STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The oldest African American Baptist church on Staten Island, St. Philip’s Baptist Church, turns 155 years old on Sunday, May 18.
To mark the occasion, a special anniversary gala took place Thursday in the Staaten, West Brighton, where guests gathered to honor a church whose rich history has become an integral part of not only the Port Richmond community and North Shore, but the entire Island for more than a century and a half.
The event, hosted by master of ceremonies Darrell Crossland, kicked off with church historian Leticia Randle sharing the history of St. Philip’s Baptist Church, a historic gem that sits in Port Richmond.
Throughout the night, speeches were delivered by Deacon Jesse Barnes, City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, District Attorney Michael McMahon, and 2025 Woman of Achievement Minister Joyce B. Yarbrough.
The “Hope” dancers gave a special performance, followed by Charisa, “The Violinist Diva,” whose music added a beautiful touch to the evening…