Harlem From the Rectory Window by Rev. John Howard Johnson

Originally titled Fact Not Fiction In Harlem this intriguing account of Harlem as seen through the eyes of “the number one citizen of Harlem and one of the first citizens of New York City” takes the reader through all the lows and highs of this great community and brings a perspective that is rare for a clergyman who also walked in the upper echelons of the then white-dominated Episcopal Church.  Dr. Johnson never preached “down” to anyone—he spoke their language be they a numbers runner, lawyer, domestic, policeman or member of the Church hierarchy.

He brought dignitaries such as Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Queen (Mother) Elizabeth and others to meet the parishioners of St. Martin’s.  New York’s Mayor LaGuardia turned to him to help resolve the problem of racism in American sports.  He also served as president of the Negro National League.