to coincide with lunch or noncore courses such as library, art or gym class.

LifeWise has won support from conservatives on the front lines of the new culture wars over LGBTQ inclusion, sexually explicit library books and the role of racism in American history. But it also has a growing foothold in some progressive suburbs and cities, including deep-blue Columbus, Ohio.

Its explosive growth has been celebrated by Christian groups and parents who’ve long decried the removal of religion from America’s classrooms — and denounced by those who believe there should be a hard line between religion and public education.

Supporters say LifeWise, which teaches children character development through Bible lessons, complies with the separation of church and state. Public schools are not allowed to directly promote or fund the program, which is offered free to students whose parents sign permission slips.

“A lot of parents want to be able to say to their child, ‘Yeah, you’re going to get science class, you’re going to get math class, you’re going to get English class — and you’re going to have Bible class, too, because this is important to us as a family,’” said LifeWise founder and former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joel Penton.

But parents and activists who’ve mobilized against LifeWise say that busing students to nearby churches, where they sometimes collect prizes and eat candy, has made some non-Christian children feel left out or pressured to attend.

“Whether it’s happening on campus or not, this program is bringing religion into the school,” said Demrie Alonzo, an English tutor who works at several schools with LifeWise programs in central Ohio. “It’s not fair to the kids of different religions.”

At a time when conservatives nationally are fighting what they portray as liberal indoctrination in schools, some parents and critics see the opposite playing out, accusing LifeWise of using schools to draw children into an evangelical faith tradition whose members overwhelmingly vote Republican .

Opponents have also documented several instances of teachers and administrators promoting LifeWise to students, either by allowing LifeWise volunteers to visit classrooms, hosting schoolwide assemblies or advertising the program in paperwork sent home to parents — actions that, according to some legal experts, could violate the First Amendment.

Penton said LifeWise follows all laws and local policies and avoids hot-button partisan topics in its curriculum, which is designed to guide students through the entire Bible in five years. He said LifeWise receives “very broad support” from groups with a range of political views.

Last summer, LifeWise’s national teacher summit was sponsored by Patriot Mobile, a far-right Christian cellphone company that has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars supporting school board candidates promising to fight LGBTQ acceptance in schools.

And in December, Penton appeared on the Truth and Liberty Live Call-in Show hosted by a group whose mission is to reshape American society by advancing conservative Christian values in seven key “ mountains ” of public life — including media, government and education.

On the show, Penton lamented the referendum last year enshrining abortion rights in Ohio’s constitution, saying it made him “incredibly sad.” It also made him realize, he said, that LifeWise’s mission “is all the more important.”

“What other hope do we have,” Penton said, “but to inject the word of God into the hearts of the next generation?”

During school hours

Penton said most people are surprised when they learn that this type of program — known as release time religious education — is legal.

Supreme Court rulings in 1948 and 1952 established that public school students could receive religious instruction during the school day, so long as the classes took place off school property and the government did not promote or pay for it.

Release time programs cropped up across the country in the decades since — including in Utah and New York City — with Mormon and Jewish groups among the biggest users, said Steven K. Green, a professor of law and religious history at Willamette University.

“For the most part, these were mom-and-pop type operations,” Green said. “Locally oriented, locally run.”

LifeWise has super-charged the concept, he said, by using a franchise-style, “plug-and-play” model that allows local groups to easily start new chapters. Community volunteers raise money and find a church to host the classes; LifeWise provides everything else, from curriculum to paid teaching staff to background checks.

“It’s just a matter of people becoming aware that this is really possible and then giving them the tools,” Penton said. “I think parents by and large have always wanted this as part of their kids’ education.”

LifeWise has had to seek school board approval in states and districts that did not already have release time policies on the books. Most of the time, school boards have voted to allow the program, Penton said. In districts that have refused, board members and administrators primarily cited concerns about disruptions to the school day .

Some GOP-controlled state legislatures recently have sought to expand access to off-campus religious instruction. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, signed a law this month requiring all public schools to accommodate programs like LifeWise. Ohio and Oklahoma lawmakers are considering similar measures.

