Originally, the land was called Haarelm by Native American semi-nomadic tribes including the Manhattans and Lenape. Dutch settlers arrived by 1658 and renamed the area Nieuw Haerlem. Their purpose in New York was to create an economic center of commerce.


One centerpiece of the Harlem community is Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church located on Lenox Avenue. Architect John Rochester Thomas designed the Gothic style structure in 1885-1887, which was once the Reformed Low Dutch Church of Harlem. The church is a towering sandstone structure over-looking the community. The church was leased to the Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church congregation, which purchased the building in 1939.


In putting together this collection, my interest was to document historic churches in Harlem. Some churches were familiar landmarks. While exploring the community, I discovered most of these church structures. These landmarks are magnificent structures that stand over the horizon of the Harlem community. This collection of churches display a sense of pride, devotion, and dedication for the community. They have endured challenging times, but hold to the testimony of love of God and love of country.