New York City is known for its rich musical culture, where you can find some of the best performers in any genre of music! That includes popular musical styles and more spiritual music, like gospel. Here in NYC, there are many churches and houses of worship throughout the five boroughs where gospel music is performed, either during Sunday Service or at special events.
But you can’t expect to stumble into any random church and find a gospel choir. So to help you in your search, here is a look at the best churches and music venues to find quality gospel in NYC!
1. First Corinthian Baptist Church
First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem is known for its talented choir. They host frequent events and worship experiences, as well as weekly services where you can hear their world-famous choir! The church is within an old movie theater and has a regular congregation of over 7,000 members, although visitors and newcomers are always welcome.Worship services here are held every Sunday at 8 am and 10:45 am.
Where: 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd
2. Times Square Church
The Times Square Church is an interdenominational house of worship located right outside of Times Square in Midtown. The church is within the former Mark Hellinger Theater, a movie palace originally built by Warner Bros that was eventually turned into a Broadway theater. The church welcomes visitors of all denominations and walks of life and hosts frequent community events and camps for kids. They also have a renowned gospel choir that consists of over 130 members sharing their faith through song. Service at the Times Square Church takes place on Sundays a 10 PM and 1 PM, Tuesdays at 7 PM, and Wednesdays at 7 PM. They also offer virtual services on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Where: 237 W 51st St
3. Brooklyn Tabernacle
The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a non-denominational church in Downtown, Brooklyn that is famous for its eponymous choir. Its 280-group ensemble has recorded 40 albums and won seven Dove Awards and six Grammy Awards. The church itself is set up like a concert hall with high domed ceilings and two levels where visitors can sit and worship. An estimated 10,000 people attend their services each week to worship and hear their world-famous choir. Service here is held at 9 am and 12 pm on Sundays, which are also live streamed.
Where: 17 Smith St, Brooklyn
4. Abyssinian Baptist Church
The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a Baptist megachurch located in Harlem. Founded in 1808, it’s one of New York City’s oldest and most prominent African American congregations and is home to a world-famous gospel choir! Their impressive repertoire includes oratorios, cantatas, anthems, spirituals, hymns, and gospel songs. The church is also housed in a historic gothic and Tudor-style revival building designed by Charles W. Bolton & Sons, complete with gorgeous stained-glass windows and marble furnishings. Service at Abyssinian Baptist Church is held every Sunday at 10 am, in-person and virtually.
Where: 132 W 138th St
5. Temple of Restoration
The Temple of Restoration is a Pentecostal Ministry which was was founded by Bishop Angelo Barbosa in November 2000 and has grown into one of the biggest churches in Brooklyn. In addition to their main location near the Barclays Center, they also have several throughout the city and country, as well as international congregations as far away as Brazil and South Africa. Aside from being a welcoming community with a mission of helping the poor and disenfranchised, they are also a great place to hear gospel music in NYC every Sunday! Services here are Sundays at 7:30 am, 10 am, and 6 pm.
Where: 490 Pacific St, Brooklyn
6. Bethel Gospel Assembly
Bethel Gospel Assembly is located near Marcus Garvey Park in East Harlem, and has been a pillar of the Harlem community since 1917! Its best known for its lively services that include singing, dancing, preaching, and more. The church is housed in an old school building and has a very welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere. Their lively and passionate choir performs every Sunday, making the church one of the best places for gospel in NYC. Service here is held every Sunday at 10:15 am (registration required).
Where: 2-26 E 120th St
7. Canaan Baptist
Canaan Baptist Church in central Harlem hosts multiple respected choirs performing spirituals, gospel, and other worship songs. They describe their services as “afro-centric” and offer the closest thing to a traditional Southern Baptist service you’ll find in NYC! There’s no shortage of movement, singing, dancing, and audience participation either! Service here is held every Sunday at 10 am, both in person and online.
Where: 132 116th St
8. Greater Cavalry Baptist Church
The Greater Cavalry Baptist Church has served as an important pillar of the city’s jazz scene for many years. They’re famous for their gospel choir that has performed alongside famous acts like U2 and even released a studio album! In addition to weekly services, the church frequently serves as a venue to hear blues, jazz, and other popular styles of music too. Service at Greater Cavalry Baptist Church is every Sunday at 10 am.
Where: 55 W 124th St
9. Greater Refuge Temple
The Greater Refuge Temple is a Pentecostal church in Harlem, located a few blocks from the Apollo Theater. The 60-member choir here is known for its animated performances that include plenty of audience participation and unique percussive instruments! In addition to their weekly Sunday service, they also host regular concerts and community events that welcome anyone who wants to get involved. Worship services here are held every Sunday at 11:00 am, 4 pm, and 8 pm!
Where: 2081 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd