We've Come This Far: Abyssinian Baptist Church [Hardcover]

Robert Gore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001

They come each Sunday, three thousand strong. They fill the pews, then raise the roof. They are the congregation of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, where worshippers from all walks of life gather together to praise the Lord. From its founding almost 200 years ago, Abyssinian has flourished as the most influential center of black spiritualism in the United States. Its popularity among tourists visiting Harlem has also given Abyssinian an international reputation. In We've Come This Far, parishioner and photographer Robert Gore documents the daily routines and dramatic events of this diverse, living church. As much a house of progress as a house of prayer, Abyssinian has faithfully served its community since its inception in 1808, fortifying its members from pre-Civil War to post-Civil Rights America. Four maverick pastors shepherded the flock through the social and political turmoil of the twentieth century, Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., helped congregants through the construction of Abyssinian's current building, completed in 1923. His son, the charismatic and socially conscious Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., brought a spirit of public activism to the pulpit. The masterful orator Reverend Doctor Samuel Proctor mentored many of the Baptist ministers who came of age in the sixties, including Calvin O. Butts III, the current pastor. Under their leadership, Abyssinian has set the standard for church-based community involvement. For the past decade, Robert Gore has been Abyssinian's official photographer. We've Come This Far reflects both his personal connection and unparalleled access to the church. Drawing on archival materials in addition to his own private library, Gore provides an intimate, exclusive look into this most powerful parish.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Established in 1805, Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the five oldest African-American Baptist churches in the United States, although it did not move to its famous Harlem location until Rev. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell became the church's leader in the early 20th century. In We've Come This Far: A Photographic Journal, Robert Gore uses memorable black-and-white photos to tell the congregation's history. Textual highlights include Gore's essay on "Spiritual Rebuilding Time" and Rev. Jesse Jackson's inspiring tribute to Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, who served as minister of the church from 1972 to 1989.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Gore, a television and documentary film producer and the official photographer for Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, presents a fascinating document of one of the most famous houses of worship in New York, with striking pictures and testaments of faith from its members. He profiles the church's four visionary leaders: Adam Clayton Powell Sr. (1865-1953), Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (1908-72), Samuel Dewitt Proctor (1921-97), and present pastor Calvin O. Butts III, all of whom contributed to the growth of this historic landmark. Powell Jr., who was also a congressman, was Abyssinian's most popular and controversial spokesman, with his flamboyance, charisma, and spirit of activism. Following his lead, Butts uses his pulpit to speak for the black community. Abyssinian also attracts the rich and famous: heads of state, sports stars, actors, lawyers. An enlightening resource; highly recommended for religion and photography collections. Ann Burns, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang; 1ST edition (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158479027X
• ISBN-13: 978-1584790273
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #494,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Children

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We've Come This Far, June 1, 2001

By 

Mary Ross (Germantown, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We've Come This Far: Abyssinian Baptist Church (Hardcover)

This is truly a wonderful book. True, this is a "pictography" of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, however, even if one has never been there, the love and spirituality of the church and it's members and visitors leap from the pages in the fabulous photographs that Bob Gore has compiled. Within these pages is also a wonderful history of the church. I am biased, of couse, because I am a member of this amazing church with its spiritual leaders and its pastor, Rev. Calvin Butts who gives so much to the church and the Harlem community. However, if you don't even go to church, this book will show you what you are missing in a church family, the warmth, kindness, fellowship and love of God within it's walls. This book will encourage a person to seek out a church to be a part of. It will also make you want to visit Abyssinian as soon as you can!!! Great book, fabulous photographs, inspiring, uplifting, joyful. My heart is full of love for this church and the book is a Godsend, thank you Bob Gore!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Stunning Work, February 12, 2005

By 

anonymous (Seattle WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: We've Come This Far: Abyssinian Baptist Church (Hardcover)

I've never been to New York, and I've never been to a black Baptist church. But the spirit of this institution- its leaders and worshippers- absolutely radiate off the pages of this book. It is unbelievably inspiring. It would make an excellent gift for any liberal Christian activist you know, for a pastor or clergy member working hard to integrate the church into the community, or for yourself. The text is also beautifully formatted, and the history and descriptions are very accessible. The primary focus is always on the black and white photos found on almost every page. Beautiful.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superior Work, August 24, 2001

By 

Judge Donna Mills (Bronx, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We've Come This Far: Abyssinian Baptist Church (Hardcover)

The rich and vibrant history of Abysinnian Church and the Harlem community is revealed in this work by Bob Gore. The photos are of such superior quality that you can feel the message conveyed in the picture without using the text. With the additon of text there is a wonderful account of the Harlem experience, chock full of information about the history and the individual personal expressions of those who were there when it happened. This photographic journal is vibrant and colorful in both word and image. There are real accounts of Abysinnian Baptist Church's history, including it's spiritual, political, social and economic relationships with the communities that it serves. I urge you to consider this book not just for reading but also as an important addition to your library.