A beacon of faith and community. That is Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1914. Its first location was at 148 West 62nd Street. This area was known as San Juan Hill.
In 1926 Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church followed African-Americans to Harlem. It moved to its current building on West 119th Street. The building sits between Fifth Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard. The building was designed by George G. Jones. It was built in 1887.
Originally it was built for the First Reformed Presbyterian Church. Later it housed Lenox Avenue Union Church. This was a Disciples of Christ church. Congregation Mount Zion also called this building home. They merged with Congregation Peni-El. Together they formed the Unity Synagogue.
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich musical history. The church houses a Wicks Organ. The Wicks Organ Company built it in 1935. The organ features Direct-Electric action. It has 2 manuals and 23 stops. There are 10 ranks.
The Great Organ has 61 notes. It is enclosed. The organ includes a 16 Open Diapason. It also has an 8 Open Diapason. There is an 8 Melodia and an 8 Dulciana. An 8 Gamba adds to the sound. A 4 Octave extends the range. A 4 Flute provides a softer tone.
The Swell Organ also has 61 notes and is enclosed. It features a 16 Bourdon. There is an 8 Violin Diapason. An 8 Stopped Diapason provides contrast. An 8 Salicional offers a delicate sound. An 8 Vox Celeste adds a celestial quality. A 4 Violina extends the range. A 4 Flute d’Amour creates a sweet tone. A 2 2/3 Nazard adds color.
The Pedal Organ has 32 notes. It includes a 16 Bourdon. An 8 Cello extends the lower range. A 16 Lieblich Gedeckt provides a gentle sound. An 8 Bass Flute adds depth. An 8 Flauto Dolce creates a smooth tone.
Before the Wicks Organ a M.P. Møller organ was in the building. M.P. Møller of Hagerstown built it in 1902. Lenox Avenue Union Church originally commissioned it. The organ cost $2,500. It was to be ready by April 10 1902. The organ was not shipped until April 22.
The Great Organ had 61 notes. It included an 8 Open Diapason. There was an 8 Dopple Floete. An 8 Dulciana provided a soft sound. A 4 Flute d’Amour added sweetness. An 8 Gamba contributed to the ensemble. A 4 Principal completed the section.
The Swell Organ also had 61 notes and was enclosed. It featured an 8 Violin Diapason. A 4 Flauto Traverso added a unique tone. There was an 8 Stopped Diapason Treble. A 4 Salicional offered a delicate sound. An 8 Stopped Diapason Bass provided depth. An 8 Oboe added color. An 8 Aeolina completed the section.
The Pedal Organ had 30 notes. It included a 16 Bourdon. The organ had mechanical registers. These included Swell to Great and Great to Pedal couplers. There were also Swell to Pedal Coupler and Swell Tremolo.
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It showcases resilience and musical heritage. Its organs have filled the sanctuary with inspiring sounds. They echo through the Harlem community. The historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in the NYC area. It is the last church to host the General Conference. It is a landmarked House of God of extraordinary beauty.