Faith Temple Church of God

In the heart of Harlem, Faith Temple Church of God once stood as a beacon of hope and resilience. This wasn’t just any church. It was a place where history unfolded, a place where the echoes of powerful voices still resonate within the very fabric of the community. Faith Temple Church of God, formerly known as Childs Memorial Temple Church, held a significant place in the civil rights movement. It was here, in 1965, that the eulogy for Malcolm X was delivered. Many other churches had declined to host the service, fearing potential violence following the assassination of this controversial figure. Faith Temple Church of God, however, opened its doors, providing a space for mourning and reflection during a turbulent time. The church’s history extends even further back than this pivotal moment. Originally built in 1921, the building first served as the Bluebird Theater. It then transitioned through several incarnations, becoming the Ramona Theater, the Teatro Granada, and finally the Lido Theater. In 1951, Dr. Alvin A. Childs purchased the building. He transformed it into the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, forever changing its purpose and its place in history. Sadly, time took its toll on the structure. Declared unsalvageable a few years ago, the building was demolished. The site where Faith Temple Church of God once stood now awaits new development. While the physical structure may be gone, the legacy of Faith Temple Church of God continues to inspire. It serves as a reminder of courage, resilience, and the power of community in the face of adversity. Pieces of the church, like the chandeliers and some architectural artifacts, were saved. They will hopefully find a home in the new development, keeping the memory of this historic place alive for generations to come.