HCOC HISTORY

The church of Christ in Harlem, New York City (like the first church of Christ in Jerusalem) was planted (I Corinthians 3:6) through the preaching of that same gospel of Christ message, the responding to the same question as posed in Acts 2:27 with the same answer as posited in Acts 2:38, and continues to grow with the same results: souls being saved once added to (Acts 2:47) that same church, the church of Christ (Romans 16:16).

Paul D. English, Evangelist, in February 1940 began meeting in the Bronze Studio, 227 Lenox Avenue, New York City with Lloyd Watkins as the song leader. Those present were: Elizabeth Cater, Clyde Cabble, Anna Cowsen, Clara I. Gibson, Louise Bolden, John and Leona Livingston, Blissie Jones, Matilda Johnson, Samuel and Mattie Trotter, Lloyd, Lucille, and Ethel Watkins.

From July 1940 to October, 1950, several ministers served the congregation with distinction in several meeting places throughout the city:

	Bro. Ward K. Halbert; New York City, New York
	Bro. Levi Kennedy; Chicago, Illinois
	Bro. Charles Murray; Tampa, Florida
	Bro. A.C. Holt; Detroit, Michigan
	Bro. M.F. Holt; Nashville, Tennessee
	Bro. J.F. McClellen; New York City, New York
	Bro. Smither; San Antonia, Texas

In October 1951 Bro. Howard Johnson of Newark, New Jersey became minister and he continued through December, 1964. During his tenure the property at 105 West 130^th Street was purchased, and is currently still held by the church.

In October 1965 the nationally and internationally known Evangelist, Dr R.C. Wells came to work with the congregation. Many successful, positive, and productive programs have been inaugurated since the arrival of Dr. Wells:

		A Bible training series for teachers
		An annual congregational lectureship designed to inspire, encourage, edify, and challenge the membership toward personal growth and individualistic, evangelistic outreach.
		The Christian Bible Institute: a Saturday Christian school open to the tri-state area for all who wished to study on an academic-mini-school level. The intention was for future effective Bible School teachers and leaders.
		Development of a continuing program for foreign missionary work; establishing congregations in Liberia, West Africa and Madras, India. The local church subsequently sponsored two foreign missionaries to Liberia, West Africa with the assistance of the Simpson St. church in Atlanta, Georgia; Dr. A.J. Hairston as minister.
		Started two schools in Liberia, West Africa. First, the Wells Elementary Christian School in Paynesville, Liberia. Second, The Wells-Hairston High School in the capital city Monrovia, Liberia; both currently remain in operation.
		Commenced an area wide Sunday Radio program with Dr. Eugene Lawton of Newark, New Jersey on WNJR. Subsequently began an independent Sunday Radio Program in New York City on Station WWRL, and an International program on the Caribbean Beacon.
		Began annually to sponsor two local evangelistic Gospel Meetings designed to evangelize the Harlem community.
		Conducted landmark campaigns for Christ. The first, “Give God A Chance Campaign” at the local Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City. The second, at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, Liberia by the recommendation of Dr. William Tolbert, the Liberian president at that time. Dr. Tolbert, while there for the campaign, gave a special audience to Dr. Wells and the Excellent Excellos singing group. Thousands attended and ninety nine (99) persons were baptized.
		Organized an annual Lectureship for the Northeast area: from Maine to Virginia and from New York to Detroit; calling it the Northeast Annual Lectureship.
		Constructed a new church building in the heart of Harlem, New York City, currently valued at over two million dollars. The new facility was dedicated in October 1984. That facility is still currently being used for the worship, work, evangelistic, and outreach efforts of the church of Christ in Harlem, New York City.
		Officially declared the location of the new church building of the church of Christ in Harlem, 336-338 Lenox Avenue as “Truth Corner,” thereby holding innumerable public religious debates. Most prominently and notably was the discussion on Adventism vs. the Gospel of Christ; Dr. R. C. Wells as the Christian disputant, and was held in Brooklyn, New York. Culturalism vs. Christianity with Dr. R. C. Wells as the Christian disputant, and was held in Harlem at the current location. Mohammadism vs. Christianity with Dr. W. F. Washington as the Christian disputant; also was held in Harlem at the current location.

In October 1998, the church of Christ in Harlem, New York City celebrated in a mortgagee burning ceremony; rejoicing in the complete elimination of the construction indebtedness.