Doug Shoemaker, director of partnerships and legal services at Whitehall City Schools, which includes Etna Road Elementary, said the district has a decades-old policy allowing for release time programs. LifeWise was the first religious group in recent memory to capitalize on it, he said.

“We don’t sell it or advocate for the program, but we also don’t disrupt or block the program,” Shoemaker said. “It’s a choice that parents have.”

Etna Road Elementary School Students at LifeWise Academy.

The feature that most inspires opposition to LifeWise — the fact that it takes place during school hours — is also what Penton believes makes it special.

LifeWise has rejected requests by some school districts to schedule the program before or after school, the approach favored by most other religious clubs, because Penton said that would make it less accessible.

LifeWise put NBC News in touch with seven parents whose children participate. Several said they wanted their children to learn the Bible but wouldn’t have enrolled them in an after-school club. Some said they’ve noticed improvements in their children’s behavior since joining and learning about character traits such as gratitude, obedience and respect.

“I have firsthand seen differences in my boys that I kind of never thought possible,” said Jessica Cappuzzello, who has two children who attend LifeWise in the New Albany-Plain Local School District outside Columbus.

The interest in LifeWise Academy has coincided with a surge in donations, according to the most recent publicly available tax filings. LifeWise Inc., the nonprofit that operates the program, brought in $6.5 million in the fiscal year ending in June 2023 — six times more than when it started in 2018.

Vincent Coleman, a former middle school principal, runs LifeWise’s programs in Columbus City Schools, where a majority of the nearly 500 students who participate are Black or Latino and come from disadvantaged homes. Coleman said LifeWise volunteers have helped children facing food insecurity, homelessness and mental health struggles.

Coleman said he was frustrated at times during his two decades as an administrator because he wasn’t permitted to openly share his faith when counseling children.

LifeWise, he said, fills that gap.

“You can communicate to a kid that ‘Hey, your life matters. God loves you,’” Coleman said. “That’s a component that our kids need to hear.”

LifeWise Academy city wide director Vincent Coleman

‘Using the children’

Sarah Myers, the mother of a third grader, was upset when she learned in 2022 that LifeWise was starting a program in Hilliard, Ohio, an affluent suburb north of Columbus that’s also the location of the nonprofit’s national headquarters.

“I consider myself a very strong woman of faith, and I teach that to my child,” Myers said. “I just don’t think this is the way to do it.”

Although her child doesn’t attend LifeWise, she said the program still affects her. Myers said having all the LifeWise kids wear matching red shirts creates “an in-group and an out-group.”

LifeWise chapters, she noted, sometimes send children back to school with invitations to share with friends. Some have promised students ice cream or popcorn parties if they convinced a certain number of classmates to sign up — recruiting tactics that Penton said are used by other student clubs.

“They’re using the children to proselytize,” Myers said. “I just think that’s so wrong.”

Sammi Lawrence, a legal fellow at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said her organization, which advocates for the separation of church and state nationally, has received seven reports that she describes as school officials inappropriately promoting or accommodating LifeWise.

In some cases, Lawrence said, teachers and administrators “really go further than the law allows in terms of promoting LifeWise and trying to convince kids to go.”

LifeWise officials said they defer to local policies in deciding how to advertise. In some districts, schools have allowed LifeWise to send permission slips home in student backpacks, Penton said. In others, LifeWise has had to mail information packets to families.

Alonzo, the tutor who works at several central Ohio schools, said she witnessed an elementary principal in the Fredericktown Local School District guide LifeWise volunteers from classroom to classroom at the start of the school year. In one of the classes, Alonzo said she saw a volunteer share a permission slip with a Hindu student.

“I told the woman, ‘This student believes in a different God; this isn’t for her,’” Alonzo said. “And the woman said, ‘Yeah, but I was just telling her about Jesus.’ And I said, ‘No, no, no. This is not appropriate.’”

Gary Chapman, Fredericktown’s superintendent, said the district investigated the incident after learning about it in October from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Afterward, Chapman said, the district reminded administrators that they must “refrain from actions that could be viewed as promoting or discouraging participation in any religious release time program.” The district also told local LifeWise officials that it prohibits outside groups from soliciting student participation during school hours, Chapman said.

