Harlem & The Rise Of Gospel Music Walking Tour
New York, US
95% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Visit 9 landmark sites with rich history
- Learn about the role of Gospel music in the Black church
- Listen to a live Gospel choir during a church service
- Experience an authentic Sunday morning worship service
- Visit the iconic Apollo Theater
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Duration 3 to 4 hours
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Licensed NYC tour guide
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Available in English and French
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Visit 9 historic church sites
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Live Gospel choir experience
Explore the vibrant history of Harlem and the rise of Gospel music on this captivating walking tour. Led by a licensed tour guide who is a native speaker of French or English, this tour takes you to 9 landmark sites, including the first Black Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Baptist churches. Discover the rich history of these churches and their role in the anti-slavery and civil rights movements. Dive into the captivating journey of Gospel music, from its roots in African American music to the powerful Gospel Blues of today. The tour culminates with a visit to a real church service, where you can listen to a live Gospel choir. Immerse yourself in the passion and soul of this vibrant musical genre. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. Book your tour now and let the uplifting sounds of Gospel music touch your soul.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours
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Available in English, French
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Harlem's rich Gospel music history with a guided walking tour, visiting historic churches and experiencing a live Gospel service.
Included
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A licensed new york city born tour guide with a portable video and audio system.
Excluded
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Hotel pick up
Meeting Point
Take the #2 or #3 train to 135th Street stop. Walk in front of Harlem Hospital, cross the street and wait in front of the Dunkin Donut store. There are other tours companies, do not go to any tour guide. Our guides, Sylvie or Donald will come and pick you up.
525 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10030 , United States
What to expect
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Our license tour guide will share with you the history of this church. Founded in 1808, Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African-American Baptist churches in the United States. Housed in a landmark Gothic- and Tudor-style building in Harlem, Abyssinian embraces a rich history of worship, spiritual leadership, social activism and community service.
20 minutes
Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Our licensed tour guide will share with you the history of this church. "The Freedom Church" was formed in 1796 by African-American members of the predominantly white John Street Methodist Church. Although that church was abolitionist in its orientation, racial segregation was still enforced in other ways. As one A.M.E. Zion historian described it: The colored members were not permitted to come to the sacrament (Holy Communion) until all the white members, even children, had communedhe first church foundation stone was laid in 1819, and the first rector, serving from 1826 to 1840, was the Rev. Peter Williams, Jr., a leading abolitionist and the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. He was one of three blacks who served on the first executive committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society
20 minutes
St Philip's Church
Our licensed tour guide will share with you the rich history of this landmark. This was W.E.B. Dubois and Thurgood Marshall's church. Rev. Peter Williams, Jr., a leading abolitionist and the first African-American Episcopal priest in New York. He was one of three blacks who served on the first executive committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society
20 minutes
Bethel Gospel Assembly
Our licensed tour guide makes reservations to secure our visitors seats. We will end the tour here. Experience an authentic Sunday morning worship service. This congregation and its members are warm and well coming. The choir gospel and the band are excellent. Very often they are special musical services with gospel music celebrities such as Israel Houghton, Tasha Cobbs, Hezekiah Walker, Johnathan Nelson among others... We do recommend that you stay throughout the whole service, however we do understand if you have to leave.
90 minutes
Apollo Theater
The iconic, world famous theater where countless musicians, comedians have performed.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
What our experts say
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Try Sylvia's Restaurant nearby for soul food. -
Don't miss a photo op at the Apollo Theater.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Arrive early for best seating at the service.
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Check out local street art on your walk.
More About this Experience
Introduction
The Harlem & The Rise Of Gospel Music Walking Tour offers an immersive and enlightening experience that takes you on a journey through the rich history of Harlem's vibrant black churches and their significant role in the anti-slavery and civil rights movements. Led by experienced and licensed tour guides who are native speakers in both French and English, this tour promises to provide a deep understanding of the cultural and musical heritage of the black church community.What to expect?
Expect to delve into the fascinating history of Harlem by visiting 9 landmark sites, including the first Black Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Baptist churches. Discover the stories of these historic churches, their influential leaders, and their pivotal role in the fight against slavery and the struggle for civil rights. Immerse yourself in the enchanting rhythms of Gospel music and explore its evolution from the ring shout and Spirituals to the Gospel Blues that reverberate through churches today. The tour culminates with a visit to a live Gospel choir performance during an authentic church service, providing a soul-stirring experience that resonates with the power of faith and music.Who is this for?
This tour welcomes all those seeking an in-depth understanding of Harlem's rich cultural heritage, the history of Gospel music, and the significant contributions of black churches in shaping American society. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about the African-American experience, this tour is designed for anyone who appreciates the power of music, spirituality, and the fight for social justice. It is an inclusive experience that offers a unique perspective on Harlem's vibrant community.Why book this?
Embark on this captivating tour to immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Harlem, where the evolution of Gospel music unfolds amidst the historic black churches. Witness the power of faith, music, and community as you listen to captivating stories of the churches, their leaders, and their pivotal role in the struggle for equality. Engage with a vibrant Gospel choir during an authentic church service, where the energy and uplifting melodies will touch your soul. This experience is not just a tour but a transformative journey that allows you to connect with the rich heritage of Harlem while celebrating the indomitable spirit of the black church community.Good to know
During this 180 to 240-minute tour, you will meet your knowledgeable guides, Sylvie or Donald, in front of the Harlem Hospital. They will share the history of each landmark site, providing valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of the black church community. Make sure to arrive at the meeting point by taking the #2 or #3 train to 135th Street stop. Please note that the tour ends at the Bethel Gospel Assembly Church, where you can expect an authentic Sunday morning worship service. Feel free to stay for the entire service to fully immerse yourself in the Gospel music experience.
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