In November 2002, Dr. R. C. Wells became Minister Emeritus to the church of Christ in Harlem at the commencement of the ministry of Dr. Olu Shabazz of Pontiac, Michigan. Dr. Shabazz has since served the church with distinctive uniqueness, while continuing to advance toward a greater more productive work for Christ Jesus, Lord of all. Dr. Shabazz has successfully met the challenge of the defense of the Gospel, and continues in the established tradition of the saints in Harlem. He diligently strives for expanding the cause of the Christ on earth today through the preaching of the glorious Gospel of Christ.

Church Events/ Activities

VBS - Flicks and Verses: 2008

August Calendar of Events

Northeastern Lectureship Pre-Registration Form

Young Adult Fellowship Group: 2008

Church Announcements

New Date: The 27^th Annual Northeastern Lectureship: September 28^th - October 1^st

The 27^th Annual Northeastern Lectureship is now scheduled to occur September 28^th-October 1^st, 2008. Some of the most dynamic ministers in the country are coming to New York to be panelists for our investigation into the Book of Ephesians. Not only will we be taking an in-depth look into the history, cultural contexts and spiritual themes of Ephesians, but we will also have some of the finest gospel singing in the Northeast. Join us as we invest in the education and edification of the saints. The cost of standard registration is $35 and $25 for seniors. The “standard package” includes a gift tote containing lectureship supplies and memorabilia. DVDs will be available this year at the cost of $20.00. But wait: there is also a promotional offer for registrants: the "total package". Individuals who register for the "total package" will receive at the lectureship our 2008 gift tote and 11 hours of fantastic gospel preaching on DVD for only $50.00. (DVD's to be provided at a later date.) Senior registrants can receive the "total package" at the low cost of $40.00.

Many have also expressed interest in registering for next year’s lectureship at the Apollo. Registration for the 2009 Northeastern Lectureship will begin with the commencement of the 27^th Annual Northeastern Lectureship.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Shabazz!

Dr. Shabazz celebrated his birthday on August 23, 2008. This poem was composed by the Willing Workers of Harlem:

Another year has come and gone
And like Life our age moves
But as long as you have God on your side
The passing of time will be your blessing.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Shabazz!
Harlem Church of Christ
Willing Workers of Harlem

61^st Anniversary and Gospel Revival Begins Sunday, August 24, at the Arlington Road Church of Christ

The Arlington Road Church of Christ is hosting their 61^st Anniversary and Gospel Revival beginning Sunday, August 24^th through Wednesday, August 27^th. Our own Dr. Shabazz is the guest evangelist. Their weeknight services begin each evening at 7:30pm. Bro. Leureuna Gilbert and the saints that meet at the Arlington Road Church of Christ cordially invite you to attend.  

Sister Charlene Singleton-Vasquez has Emergency Surgery

Sister Charlene Singleton-Vazquez, daughter of the late Brother Charles and Sister Lena Singleton, was admitted into Lenox Hill Hospital, located on 77^th Street and Lexington Avenue, on Saturday, August 23^rd, for the removal of her appendix. She is requesting the prayers of the saints.  

The Glen Cove Church of Christ merges with Bethpage Church of Christ

Because the Glen Cove congregation has lost their place of worship, they were worshipping with the Bethpage Congregation and have now decided to permanently merge with them in order to form a bigger, stronger and united Bethpage church. Bro. Ray Carl Stukes and the former members of the Glen Cove church are asking for our prayers and support.  

W.W.O.H: Bulletin Board

A bulletin board has been mounted in our lobby for secular postings. All materials must be approved by Dr. Shabazz before being placed on the ITCOS board. Materials provided by vendors who desire we promote their business must also receive approval by Dr. Shabazz. We appreciate your cooperation.

W.W.O.H. Announcements: Children's Coloring Books Ministry

A new ministry is launching in an effort to assist the church in reducing attendance card printing costs: children's coloring books! Parents can sign out children's coloring books at the visitor’s desk, where they will be provided a book and colored pencils/ crayons. In order to avoid being asked to purchase the books, please return all checked out materials at the end of the day. Your children can keep their completed art work. See Sister Shabazz if you have any further questions about how this particular ministry works.  

Prayer Requests

Remember our sick, shut-in, hospitalized, bereaved and those in nursing homes in prayer and visitation, for this is our duty as Christians.