Wasn’t this a movie theater once? Welcome to Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. Standing before you is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to Harlem’s rich history and the enduring spirit of its people. Originally built in 1911 as Loew’s 116th Street Theater Canaan Baptist Church has a fascinating past. It wasn’t as grand as its Brooklyn counterpart but it hosted the “Miss Exquisite Form” contest in 1956. Burt Lancaster even judged. Can you imagine? The theater even boasted a brand new air conditioning system in 1958 a true luxury in Harlem’s hot summers.
In 1965 the church purchased the theater. It was a significant undertaking. Under the leadership of Reverend Edward M Moore the church spent $210000 on the building and $250000 on renovations. They moved from their old church on 118th Street to this magnificent new space on the fifth Sunday of October 1965. A huge procession of church members literally walked from their old location to this one.
Reverend Wyatt Tee Walker became pastor in 1967. He led the church through the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement. He was Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s chief of staff. Amazingly he and his secretary Willie Pearl Mackey pieced together the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” from scraps of paper sent by Dr King’s lawyers. Reverend Walker was a major figure in Harlem. He was a housing developer and a tireless human rights activist. He advocated for the poor and the marginalized. He invited many prominent civil rights leaders to speak here including Desmond Tutu Jesse Jackson and of course Dr King. In 1994 Nelson Mandela even visited the church during his US tour.
Canaan Baptist Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of resilience faith and community activism. It’s a place where history was made and where the fight for justice continues. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of this remarkable place. Its story is a vibrant part of Harlem’s story. It continues to inspire and uplift generations.