Abyssinian Baptist Church holds first Sunday service without longtime leader Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts. Christinafantv has a look at how he's being remembered:
Parishioners we've spoken with remember him most for his role as a preacher, leader and tower of strength guiding his congregation through tough times.
"Rev. Butts was an outstanding preacher, minister. He cared about his parishioners," said church member Cylinda Bruno. "I've had the honor of meeting him and attending the service here at the church, and we live on the block, we're neighbors," Harlem resident Michael Israels said. "Schools in this community, affordable housing -- You name the issue, Dr. Butts has been on it and/or a leader of it," longtime church member and former Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields said.
"Let's dance, let's sing, let's lift up the word, let's have a good time. Are you alright with that?" he said in one sermon."Give God some praise. Church leaders were planning a grand 50th anniversary celebration for the reverend in a few weeks. Those plans are now shifting as they prepare to honor his legacy.
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