by 1930, the church had 13,000 members, making it the largest african-american church in new york city, and the largest baptist congregation in the world. powell handed the reins of the church to his son adam clayton powell, jr. in 1937. powell became the first black congressman from new york city, and served 14 terms in the united states house of representatives. powell's "charisma, power, and notoriety", as well as his "spellbinding" preaching were the driving force behind the church's significant influence in the african american community at the time.