13 Aug Abyssinian 200
2008
Abyssinian celebrated its 200-year anniversary. Anniversary events included special worship services, an original theme song composed by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, an exhibition at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, commissioned art work, galas, a musical CD, and Wynton Marsalis’s “Abyssinian 200: A Celebration,” written for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the United Voices of Abyssinian choir. The work was performed at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater and at the church.
Much of the celebration was chronicled at www.abyssinian200.org.
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- Retracing Our Steps: Bicentennial Walk from 40 Worth Street (formerly Anthony Street) to each of the sites occupied by Abyssinian during its 200 years, ending at 132 Odell Clark Place (West 138th street; approximately 12 miles, the march was sponsored by the Archives and History Ministry and the Health Ministry, and inspired members to train in groups for several weeks to prepare for the event.)
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- The conclusion of “Still Standing Strong,” an original Bicentennial production of Abyssinian’s history written by Abyssinian member Hazel Rosetta Smith and performed by Abyssinian members, sponsored by the Abyssinian Archives and History Ministry; on the pulpit, left to right: Archives Ministry members Hazel Smith, Kevin McGruder, Camille Layne, Martia Goodson, seated. Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III