MAYOR GIULIANI ATTENDS DEDICATION OF ALLEN AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN QUEENS
MAYOR JOINS CONGRESSMAN FLOYD FLAKE AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT LANDMARK CHURCH
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Reverend Congressman Floyd H. Flake at the dedication ceremony for the new Allen African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Church in Jamaica, Queens. The dedication was part of the historic Church's service.
"Like religious institutions across the City, the Allen A.M.E. Church plays a central role in bringing New Yorkers together," Mayor Giuliani said. "For more than 150 years, the Church has encouraged neighborhood economic development, provided social support networks, and educated both young people and adults. The new cathedral building, and the Church's continued expansion, ensure that this vital and expanding institution will continue to make important contributions to Jamaica and the City for generations to come."
"As a legislator, Congressman Floyd Flake has distinguished himself as a leading advocate of national policies to make local community and economic development more achievable. And in his role as pastor, his dynamic leadership continues, as he remains involved at all levels of community, improving the long-term economic fortunes of residents, giving a voice to their concerns and getting positive results."
Congressman Floyd H. Flake said, "Church is a place to bring people together, develop community relations, and open youth up to opportunity. On behalf of the Allen A.M.E Church, we appreciate the many projects the Mayor has been involved in, including Queens Hospital, the redevelopment of Baisley Pond Park, and street and housing development projects. With all these developments, we have a great future ahead of us."
The Allen A.M.E. Church, founded in 1834, housed the first school for African Americans in the Jamaica, Queens community. Since that time, it has been deeply involved in the growth and development of the Jamaica community.
In 1968, the Church moved from its historic location on South Road to its current headquarters at 111-54 Merrick Boulevard. The new development includes the new Allen A.M.E. Cathedral, an 80,000 square-foot complex with a 2,500 seat sanctuary; 200 classrooms for community programs; a conference hall; a book and gift shop; and administrative offices.
The Church operates several important programs that impact on the life of the African American community. They include the Consortium for Community Empowerment and Stabilization, the Community Senior Citizens Center, the A.M.E. Housing Corporation, the Housing & Development Fund Corporation, a resource center and a credit union.
One program works closely with the City's Community Development Agency, known as Project S.C.A.L.E. (Student Community Action Learning Experience), to place Allen students in community service positions. The part-time, after school, work experience component includes community service, on-the-job training and job readiness programs. Some students are eligible for community service credit from their schools and work stipends.
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