Penton said most of the complaints he’s heard from groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation are rooted in misunderstandings about what’s legal and how the program works.

He denied relying on peer pressure to recruit students and scoffed at the idea that LifeWise might lead to bullying or teasing in schools. “These kids are going to our class to specifically learn things like respect and kindness and love and forgiveness,” Penton said.

He acknowledged that the program aims to reach non-Christian students with lessons tailored for “unchurched” children.

To illustrate their success on that front during recent interviews with conservative outlets , Penton has told the story of a Muslim child who wished so badly to attend LifeWise with his friends that the student faked his parent’s signature on a permission slip. (Penton said the school spotted the forgery and told the student to ask his parents, who later agreed to send him.)

“We’re praying with students,” Penton said, “but oftentimes we’re teaching students how to pray.”

Reaching the entire nation

After stepping off the red bus, the fifth graders from Etna Road Elementary entered a brightly decorated Sunday school classroom at New Life Church.

The children, who attend school in a diverse, middle-class suburb east of Columbus, broke into small groups and took turns sharing prayer requests. One child asked an adult to pray for a sick family member. Another wanted God to bless him with McDonald’s for lunch.

“Dear Jesus,” one of the LifeWise volunteers prayed aloud, “thank you for loving us.”

Then the children found their seats and opened their Bibles to the book of 1 Samuel. This week’s lesson: David vs. Goliath.

After the reading, a LifeWise teacher led the children to a 9-foot-9-inch poster of Goliath. “That’s how tall he really was,” one of the volunteers said.

One by one, the children took turns slinging jumbo marshmallows at the poster, aiming to strike the giant in his forehead just as David did in the Bible passage.

The story of David’s triumph — and his faith that he would prevail — was meant to illustrate the week’s character trait: discernment, the ability to recognize what is true, despite appearances.

Penton stood to the side, observing. Six years after launching LifeWise Academy, hoping then to share Jesus with public school children in at least a handful of Ohio school districts, Penton has discerned that God is now calling him and his team to a far bigger goal.

There are 13,000 public schools in America educating about 50 million students, Penton noted.

“It may sound a little wild,” he said, “but we would like to make Bible education available to all of them.”

After the last student took her shot at Goliath, it was time for the children to get back on the bus and rejoin their classmates for lunch.

The volunteers at New Life Church quickly cleaned up the marshmallows and tidied up the Sunday school classroom.

Another group of public school students would soon be on their way.

Mike Hixenbaugh is a senior investigative reporter for NBC News, based in Maryland.

IMAGES

4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City
Guided Walking Tour of Harlem and Gospel Concert in a Church
Gospel Mass in Harlem: 9 best churches
Harlem Wednesday-Morning Gospel Tour: Triphobo
Gospel mass in Harlem: the best churches in New York
Las 9 mejores iglesias para ir a una misa góspel en Harlem

