Small but mighty: Harlem's Christian Parish For Spiritual Renewal celebrates 70 years

Every Sunday morning, at 122nd and Seventh Avenue, the doors of the Christian Parish for Spiritual Renewal open for all to walk in and experience service.

- By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews

But this past Sunday was special. The pastor, Rev. Ron Sullivan, 59, delivered the final sermon ahead of the church's 70th anniversary gala celebration.

"I can say trust in God because I've seen people in this church trust in God," Sullivan said to the congregation. "This little church has gone through a lot. Our doors have faced closing several times, but instead of looking at what we don't have, we looked at who we did have, and his name has always been Jesus."

Unlike the larger churches of Harlem, Christian Parish may appear unassuming, but for seven decades has remained an institution. The front doors bear bullet wounds, something members acknowledge is a reflection of how much it has endured.

"It's a little small church but it's a dynamic church. You just come in and feel the love," said Linda Adams, who has been a member since 1961, when she was just eight years old.

Located in the heart of Harlem on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., the nondenominational church has hosted several celebratory events throughout the year in honor of the anniversary, and will culminate with the gala celebration on Nov. 14 at the Harlem School of the Arts.

Known as a "family church," four of the legacy families in the church's history—Rowe, Cunningham, Feimster, and Moses — will be honored at the celebration, as each was instrumental from the early years and continues to have a presence in the church today. Former City Councilmember Inez Dickens, one of the many Harlem leaders who has spoken at the church, will also be honored.

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