Church of the Crucifixion

"I am puzzled as to why in the writings about the founding of this church that there is no mention of the great Reverend Jedediah Edmead who was the founder of this church in 1916 and the services were held in an apartment at 47 West 140th Street. The church was established in order to fulfill the needs of the West Indian Community who were not welcomed with open arms in the churches of Harlem at that time. Eventually, Reverend Edmead was able to raise enough money to purchase the Dutch Reform Church on Convent Avenue and 149th Street. The original church building was a red brick building that was once the Old Dutch Reformed Church, which stood until 1963 when it caught fire and burnt down. The old building had a prized pipe organ which was also destroyed in the fire. It was redesigned and rebuilt by the well known Greek architect Costa Machlozarides in 1969. The structure was a unique and modern design then and still stands as a majestic marvel today. The pipe organ was also constructed in the newly designed church and is an incredible work of musical magnificence, especially since the church has outstanding acoustics. This is more than a church. It is an incredible experience with an outstanding clergy and a rich history. The congregation is warm and friendly, and the Reverend David Steele is an amazing person who is very welcoming. The church has an amazing pipe organ, and is in need of a new organist at the time of this review. Very soon other even greater musical happenings will soon be added to enhance the experience. In addition, after the services, there is a tasty selection of Caribbean dishes prepared by the church members for all who attend the service to enjoy in the lower level dining area. Stop by and come in and bring your friends and family. Come worship and feel it's energy. Come and sing praises and bow in prayer. It may change your life."

"This is a beautiful building. It was designed by Costa Machlouzarides and completed in 1969. It was built to replace the original church building, which was founded by my great great maternal grandfather Jedediah Keri Edmead in 1916. He started the church in an apartment in a brownstone building at 41 West 140th Street. It was first called "A House of Prayer" and was started because the Episcopal churches at that time were not welcoming to the West Indian Community at that time in Harlem. Jedediah Keri Edmead, who was from St Kitts, completed his seminary training and was made a priest at the age of 40. Later on, the church moved to the old Dutch Reformed Church on Convent Avenue between 149th Street and 150th Street in 1930, and that old church became "The Church of the Crucifixion". I remember the old red brick building very well as a very young boy. My mother, M.Edmead, knows the history well. She did a lot of research and has written much about it. The original red brick church building was destroyed by a fire in 1963 alleged to have been caused by a toppled candle. It was an old red brick and wood structure, and it as well as the pipe organ was completely destroyed by the fire. The small building next to it was a part of the original church and is still there. The new church, which is a unique modern design, has a magnificent organ just like the old church and incredible acoustics. Stop by and pay a visit, bring your friends and your family and sing praises and bow your head in prayer. It may change your life."

"Had my daughters 1st party here it great space great area and good price"

"I had my Sweet Sixteen party here and the priest and the members were very caring. I understand that people, friends and family, up to this day say the same thing."

"Warm and friendly people there. We went on a day trip with the folks from crucifixion and it was a total delight. We had a light snack on our way to the destination and shared some laughs upon arrival. The total experience was great and we'll do it again, hopefully, soon."