The Memorial Baptist Church of Harlem, under the leadership of the Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner, is establishing an educational resource center in honor of our former Senior Pastor and Harlem visionary.  Rev. Dr. Preston R. Washington Sr., a pioneering figure in Harlem's development and renewal, dedicated his life to empowering people of all ages and cultures through education. In tribute to this scholar, theologian, author, and change agent, the Rev. Dr. Preston R. Washington Sr. Educational Wing will provide a center of academic and career enrichment to those within our community, and a resource center to build cultural awareness, civic pride and responsibility for all those who live in, love and visit Harlem. The architectural renderings for the Educational Wing were designed by Folashade Shelton, an active member of the church and a youth leader while still in high school. She has since graduated from Morgan State University, a Historically Black College in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pastor Renee refers to this project as a “Faith Walk”, which it truly has been. The vision for the Educational Wing was shared with the congregation which began the process of the vision becoming a reality. A logo was designed by Min. Jennifer Brewer, Memorial’s Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Her background in graphic design, memories of Dr. Washington from her previous intern experiences and her desire to be used for God’s glory, led to the development of the Educational Wing’s logo. The official insignia includes a light, which represents our need to be beacons of light in this world; an anchor representing the need for a strong foundation which education promotes; a dove which symbolizes peace and an opened book which gives visual representation of the process of acquiring knowledge.

Contractors were identified by Memorial’s First Gentleman, Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr., who serves as the project manager. Dr. Gardner’s oversight and involvement resulted in the physical space being renovated in record time. As of today, the space has been completely remodeled and if walls could talk, they would be shouting for joy eagerly awaiting the youth, adults, families and senior citizens that will benefit from the programs offered to the members of the greater Harlem community. The programs will be designed to equip community members with the knowledge and resources needed to reach their full potential.

            As a new venture, the Educational Wing is seeking support from philanthropic organizations and individual donors. Support is needed for furnishings, program supplies and educational materials such as books and computers. Please consider joining us in this exciting time in our church history. For more information, please contact us at 212-663-8830.