This Week in AG History -- April 19, 1964

Ann Wilkerson (1907-1997) opened the first “beatnik chapel” in New York City in 1963. The mother of Assemblies of God evangelist David Wilkerson, she assisted him in ministry since the early years of his work with gang members, drug addicts, and other members of the counterculture. The April 19, 1964, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel provided a fascinating glimpse into Ann’s work.

Ann and ministry partner Fay Mianulli pioneered the chapel ministering to beatniks. It officially opened in November 1963 and initially went by the name Catacomb Chapel, referring to its location in a basement café at 99 MacDougal Street. 

Ann and Fay canvassed the neighborhood, distributing small handbills that read, “Come for a unique experience in religious conversation,” also touting light refreshments. People strolling in the heart of Greenwich Village could hear strains of “The Old Rugged Cross” coming from Catacomb Chapel mingled with the sounds of live jazz performances in the neighborhood. 

The chapel was open from 8 p.m. until midnight every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Those who wandered into the dim chapel soon discovered that Bibles replaced the ash trays in the former coffeehouse, and coffee and doughnuts were the only refreshments offered. A young woman name Laurie, a recent convert who formerly was a professional musician, set the mood by playing the guitar and singing gospel hymns. 

Ann and Fay were older than most of the visitors to the chapel, and their outward appearance may not have matched the area’s vibe of cultural revolution. However, they loved, mothered, and shared the gospel with countless people who might not otherwise darken the doors of a church — including young drug addicts, people involved in a homosexual lifestyle, and beatniks.

The Catacomb Chapel’s success in attracting members of the counterculture led to its demise. The owners evicted Ann and Fay because they drew too many “undesirables.” Undaunted, they started two new coffeehouses: The Lost Coin on Sullivan Street; and The Living Room on St. Marks Place. They made many referrals to Teen Challenge, the drug rehab ministry started by David Wilkerson, and saw many young people come to Christ.

“Mom” — as Ann was often called — was a fearless soulwinner. One day she was preaching in the streets in a Greenwich Village park and attracted a large crowd. The police came by and instructed her to leave, lest they throw her in the paddy wagon. Mom responded, “Go get the paddy wagon,” and the crowd broke into laughter. She then broke up the meeting and told the crowd, “If anyone wants to hear more, I'm going down to the Lost Coin.” Many followed her. 

Ann Wilkerson lived her life to share Christ’s love with others, she never compromised the gospel message, and she was respected by even the rowdiest people. 

Read, “New York’s First Beatnik Chapel Opens,” on page 7 of the April 19, 1964, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel.

Also featured in this issue:

• “I Remember,” by Joseph Wannenmacher

• “Dimensions of Divine Love,” by Lloyd Christiansen

And many more!

Click here to read this issue now.

Pentecostal Evangel archived editions courtesy of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center.

IMAGE: Mom Wilkerson (left) and Fay Mianulli (center) speaking with a man outside The Lost Coin coffeehouse in Greenwich Village, New York; circa 1968.

Darrin J. Rodgers

Darrin J. Rodgers has served as director of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (FPHC) since 2005. He earned a master's degree in theological studies from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He previously served at the David du Plessis Archive and the McAlister Library at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Northern Harvest , a history of Pentecostalism in North Dakota. His FPHC portfolio includes acquisitions, editing Assemblies of God Heritage magazine, and conducting oral history interviews. His wife, Desiree, is an ordained AG minister.