History of Institutional A.M.E Zion (Abbreviated)
1860 - present
Like the founding of our denomination African Americans in Yonkers decided to worship free from discrimination and started meeting at nights in the white Methodist Episcopal Church in Getty Square. In 1861 the church that would become Institutional was organized, under William Griffin, worshipping in a small rented cottage on Guion Street. Subsequently services were held at Townsend Hall, 50 North Broadway and with a membership of 10, the church was named Memorial A. M.E. Zion Church.
On April 12, 1885 the congregation moved into their newly built church at 274 New Main Street. After 38 years the congregation, in 1923, under the pastorate of Rev. R. S. Oden moved to its present location at 42 Irving Place (subsequently renamed Bishop Walls Place). In 1941, the name of the church was changed to Institutional AME Zion.
The church faced challenges and in 1939, the church was lost due to inability to pay the mortgage, but God miraculously gave the church back to us and subsequently under the leadership of Rev. Hoggard, the church experienced dynamic growth
Institutional's rich history shows us as trail-blazers (boasts many firsts) in Yonkers. We are the oldest African American congregation in Yonkers. We organized the first African American Boy Scout Troop in Yonkers under Rev. Oden. Rev. J. C. Hoggard was the first African American to be appointed to the Municipal Housing Authority.
From Institutional have come many community leaders and politicians who have impacted Yonkers for good. Several Pastors have served this faithful congregation. The present Pastor is Rev. Simon Ajose.
1860 - present
Like the founding of our denomination African Americans in Yonkers decided to worship free from discrimination and started meeting at nights in the white Methodist Episcopal Church in Getty Square. In 1861 the church that would become Institutional was organized, under William Griffin, worshipping in a small rented cottage on Guion Street. Subsequently services were held at Townsend Hall, 50 North Broadway and with a membership of 10, the church was named Memorial A. M.E. Zion Church.
On April 12, 1885 the congregation moved into their newly built church at 274 New Main Street. After 38 years the congregation, in 1923, under the pastorate of Rev. R. S. Oden moved to its present location at 42 Irving Place (subsequently renamed Bishop Walls Place). In 1941, the name of the church was changed to Institutional AME Zion.
The church faced challenges and in 1939, the church was lost due to inability to pay the mortgage, but God miraculously gave the church back to us and subsequently under the leadership of Rev. Hoggard, the church experienced dynamic growth
Institutional's rich history shows us as trail-blazers (boasts many firsts) in Yonkers. We are the oldest African American congregation in Yonkers. We organized the first African American Boy Scout Troop in Yonkers under Rev. Oden. Rev. J. C. Hoggard was the first African American to be appointed to the Municipal Housing Authority.
From Institutional have come many community leaders and politicians who have impacted Yonkers for good. Several Pastors have served this faithful congregation. The present Pastor is Rev. Simon Ajose.
