Colleges

One of the Nation’s Oldest Black Churches Just Gave Howard University $100,000 to Pay Off Tuition & Outstanding Balances of Senior Students

One of the oldest African American congregations in the nation, Alfred Street Baptist Church presented Howard University with a $100,000 gift to cover the outstanding tuition and fee balances of graduating seniors this week.

Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, who also happens to be a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., made the announcement during a special service at Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel on Sunday, February 3.

“The gift of $100,000 from Alfred Street Baptist Church to help our students pay off their financial obligations and make ends meet just before they graduate is truly a blessing,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Their generosity is a reminder of how one person’s selfless act of kindness can be multiplied and have a profound impact on the lives of others.”

Alfred Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest black churches in the United States and dates back to 1803. It is located in Alexandria, Virginia within the city’s oldest African-American neighborhood, the Bottoms Alexandria, Virginia.

According to the press release, “ASBC congregation raised $150,000 during their Seek 2019, a church-wide physical, social media, and financial fast that lasted throughout the month of January. While $100,000 was gifted to Howard University seniors, $50,000 was also donated to Bennett College (the largest by any faith-based organization) to assist them in maintaining their accreditation.”

“About two or three years ago, the Lord gave us a vision for a project called Hidden Halos, which is our realization that whenever you meet strangers, they’re God’s hidden angels,” Pastor Wesley stated. “This year, as our fasting ended, we had asked members to make a sacrificial offering that we promised would go out the door of our church. We decided to come to Howard University to find some students who are about to change the world but have some financial concerns, and let them know we’re going to take care of it for them.”

ASBC is a long-time supporter of the HBCU community. The church holds one of the largest free HBCU festivals in the nation each year; which will be held on Saturday, February 23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. They also make a contribution of $25,000 to a designated HBCU every year during their annual HBCU Sunday worship services.

Pastor Wesley and Alfred Street Baptist Church challenge other churches to do the same; support our HBCUs financially when and where you can.

“If 4,000 committed souls can believe, there is no stopping the Churches from saving our Communities & the Futures of our Children,” the church tweeted.