COMMENTS

Attend a Gospel Mass in Harlem
The Gospel Mass takes place on Sundays at 7.30, 9.30 and 11.30am. Once again, I repeat, try not to go at 11.30 am and wake up early to attend the first mass of the day!!! Address : 1912 7 th Ave New York (at the corner of 116 th street and Adam Clayton Powell) Website: www.fcbcnyc.org.
Gospel mass in Harlem: the best churches in New York
The Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church. I have already told you about this charming little church, where you can attend a typical gospel service. In this Harlem church, which is far from being one of the most touristic places, 3 services are celebrated every Sunday: a t 8 am, 11 am and 5 pm.
Where to Hear Gospel Music in Harlem
420 W 145th Street in Harlem between Convent and St. Nicholas Avenues (212) 234-6767. Sunday worship service is at 10:00 am. The congregation welcomes those who would like to worship with them. They discourage visitors who are only looking for a gospel performance.
Harlem Gospel and Brunch Walking Tour
Harlem Jazz Series. View Now. BOOK NOW - $105. Join us to discover Harlem's rich and diverse community, and experience the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, soulful rhythms of black gospel music filling the air. Our gospel brunch tour is truly a day well spent, both outdoors and indoors. This will be an experience you will treasure for a lifetime!
Harlem Gospel Series
Welcome to Harlem weekly Harlem Gospel Series is the best ticket in town for Gospel on Saturdays. See you soon -😊. In Harlem, you will find a multitude of churches rich with history and also where our founding fathers of gospel music made their homes. Some of the most well-known musicians and entertainers started their journeys here, and ...
Gospel Mass in Harlem: 9 best churches
Abbyssinian Baptist Church is the most popular church. It holds a gospel mass on Sundays which is not included in any tour, but is open to tourists who wish to attend. ... How to get to Harlem. To visit a gospel mass, the most comfortable way is to go by subway. The line that passes through Harlem is line 2 and the closest stops to the churches ...
Harlem Sunday Morning Gospel Tour (Mar 2024)
This Harlem Sunday morning gospel tour, complete with a gospel choir service, takes care of the details for you. See the Apollo Theater and Cotton Club, and explore parts of this neighborhood. ... The visit to the church was good but felt slightly awkward as there seemed to be more people on the tour than in the congregation. Helpful. 1 ...
The Best Harlem Gospel Tour
During the best Harlem Gospel tour you will also pass iconic music venues like the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club, you will get to see the home of Duke Ellington, Sugar Hill and Hamilton Heights. This tour offers a great insight into the area of Harlem plus a wonderful Harlem Gospel mass. You will leave this tour with lots of impressions ...
How and Where to Hear the Best Gospel in Harlem, New York City
The church includes a large male choir, a youth choir, and their 140-member multicultural choir that ministers Sunday services at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Tuesday 7 p.m. service and Thursday 7 p.m. prayer meeting. 1657 Broadway, at West 51st Street. Subway: 1, C, E to 50th Street, or B, D, E to 7th Avenue.
Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour
Meeting & End Locations. Meet your guide at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037. The guide will be holding up a Red, Inside Out Tours Flag. The tour end location depends on the church we visit on the day, it is usually a couple of blocks away from Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building.
Harlem Gospel Tour
The Harlem Gospel Tour participants can visit nearby churches noted for their exceptional gospel choirs and services. ... where a guide will accompany you on the Harlem Gospel Church Tour. A local guide will take you to famous sites, including Saint John the Divine Cathedral, Columbia University, Sugar Hill, Morningside Heights, and Hamilton ...
How to go to a Gospel Mass in Harlem, New York City
Perfect if you want to enjoy a walk through the Harlem neighborhood and also enjoy an authentic gospel mass. The tour is only available on Sundays. From $80 at Hellotickets. The best way to immerse yourself in Harlem culture is to take a tour of the neighborhood and attend a live gospel mass at a local Harlem church.
Harlem Wednesday Morning Gospel Tour
Visit a local church and feel the spirit of the mid-week church service with the Harlem Gospel Ensemble. See the Apollo Theater and the Theresa Hotel along 125th Street. See Harlem's most popular landmarks - City College, Morningside Heights, Sugar Hill, the Morris Jumel Mansion, Sylvan Terrace, Strivers Row, Hamilton Grange.
West Harlem: Gospel Church Service and Sunday Walking Tour
Experience worship with a local church in West Harlem featuring gospel and inspirational music. Then embark on a walking tour of to marvel at turn-of-the-century architecture and learn about the area. About this activity. Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Harlem Gospel Tour by Harlem One Stop Tickets
Includes a visit to a gospel church for a 1-hour concert. If it is Wednesday, it's Gospel in Harlem. Enjoy a 60-minute Wednesday Gospel Praise concert at a neighborhood Black historic church. This is not a church service but an hour of inspirational gospel and spirituals with the choir. Visitors are invited to join in the musical fellowship.
Harlem gospel tour by Harlem One Stop
Includes a visit to a gospel church. If it is Wednesday, it's Gospel in Harlem. Enjoy a 60-minute Wednesday Gospel Praise concert at a neighborhood Black historic church. This is not a church service but an hour of inspirational gospel and spirituals with the choir. Visitors are invited to join in the musical fellowship.
Gospel in Harlem
God-fuelled singing, clapping and dancing Gospel - it really is as uplifting as it looks, and there is no better place in the world to experience it's rousing effect than Harlem. This once-notoriously dangerous neighbourhood - now not just safe but 'up-and-coming' - throngs with churches that rock the rafters every Sunday morning.
9 Best Churches and Venues to Hear Gospel In NYC
Bethel Gospel Assembly is located near Marcus Garvey Park in East Harlem, and has been a pillar of the Harlem community since 1917! Its best known for its lively services that include singing, dancing, preaching, and more. The church is housed in an old school building and has a very welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere.
Harlem Gospel and Brunch Walking Tour
Stop racing uptown to Harlem Sunday mornings to experience gospel music in one of our local churches. Our Harlem Saturday Gospel and Brunch Tour starts at 11:00 am at Emanuel A.M.E. Church with a one-hour hand-clapping, foot-stomping, soulful rhythms of a Black gospel music concert. After the gospel concert, we make our way to one of the local restaurants on Lenox Avenue for a delicious brunch.
Gospel Mass in Harlem: hours and duration
Harlem is a district full of ethnic diversity. An essential visit to return from New York having known all the ins and outs of the city. And one of the main attractions of this neighborhood is to visit a Baptist church and enjoy a live gospel mass, a show that, in principle, you can only enjoy on Sunday mornings and you already have some clues in How to go to a Gospel Mass in Harlem.
The Best Gospel Churches To Visit In NYC
First Corinthian Baptist Church ‍ The First Corinthian Baptist Church stands as a cornerstone of Harlem's gospel tradition, offering visitors a captivating immersion into the power of gospel music. To fully embrace the authentic atmosphere and connect with the local congregation, consider planning your visit outside of school vacation periods.
Gospel Church in New York City
Although you can find Baptist Churches in all of Harlem, one of the most famous churches and one we were lucky to attend is the Antioch Baptist Church. Here you'll feel very welcome and it's a great place to enjoy the Gospel experience. Although there are different masses, we suggest attending the 11 am Mass on Sunday.
Harlem Gospel Choir
Performing contemporary gospel with a touch of jazz and blues, The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir is synonymous with power vocals, glorious sound and infectious energy. Schedule Multimedia
An Ohio group has brought Jesus to more than 300 public schools
Opponents say the weekly Bible studies blur the line between church and state. LifeWise Academy is on a mission to reach school children with the gospel. IE 11 is not supported.

