Harlem Gospel Tours

Since 2000, the popularity of Sunday gospel tours has surged. While some in the community see it as an opportunity to broaden horizons and encourage diversity, others find tours disruptive and complain that tourists take seats away from regular parishioners (churches regularly fill to capacity). If you plan on attending a service, here are some tips:

Most churches have Sunday services at 11, but you may need to arrive as much as two hours early (depending on the church) to get in. Dress nicely (no shorts, sneakers, or jeans); be as quiet as possible; do not leave in the middle of the service; and do not take photos or videos or use your cell phone. Most important, remember that parishioners do not consider the service, or themselves, tourist attractions or entertainment.

A bus tour is generally an inauthentic (and more expensive) way to experience Harlem. Explore the neighborhood and churches on your own, or join a small tour like those led by Harlem Heritage Tours (646/302‒1575 www.harlemheritage.com). Their tours (starting at $39) get high marks from past clients and are run by guides who were born and raised in Harlem. Groups are no larger than 25 people.

The following are some of the uptown churches with Sunday services:

Abyssinian Baptist Church (212/862–7474 www.abyssinian.org) is one of the few churches that does not allow tour groups. Services for visitors are held at 11:30; arrive at least two hours ahead of time. Canaan Baptist Church of Christ (212/866–0301 www.cbccnyc.org) has services at 10. Convent Avenue Baptist Church (212/234–6767www.conventchurch.org) has services at 7, 8, and 11. First Corinthian Baptist Church (212/864–5976 www.fcbcnyc.org) has services at 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30. Greater Refuge Temple (212/866–1700 www.greaterrefugetemple.org) has services at 11 and 4. Memorial Baptist Church (212/663–8830 www.mbcvisionharlem.org) has services at 10.