New York Mother House - Honey Harlem Heaven

Honey Harlem Heaven

New York Mother House
2320 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York
Located in the Heart of Harlem
 

An Evolution in Harlem New York City Mother House originated over sixty years ago in a small livingroom of "several lively stones." Its history flourishes on the faith, work, prayers and courage of approximately twenty members who joined the United House of Prayer in southern states as early as 1926 and migrated to the borough of Manhattan in the early thirties. As the congregation grew, several auxiliaries were formed. Such groups included the Grace Elders, Deacons and Soldier Boards, the Armour Bearers, Female Usher Board, Frame-Up Committee, the Soul Hunters and the Water Girls. Because of this growth, the congregation moved to 20 West 115th Street. Original Pastors and assistants included Elder Emanuel Grainer, Elder B. Young and Elder J. Adams. 20 West 115th Street - In February 1938, our Late Founder Bishop Grace purchased Father Divine's New York headquarters at 20 W. 115th Street, a Harlem landmark. In addition to an upper and lower level sanctuary, there were living quarters, eating and storage space. This "Heaven in Harlem" was officially dedicated by our Late Founder on June 12, 1938. The Grace Heavenly Chorus (forerunner of the Harlem Singers) and the Grace Heaven Band (which evolved into the McCollough Sons of Thunder) were formed. Elder Henry Price, Sr. became Pastor and served in that capacity for 26 years. The cafeteria was known for its delicious "soul" food and reasonable prices. The community looked forward to the Annual Peace Parade and the Baptismal service which was held in the street at this location. Such notables as Elder and Sis. M. Dorsey and the late Apos. T. Bolden (who served as Assistant Pastor of the Mother House for 31 years) became members of the congregation. The main auditorium was completely destroyed by fire in the late forties and the congregation was forced to move again. Move to 2320 Eighth Avenue - In October 1948, the congregation moved to 2320 Eighth Avenue, Berkshire Building, which was occupied by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. We held service in the smaller area while the Insurance Company continued its operation in the larger area. April 4, 1948, our late Founder signed the deeds to this location. The dedication service took place during the Spring of 1951. When Daddy Grace opened the swinging doors to the sanctuary, there was a heavenly glow. Smiles and tears of joy replaced expressions of anticipation on the faces of those who had labored and waited patiently for this very day. In the early eighties, our Late Leader Daddy McCollough stated from the mountain, "If I am not able to walk, bring me here to my living quarters in "Honey Harlem Heaven". Eld. H. Price reigned as King of Victoryland for twelve years. Eld. E. L. Green was pastor for 18 years and brought victory back to New York in 1987. Many significant events occurred at this location including the creation of the Madison Ushers, Young Adult Ushers, Junior Male Ushers, Young Adult Queens, and the Invaders. The Pastors: Apos. R. Price, Apos. E.L. Green, and Apos. H.M. Swaringer. The Assistant Pastors: Eld. T. Adams, St. Eld. Moses Dorsey, Eld. Colman, Apos. Tom Bolden, St. Eld. C. Lloyd, and St. Eld. L. Irvin. The final service was held on Sunday, July 17, 1994. The congregation exited the swinging doors and stepped slowly down the twenty-nine steps for the last time. Each step renewed memories etched within their hearts and a prayer to return on this great day. Move to 115 W. 116th Street - In 1989 Apos. H. M. Swaringer became Pastor and in July 1994 moved the congregation to the temporary location at 115 W. 116th Street, formerly the Unification Church and Medical Professional Office. During our three-year stay, we continued to give the Almighty God praise for his goodness. We will never forget the comforting words of our Leader, Sweet Daddy Madison, "The Battle is Not Mine, It's the Lords." The Bronx Mission congregation shared our blessed sanctuary during the renovation of their new edifice. During our stay here, the Madison Junior Band and the Madison New Generation were organized. Today, we are blessed to worship God in the beauty of holiness in a mortgage-free temple. We are blessed to witness the Pillars of the congregation reap the rewards of their labors. After approximately 63 years of laboring and waiting New York Mother House is blessed with a magnificent edifice that we feel is unparalleled to none- "Heaven here on Earth." Daddy Madison will always be honored with deep love and because he fulfilled the plan and made our dream a realization. Move back to 2320 Eighth Avenue - Resolution of Praise and Thanks WHEREAS, The Honorable Bishop S. C. Madison, our Spiritual Leader and Advisor, Great Humanitarian, Achiever and Master Builder for the past four years, and WHEREAS, by his unfading dedication and determination to perpetuate the doctrine of Christianity and Fulfill the Agenda of our former Leader, Sweet Daddy McCollough, and WHEREAS, guided by the Footsteps of God, he has exercised sound judgment and wise and Kindly counsel in defending and Leading this vast organization, and WHEREAS, by his Inspiration and Generous Labors he has built this Holy Temple, dedicated as a gift from God so that Members and friends might Magnify the Life of Christ through the Glorification of God, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE THE MEMBERS OF NEW YORK CITY MOTHER HOUSE (HONEY HARLEM HEAVEN) HAVING REALIZED A DREAM, ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR ALL HIS BLESSINGS AND DO HEREBY HUMBLY EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT APPRECIATION TO SWEET DADDY MADISON FOR HIS UNTIRING EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF OUR CONGREGATION.

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