Attend a Gospel Mass in Harlem

The top 10 best tips you must know before attending a Gospel Mass in Harlem

Which Gospel church should you attend in New York?

My favorite church in Harlem: the First Corinthian Baptist Church

My favorite church in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Tabernacle

Additional Gospel Churches in Harlem and Brooklyn

Is it possible to attend a Gospel Mass on Wednesdays in NY?

Map of the churches with gospel mass

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Gospel service in Harlem

Where to attend a gospel service in New York City?

My experience of gospel services in Harlem

My tips for attending a gospel service in Harlem

Which church to attend a gospel service in New York City?

The Abyssinian Baptist Church

The Salem United Methodist Church

The Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church

The Brooklyn Tabernacle

The Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

Where does the tradition of gospel music come from?

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Gospel Music in Harlem and NYC

Times Square Church - 1657 Broadway

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Abyssinian Baptist Church

Greater Refuge Temple

Mount Neboh Baptist Church

Canaan Baptist Church

First Corinthian Baptist Church

Bethel Gospel Assembly

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

How to attend a Harlem Gospel Tour

The best Harlem Gospel Tour

How and Where to Hear the Best Gospel in Harlem, New York City

What to know about attending a Harlem Gospel church

Where to attend a Gospel service in Harlem

Gospel churches beyond Harlem

Other Gospel performances

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Harlem Wednesday Morning Gospel Tour

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Private Triboro Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn & Queens

Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Walking Tour

Harlem Gospel Concert by Harlem One Stop

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