One church, Greater Refuge Temple, stopped letting tourists come to services because as soon as the "praise and worship" or music ended, many got up and left.
"We don't mind tourists taking pictures when we're at the street services, however, picture taking is not allowed when services are in progress in the sanctuary," the choir's managing director Ralph Yates told the Telegraph.
Despite interest in Harlem's gospel choir services from visitors reaching an all-time high, regular church attendance numbers have continued to decline, largely blamed on new "young, hip, rich" residents who show no interest in joining their local church.
Locals have urged tourists to prepare before any planned sightseeing of the area.
"Educate yourself ahead of time. Check the church's website, call them, or inquire with a local tour company. Some churches like Abyssinian Baptist Church list their full guidelines for visitors online. These rules should be strictly followed out of respect for the church," said Souleo, a native New Yorker and long-time resident of Harlem.
