the congregation worshiped at a number of places: first on the corner of william and frankfort streets, then at 44 anthony (worth) street until the mortgage upon the church was foreclosed upon in 1854, at which time the congregation worshipped temporarily at 356 broadway. then in 1856 they established themselves at 166 waverly place in greenwich village, an area then sometimes called "little africa." it was during their time here that the church was split into two "warring" factions, one for the rev. william m. spelman, who had been with them since 1855, and one desiring his removal. in 1885, rev. spelman was ousted from the pulpit, at which time he and his followers went to another church on 37th street. in 1902 the congregation moved uptown with the movement of the african american population, to 242 west 40th street, and from there to a tent pitched next to the future site of marcus garvey's liberty hall in harlem, where the size of the congregation increased dramatically thanks to the preaching of adam clayton powell, sr., who had become the pastor in 1908. the church purchased property on the same street for a new sanctuary, paid for by tithes and offerings.