St. Philip’s Episcopal Church – Harlem Travel Guide – Sutro Media
This church was designed by two African Americans
Founded in 1809 as the Free African Church of St. Philip’s, in 1818 St. Philip’s Episcopal Church became the first African American Episcopal parish in New York City. The church was initially located in lower Manhattan and as the African American population shifted further north, St. Phillip’s moved with them until its final move to Harlem in 1910. The church building was designated a landmark in 1993. Vertner Tandy, the first African American architect registered in the State of New York, and George W. Foster, Jr., who was one of two Black architects registered in New Jersey in 1908, designed the church. The neo-Gothic style church stands out on W. 134th Street with its majestic Roman brick and terra-cotta facade. At the same time the land for the church was purchased, the church rector, the Rev. Hutchens Bishop, who appeared to be white, was also able to purchase a block of ten tenement buildings on 135th Street between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., during a time when white landlords would not sell to Blacks. Most of the Black families that moved into the building after whites were evicted were parishioners of St. Phillip’s. This marked the first time that Blacks moved west of Lenox Avenue. St. Phillip’s has a tradition of social activism beginning with the Rev. Peter Williams, Jr., a leading abolitionist who was the first African American Episcopalian minister in the United States and the first rector of the church. Under his leadership the church played a major role in the debate about slavery and injustice against Blacks. Over the years St. Philip’s has retained its position as one of the most influential of Harlem’s churches and operates many outreach programs that are a stabilizing force for Harlem.
Nearby is Gadson Gallery that features the artwork of Laura Gadson. She is a Harlem based artist and curator known for her work in quilting. If you are feeling a little hungry stop by Café Veg an organic, all-vegan restaurant known for its juice bar. Homemade soups, salads and tasty southern fare like barbecue chicken and baked mac and cheese make this a neighborhood favorite.
Transportation: Bus—M2, M10, BX33. Subway—B, C to135th St.
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Harlem Here We Come! 
Posted by NYC Girl on 9th Jan 2012
This is a great app. Easy to use and very informative. Don’t think there is any other comparable Harlem guide.
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