Religions of Harlem

Canaan Baptist Church

Visiting Canaan Baptist Church, what first caught my attention was the music, singing, and dancing while the service was going on.  This was striking for me as someone used to catholic churches where worship happens in an entirely different way.  Not only was the choir live, but the members of the church were just as live and loud, even the youngest members.  The two little children who were in front of me, probably age six and eight, were jumping around singing so free.  This Sunday everyone came together to sing the most heavenly gospel music, but it had a spin on it.  They added modern instruments, lush vocal arrangements and turned an old hymn into a modern day hit.  This contemporary sound pulled the younger crowd in, kept them interested and wanting more.

Canaan Baptist Church is one of most historic houses of worship in Harlem, with visitors from around the world filing in every Sunday.  Many come expecting a gospel music performance and forget the importance of the worship service for the congregation.  Who can blame them?  The atmosphere leaves you no choice but to lose yourself and indulge in the energizing combination of great people, uplifting music, and of course the word of God.  Everyone comes to church for a different reason–to pray, to see a friendly face, to share an intellectual conversation with someone–whatever it may be you can come to Canaan Baptist and receive it.  No one passes judgment; everyone who comes enters those doors as equals.

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