One Man’s Vision Became a Reality
Reverend Dr. John W. Saunders, Pastor, 1940 – 1961
Under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. John W. Saunders, the Kingdom Builders purchased the former Washington Heights Baptist Church on Convent Avenue, for $50,000. On February 4, 1942, the Kingdom Builders Church formally became Convent Avenue Baptist Church.
In three short years, Convent liquidated its mortgage and celebrated with a mortgage burning ceremony on May 27, 1945. An article dated June 16, 1945, in the People’s Voice newspaper, indicated that Convent was able to do so by growing its membership from 60 to over 2,000. Also, leaders such as the late Dr. Charles H. Sears, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., Rev. George H. Simms, and Dr. Horatio S. Hill pooled their resources to help Convent pay its mortgage.
Under the leadership of Rev. Saunders, Convent Avenue Baptist Church established itself as a leader in the Harlem community. Rev. Saunders began the J.W. Saunders Youth Center, a space that housed the day nursery to assist young parents, scouting programs, vacation bible school, release-time classes, and the Junior Church.
Under his leadership, the church acquired two brownstones 418 W. 145th Street and 354 Convent Avenue.
In 1955, after Dr. Saunders suffered a debilitating stroke, Rev. Mannie L. Wilson served as interim pastor for five years. After a faithful struggle, Rev. Saunders died in February 1961 at 92 years old. Three months later the church called Rev. Wilson as the second pastor of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church.
Under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. John W. Saunders, the Kingdom Builders purchased the former Washington Heights Baptist Church on Convent Avenue, for $50,000. On February 4, 1942, the Kingdom Builders Church formally became Convent Avenue Baptist Church.
In three short years, Convent liquidated its mortgage and celebrated with a mortgage burning ceremony on May 27, 1945. An article dated June 16, 1945, in the People’s Voice newspaper, indicated that Convent was able to do so by growing its membership from 60 to over 2,000. Also, leaders such as the late Dr. Charles H. Sears, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., Rev. George H. Simms, and Dr. Horatio S. Hill pooled their resources to help Convent pay its mortgage.
Under the leadership of Rev. Saunders, Convent Avenue Baptist Church established itself as a leader in the Harlem community. Rev. Saunders began the J.W. Saunders Youth Center, a space that housed the day nursery to assist young parents, scouting programs, vacation bible school, release-time classes, and the Junior Church.
Under his leadership, the church acquired two brownstones 418 W. 145th Street and 354 Convent Avenue.
In 1955, after Dr. Saunders suffered a debilitating stroke, Rev. Mannie L. Wilson served as interim pastor for five years. After a faithful struggle, Rev. Saunders died in February 1961 at 92 years old. Three months later the church called Rev. Wilson as the second pastor of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church.
Following God’s Plan
Reverend Mannie Lee Wilson, Pastor, 1961 – 1982
Reverend Mannie L. Wilson, affectionately known as M.L. Wilson, joined Convent in 1944, where he served under the leadership of Dr. Saunders. During, this time, Rev. Wilson founded many programs and activities as an outreach to the local community. As minister of the junior church, the Boys and Girls Scouts Troops were enacted to instill young children with self-esteem and discipline with the goal of them becoming productive members of society. Also, under his leadership, Convent also experienced growth in the Sunday Church School, from 199 to 1,500 participants.
As part of his outreach to the greater community, Rev. Wilson organized the Washington Heights Spanish Baptist Church, which was held at 354 Convent Avenue. Convent was also instrumental in the birth and support of local congregations, such as Abundant Life and Powerhouse Ministry. Rev. Wilson’s impact was felt not only locally, but internationally as well. Missions work at Convent Avenue Baptist Church grew through the support of activities in Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, and West Africa. In honor of Rev. Wilson and Convent, the Ghana Mission established the M.L. Wilson Chapel. Rev. Wilson was the first African American to serve as president of the American Baptist Churches (USA). He served on the board of the Harlem YMCA, the Baptist World Alliance, Union Theological Seminary, Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, the National Conference of Black Church Men, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and American Baptist Churches (USA).
Furthermore, Convent Avenue Baptist Church began to make its mark by encouraging qualified individuals to seek political office and opening its doors to politicians and other key leaders. Rev. Wilson was the first Black Minister to preach at the White House at the request of President Nixon. He was also the first Black Protestant Minister to preach at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Convent Avenue Baptist Church was also the last church the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached nine days before his unfortunate assassination on April 4, 1968.
Convent Avenue Baptist Church has numerous programs and activities started by Rev. Wilson, which continue to benefit its congregation and the Harlem community today. The M.L. Wilson Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, provides special programs to Harlem youth, giving them a positive outlet within the community and their personal lives. Also, the Hamilton Grange Senior Citizen’s Center continues to provide meals and activities to Harlem’s elderly citizens.
During Rev. Wilson’s tenure, Convent Avenue Baptist Church’s congregation grew to over 3,000 members. Convent also increased its property holdings purchasing the J. W. Saunders Educational Building, 402 W. 145th St., 348 and 356 Convent Avenue.
Reverend Mannie L. Wilson, affectionately known as M.L. Wilson, joined Convent in 1944, where he served under the leadership of Dr. Saunders. During, this time, Rev. Wilson founded many programs and activities as an outreach to the local community. As minister of the junior church, the Boys and Girls Scouts Troops were enacted to instill young children with self-esteem and discipline with the goal of them becoming productive members of society. Also, under his leadership, Convent also experienced growth in the Sunday Church School, from 199 to 1,500 participants.
