Imagine being transported back to April 3 1901. This is when the A.M.E. Metropolitan Church was founded. It began in the home of Mrs. Arnett. Her home was located at 239 West 41st Street in New York City.
A.M.E. Metropolitan Church is a beacon of faith. It stands proudly in the Harlem community. For over a century it has served the people of God. The church is the second oldest A.M.E. congregation in Manhattan.
The church relocated from Mrs. Arnett’s home. It moved to 62 West 135th Street. Today the historical Lincoln Theatre stands there. From 1917 to 1962 A.M.E. Metropolitan Church resided at 132 W. 134th Street. In 1962 it returned to 58-62 W. 135th Street.
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church has significantly impacted the community. It is known for its great food and warm hospitality. The church’s mission is clear. It aims to share the love of Jesus Christ with all people. This is achieved through effective preaching, teaching and outreach. Praise worship stewardship evangelism and economic empowerment are its tools.
The church is deeply spiritual. It is actively engaged in the world. A.M.E. Metropolitan Church does what other churches will not. It stands against hate. It stands up for justice. In December 2020 the Proud Boys vandalized the church. They desecrated a Black Lives Matter sign. The church did not back down.
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church drew strength from the legacies of Elizabeth Freeman and Ida B. Wells-Barnett. It fought against the white supremacist group. The church secured $2.8 million in damages. This was based on the hateful conduct of the Proud Boys.
In a historic move the church now owns the Proud Boys trademark. It stripped them of the name they rallied under. Any money the Proud Boys make from using the trademark goes to Metropolitan. It helps satisfy the multi-million-dollar default judgment.
Today Metropolitan focuses on theologically sound teaching. It preaches in worship. The church combats food insecurity through its Food Bank. It addresses ecological devastation with the Smart Surfaces Coalition. The Sankofa project equips parents with culturally responsive teaching. A.M.E. Metropolitan Church builds Black equity and wealth through homeownership. It prioritizes community safety. It holds political leaders accountable with the Washington Interfaith Network.
The Lincoln Theatre has an interesting past. It served as a cinema in the 1940s and 50s. Originally it presented vaudeville and plays. The Lincoln opened in 1915. It was the first theatre in Harlem to cater to a black clientele. Black actors performed there. Bessie Smith Florence Mills and Ethel Waters headlined. Fats Waller was its resident organist.
Though there have been decorative changes much of the structure remains intact. A sturdy rectangular proscenium dominates the front interior. The theater’s boxes were never removed. Their gentle curving lines add delicacy to the space.
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church invites you to stand with them. You can invest in the Community Justice Fund. You can purchase a limited-edition commemorative t-shirt. All proceeds support the Community Justice Fund. Every contribution makes a difference. The church is redoubling its commitment to fight hate and enact justice.