TO CAPSTONE ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH’S HOMECOMING WEEKEND
A time-honored tradition of reconnection returns this fall with a free community concert, Sunday worship, and the unveiling of a new hub for learning and culture. The historic Abyssinian Baptist Church will once again welcome congregants, neighbors, and friends for its annual Homecoming Weekend, taking place Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14. This year’s gathering carries special meaning as the church prepares to open the doors of the long-awaited Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Educational and Cultural Center, a new space dedicated to service, scholarship, and celebration.

Homecoming Weekend has always been more than just a date on the calendar. For generations, it has been a sacred time of reunion, renewal, and reflection—a chance for families, longtime members, and newcomers to come together in faith and fellowship. With its deep roots in Harlem and its enduring legacy of leadership, Abyssinian continues to be a beacon for the community, and this year’s festivities promise to honor both history and progress.

“Homecoming at Abyssinian honors a covenant across generations,” said Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson. “We come back to pray together, sing together, and renew the bonds that have carried this church through triumph and trial. As we celebrate that tradition, we also open Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Educational and Cultural Center that extends our mission beyond Sunday—a place for learning, culture, and service to our neighbors.”

The weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 12, with the Homecoming Concert, a free evening of music and dance that invites the entire community to join in joy and celebration. The concert will showcase the powerful voices of the United Voices of Abyssinian, accompanied by the inspiring artistry of the Abyssinian Liturgical Dance Ministry. Together, they will fill the sanctuary with songs of hope, resilience, and praise.

Saturday will serve as a time for quiet preparation and anticipation, as church members and partners ready the space for the historic dedication of the new cultural center. For many, the day will also offer opportunities for small-group gatherings, prayer circles, and informal moments of fellowship that reflect the heart of Homecoming—people reconnecting not only with their church but also with one another.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, the spirit of Homecoming will reach its peak with the annual worship service. Designed to speak to both seasoned members and first-time visitors, the service will focus on the themes of reconnection and renewal, encouraging all who attend to reflect on the ties that bind them to the church, the community, and their shared faith.

Immediately following worship, Abyssinian will officially open the doors of the Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Educational and Cultural Center. Named in honor of the late pastor who guided Abyssinian for decades, the center will serve as a living legacy to his vision. The building will house educational programs, cultural enrichment initiatives, and community empowerment efforts designed to uplift Harlem and beyond.

For many, the opening of the center represents a new chapter in the church’s story. It is both a continuation of Abyssinian’s historic mission and a forward-looking step into the future. By creating a space that blends learning, culture, and service, the church reaffirms its role as not only a house of worship but also a vital institution in the civic and cultural life of New York City.

Homecoming Weekend is open to the public, and all are invited to take part in this unique celebration of faith, history, and hope. Whether through song, worship, or the unveiling of a new center dedicated to service, Abyssinian Baptist Church welcomes the community to come together once again and honor a tradition that continues to grow stronger with every passing year.

Homecoming Concert
Fri., Sept. 12, 2025, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
The Abyssinian BapJst Church
132 Odell Clark Place
New York, NY 10030
Homecoming Sunday
Sun., Sept. 14, 2025, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
The Abyssinian BapJst Church
132 Odell Clark Place
New York, NY 10030
Grand Opening of the Dr. Calvin O. BuHs III EducaJonal and Cultural Center
Sun., Sept. 14, 2025, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

150 Odell Clark Place
New York, NY 10030

The public is invited to celebrate faith, fellowship and the arts and inaugurate a new chapter for
learning and culture in Harlem.
Media are invited to attend and requested to RSVP to latoya@latoyasevans.com.
About Abyssinian Baptist Church
Founded in 1808, Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American Baptist
congregations in the United States. Housed in a landmark Gothic/Tudor building in Harlem,
Abyssinian’s history is steeped in worship, spiritual leadership, social activism, and community
service. From Rev. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. to Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, and now Rev. Dr.
Kevin R. Johnson, Abyssinian has remained a beacon of hope at critical junctures in American
history—welcoming visionaries such as Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, U.S. Vice President Kamala
Harris, and U.S. President Bill Clinton, among many others. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. also
delivered sermons from its historic pulpit, exemplifying the church’s enduring role in
championing civil rights and equity for all.
For more information about Abyssinian Baptist Church and its legacy, visit
https://www.abyssinian.org/about-us/history/.

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