Greater Hood Memorial AME Zion Church facts for kids

The Greater Hood Memorial AME Zion Church is a very old and important church in Harlem, New York. It was the first church for Black people in Harlem and is now known as the "Oldest Continuing" church there. It started way back in 1843 on East 117th Street.

The Church's Journey

How It All Started

The Greater Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church was the first Black church in Harlem. It's now the oldest church that has always been in Harlem. It was there long before Harlem became a mostly Black community. Its first name was the Harlem A.M.E. Zion Church, but people often called it "Little Zion." This was because it began as a branch of the Mother A.M.E. Zion Church in lower Manhattan. It served African Americans who worked on the big estates in Harlem in the 1800s. Over the years, the church changed its name several times. It was known as Rush Memorial, then Hood Memorial, and now Greater Hood Memorial.

The church officially started on March 25, 1820. This date was confirmed in a letter from the first Bishop, James Varick, in 1825. The letter also mentioned Rev. VanHas as the first minister in charge.

Building a Home

Years later, around 1843, the church built its first small brick building. This was under the leadership of Rev. J.A. King. At that time, about 66 members belonged to the Harlem A.M.E. Zion Church. There was a disagreement between "Little Zion" and Mother Zion about who owned the land on 117th Street. This problem wasn't solved until 1910. The Supreme Court decided that "Little Zion" owned the property.

A New Building for a Growing Community

By 1909, the church needed a new building. Many African Americans were moving from the South, and the church's membership grew a lot. They started saving money for a new building. In 1911, they found a new location at 58-60 West 138th Street. When the new building was finished, the church was renamed Rush Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. This honored Christopher Rush, who was the second Bishop of their church group. On October 15, 1911, they laid the first stone for the new church. Many important church leaders attended the ceremony.

Growing Strong in the 1920s

In the 1920s, Rush Memorial became one of the most respected churches in New York City. Important Bishops often spoke from its pulpit. Under the leadership of Dr. G.M. Oliver, the church grew incredibly fast. Between 1920 and 1925, 600 new members joined! In just one year, from 1924 to 1925, 175 people joined. During this time, the church's main hall was updated, and many of its debts were paid off.

Facing Hard Times

Like the rest of the country, Rush Memorial faced tough times during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Many members lost their jobs, and the church struggled to pay its bills. Because of this, the church lost its building in 1935. The members had to rely on other churches to hold their services. Rendall Memorial Presbyterian Church was one of the first to help.

In 1935, Rev. W. W. Prime was assigned to another church. Rev. B.J. McClellan came from South Carolina to lead the struggling congregation. In 1936, the church was renamed Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. This honored Bishop James Walker Hood.

Finding a New Home Again

By 1937, Rev. McClellan was looking for a bigger place for the church. That same year, they bought a four-story building at 229 Lenox Avenue. The congregation worked hard to pay off the building's loan by 1947. This way, they wouldn't lose another church home. In early 1938, they held special services to dedicate the new church. Even though some members had left after losing the Rush Memorial building, 200 new people joined since Rev. McClellan became pastor. In June 1938, Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church hosted a big meeting for their church group. Everyone praised the church for its progress and kindness.

From "Little" to "Great"

Even though the church owned its building at 229 Lenox Avenue, it had grown too big for that space by 1947. Rev. McClellan passed away that same year. So, Rev. James W. Wactor (who later became a Bishop) took on the job of finding an even bigger home. Between 1949 and 1950, they bought the former Lido Pool. This building, which used to be a dance hall, was at 160 West 146th Street. It cost a lot to buy and change the building into a church.

On July 22, 1951, the Greater Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church was officially dedicated. There was a parade through the streets of Harlem to celebrate the move. Bishop William J. Walls led the dedication service. About 1,500 people attended. The church had truly grown from being "Little" to "Great."

Some members stayed at the 229 Lenox Avenue building. The New York Conference bought the building, and these members started a new church called Walter's Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. They continued the good work their sister church had begun.

Leaders of the Church

Many pastors have led Greater Hood Memorial after Reverend Wactor. Reverend Churchill continued the church's growth. Other leaders included Rev. David Pharr, Rev. George Miller, Rev. Madison J. McRae, Rev. Albert Pitts, Rev. David Hoffman, Rev. Charles Wilson, Rev. Wilbert Davis, and Reverend Isidoa Branch, Sr. Also, Reverend Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, who started Hip-Hop Church, Reverend William L. Campbell, Reverend Kenneth Van Lew, and Reverend Freeman Perry. The current pastor, since June 2018, is Reverend Julius Walls, Jr.

In 2004, the church celebrated its 184th Anniversary. New York City Councilman Bill Perkins gave them a special award. It recognized the church as the "Oldest Continuous Black Church in Harlem."

Important Dates

• 1820: The church congregation was first known as "Little" Mother Zion Church.
• 1843: A brick building was built on 117th Street.
• 1909: "Little Zion" was renamed Rush Memorial. Membership grew, and a building fund started.
• 1911: A new building was finished at 58–60 West 138th Street.
• 1920: The church became one of the most respected in New York City.
• 1920-25: 600 new members joined; 175 new members joined in 1924–1925 alone.
• 1935: The church lost its building during the Great Depression.
• 1936: The church moved to 57-61 West 137th Street. It was renamed Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion, honoring Bishop James Walker Hood.
• 1937: Under Rev. James McClellan, a four-story building was bought at 229 Lenox Avenue.
• 1938: 200 new members joined the church.
• 1949: The church again outgrew its location. A new site was bought at 160 West 146th Street.
• 2004: The church received a special award from NYC Councilman Bill Perkins. It recognized the church as the "Oldest Continuous Black Church in Harlem."

Hip Hop Church

A Unique Ministry

One of the most famous programs at Greater Hood is the Hip Hop Church. It was started by Kurtis Blow, Stephen Pogue, and John Wright. This ministry became famous worldwide for reaching people who might not go to a regular Sunday service. Every Thursday night at 7:00 p.m., they have gospel rap, hip-hop beats, gospel music, and preaching. Many people have found faith through the Hip Hop Church experience.