[Calvin O. Butts III] said, "We celebrate 200 years of Abyssinian Baptist Church as an empowering center of spiritual and community transformation, during this time of the Ethiopian Millennium." Butts also said, "The African-American church has long been a galvanizing force in the active building of beloved communities in the United States. We seek to further advance that cause as part of our global mission. We gained knowledge during our pilgrimage that aided in our consideration of a viable, longterm course of action supporting the people and progress of Ethiopia."

November 10, 2008Abyssinian Development Corporation, a community-based, not-for-profit organization responsible for more than $600 million in housing and commercial development in Harlem, along with former Pres. Bill Clinton and other notables, paid tribute to Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III and celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in the city of New York at a white-tie gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

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