Archives and History Ministry
Archives and History collects and preserves historical artifacts about the church to educate the congregation, community, and constituencies at large about the legacy of faith, Christian witness, and significance of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Walteen Whitfield
Lifelong Harlem resident Walteen Whitfield joined the Abyssinian Baptist Church in 1989. She can still remember one particular sermon Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts lll preached: “What Would My Church Be, If Every Member Thought Like Me”. Read more about Walteen Whitfield.
Cornelia Medley
Devoted member, Cornelia Medley, seems unassuming as she quietly sits among the Cathedral Choir preparing to sing on Sunday mornings. Most see her regal countenance but don’t know that her fascinating story began in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA, during the Great Depression. Read more about Cornelia Medley.
Robert Garland
When Robert Garland joined Abyssinian in 1997, he had just retired as a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). Under the leadership of ballet icon and DTH co-founder Arthur Mitchell, Robert became Resident Choreographer and Director of the DTH School. Read more about Robert Garland.
Dr. Patricia James Jordan
Even in the first grade, Dr. Patricia James Jordan knew she wanted to be a teacher. Armed with a BA from Vassar College and later, a Masters and PhD, Patricia Jordan’s 30-year career as an educator has taken her from schools in New York to the White House. Read more about Dr. Jordan.