Brooklyn Tabernacle, New York’s Other Gospel Church
In New York, Gospel services aren't limited to Harlem! One church has built a solid reputation for Gospel music in Brooklyn: the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Here's what you need to know.
What to Know About Brooklyn Tabernacle
- Gospel music brings to mind Harlem in New York and Gospel services in Harlem. But another church stands out just as much: Brooklyn Tabernacle, located in Downtown Brooklyn.
- The church was founded in 1847 as a small evangelical neighborhood congregation, one of many in New York at the time.
- The church gained prominence starting in 1971 with the arrival of Pastor Jim Cymbala. Born in Brooklyn and a former college basketball player, this charismatic leader revitalized the church while his wife, Carol, took over the choir. It quickly grew to 270 singers.
- In 1994, the church reached a milestone: Brooklyn Tabernacle won Best Gospel Choir at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. This first award was followed by more Grammy Awards in 1996, 2000, and 2001.
- The church’s reputation soared. In 2002, it moved into a former theater, the Loew’s Metropolitan Theatre, with 3,300 seats. Attendance exploded: within a few years, membership grew from about 30 to over 10,000. The choir won additional Grammy Awards in 2003 and 2005.
How to Attend a Service at Brooklyn Tabernacle
- Services are held only on Sundays at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm. A team of 9 pastors rotates, and since January 2016, the choir performs at all three services.
- What should you wear? The church emphasizes that services are religious gatherings, not performances. “We simply ask that you dress appropriately for a Sunday service,” the church states.
- Bring some cash for the collection plate. Admission is free, but a donation is expected. $3 to $5 per person is a reasonable amount, though you’re welcome to give more.
- One more thing: services last about 1 hour 30 minutes, but the church recommends arriving at least 1 hour early if you want a seat. Brooklyn Tabernacle fills to capacity every Sunday. The choir is impressive, but the church has become very touristy. It’s no longer the intimate neighborhood church you might find in Harlem, but a well-oiled operation. It’s worth knowing this beforehand so you can choose the right Gospel experience and avoid disappointment. Come to Brooklyn Tabernacle primarily for the choir and the music rather than for spiritual intimacy.
