UPON THIS ROCK
New York: Abyssinian Baptist Church, 1949. First Edition. Wraps. Octavo: xv, [1], 132, [2] pp. with a frontispiece and 4 portraits. Original printed paper wrappers. Faint label shadow to the front panel, with some general toning and wear along the extremities; else very good.
The story of the rise and progress of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, as told by the minister responsible for its growth into the single largest church congregation in the United States. Born to formerly enslaved people of African, Native American, and German descent, Powell (1865-1953) held several ministerial positions before becoming pastor of the Abyssinian Church in 1908. His energetic preaching urged black parishioners to engage in protest against racial discrimination. Powell's activism reached beyond the pulpit as a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Urban League. During the Great Depression, he waged successful campaigns to feed the poor and to create better employment opportunities and city services for African Americans. Powell retired as pastor in 1936 and was replaced by his son, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., who would represent Harlem in the United States House of Representatives from 1945 until 1971. Very good. Item #78397
Price: $450.00