As part of his outreach to the greater community, Rev. Wilson organized the Washington Heights Spanish Baptist Church, which was held at 354 Convent Avenue. Convent was also instrumental in the birth and support of local congregations, such as Abundant Life and Powerhouse Ministry. Rev. Wilson’s impact was felt not only locally, but internationally as well. Missions work at Convent Avenue Baptist Church grew through the support of activities in Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, and West Africa. In honor of Rev. Wilson and Convent, the Ghana Mission established the M.L. Wilson Chapel. Rev. Wilson was the first African American to serve as president of the American Baptist Churches (USA). He served on the board of the Harlem YMCA, the Baptist World Alliance, Union Theological Seminary, Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, the National Conference of Black Church Men, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and American Baptist Churches (USA).
Furthermore, Convent Avenue Baptist Church began to make its mark by encouraging qualified individuals to seek political office and opening its doors to politicians and other key leaders. Rev. Wilson was the first Black Minister to preach at the White House at the request of President Nixon. He was also the first Black Protestant Minister to preach at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Convent Avenue Baptist Church was also the last church the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached nine days before his unfortunate assassination on April 4, 1968.
Convent Avenue Baptist Church has numerous programs and activities started by Rev. Wilson, which continue to benefit its congregation and the Harlem community today. The M.L. Wilson Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, provides special programs to Harlem youth, giving them a positive outlet within the community and their personal lives. Also, the Hamilton Grange Senior Citizen’s Center continues to provide meals and activities to Harlem’s elderly citizens.
During Rev. Wilson’s tenure, Convent Avenue Baptist Church’s congregation grew to over 3,000 members. Convent also increased its property holdings purchasing the J. W. Saunders Educational Building, 402 W. 145th St., 348 and 356 Convent Avenue.
The Vision Continues
Reverend Clarence P. Grant, Pastor, 1982 – 2005
Reverence Clarence P. Grant carried the torch passed to him by the late Rev. Wilson. Rev. Grant was voted into fellowship on Nov. 7, 1971, as the Minister of Christian Education and as pastor of the Junior Church. He spearheaded the federal Harlem Juvenile Diversion Program aimed at deterring youngsters from the justice system. The program diverted hundreds of children and youth from the Juvenile Justice system. Rev. Grant also piloted the Harlem Restoration Project, a housing maintenance youth training program sponsored jointly with the NYC Housing Authority. Other programs Rev. Grant began were the Academic Achievement Center, the Vocational Exploration Program, the Food Pantry, and Project Help which was a job training program for youth who withdrew from school.
After Rev. Wilson fell in 1982, a pulpit committee was appointed to seek a new Pastor. By September of 1982 Rev. Grant was unanimously voted in as the third pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church. Under Rev. Grant’s leadership, Convent continued to grow, building upon the vision of his predecessors. The church completed the construction of the M.L. Wilson Walkway, which connects the sanctuary to the J. W. Saunders Educational Building. A renovation of the church, educational building and other church properties to better serve the needs of the membership and community is being realized under the leadership of Rev. Grant.
Under Rev. Grant’s leadership deaconesses’ were elevated to ordained deacons.
As Convent’s pastor, numerous ministries and programs were developed to serve the congregation, and the Harlem community. The Mid-Day Chapel at the Crossroads became a vital part of the church’s mid-week program, which was followed by the Pastor’s Afternoon Bible Study. The Prison Ministry, Homeless Ministry, Pierson Youth Center, AIDS Ministry, Yes We Care, Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Missionary Fellowship, Business Empowerment Ministry, Stewardship 300, the Stephen Ministry, the NYC/Convent Home Attendant Program, Activr Lunch Wagon, the John W. Saunders Group Home and the IMCR Dispute Center. Rev. Grant tirelessly identified ways in which Convent could address societal issues.
Reverend Clarence P. Grant served as Pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church until his death in 2005. Under Rev. Grant’s spiritual wisdom and guidance, the church continued to move forward and grow.
Reverence Clarence P. Grant carried the torch passed to him by the late Rev. Wilson. Rev. Grant was voted into fellowship on Nov. 7, 1971, as the Minister of Christian Education and as pastor of the Junior Church. He spearheaded the federal Harlem Juvenile Diversion Program aimed at deterring youngsters from the justice system. The program diverted hundreds of children and youth from the Juvenile Justice system. Rev. Grant also piloted the Harlem Restoration Project, a housing maintenance youth training program sponsored jointly with the NYC Housing Authority. Other programs Rev. Grant began were the Academic Achievement Center, the Vocational Exploration Program, the Food Pantry, and Project Help which was a job training program for youth who withdrew from school.
After Rev. Wilson fell in 1982, a pulpit committee was appointed to seek a new Pastor. By September of 1982 Rev. Grant was unanimously voted in as the third pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church. Under Rev. Grant’s leadership, Convent continued to grow, building upon the vision of his predecessors. The church completed the construction of the M.L. Wilson Walkway, which connects the sanctuary to the J. W. Saunders Educational Building. A renovation of the church, educational building and other church properties to better serve the needs of the membership and community is being realized under the leadership of Rev. Grant.
Under Rev. Grant’s leadership deaconesses’ were elevated to ordained deacons.
As Convent’s pastor, numerous ministries and programs were developed to serve the congregation, and the Harlem community. The Mid-Day Chapel at the Crossroads became a vital part of the church’s mid-week program, which was followed by the Pastor’s Afternoon Bible Study. The Prison Ministry, Homeless Ministry, Pierson Youth Center, AIDS Ministry, Yes We Care, Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Missionary Fellowship, Business Empowerment Ministry, Stewardship 300, the Stephen Ministry, the NYC/Convent Home Attendant Program, Activr Lunch Wagon, the John W. Saunders Group Home and the IMCR Dispute Center. Rev. Grant tirelessly identified ways in which Convent could address societal issues.
Reverend Clarence P. Grant served as Pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church until his death in 2005. Under Rev. Grant’s spiritual wisdom and guidance, the church continued to move forward and grow.
