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Jazz on The Hill: A Bethlehem Baptist Church After Work
Experience
Sojourner’s Truth Staff
“Jazz on The Hill,” the
opening event in a two-year long celebration of the 100th
anniversary of Bethlehem Baptist Church, was held at the
Bethlehem New Life Center on September 11 featuring a
variety of entertainers backed by the Kalvin Hughes Jazz
Trio.
Gospel and contemporary
music in a relaxed atmosphere entertained the audience,
along with light refreshments and a silent auction of
Artistic Expression and door prizes for guests.
Since the event was held
the night after the anniversary of 9/11, a tribute to the
fallen heroes of that day was performed by Debra Gardner,
New York Kind of Love; Rhapsody, Spoken Word-Poem entitled
Music Is Love; Gregory Meredith – TaTa Jesus (by Kirk Whalum);
and a musical solo by Hatcher.
Bethlehem Baptist was
organized in 1917 by the Rev. Daniel Jackson when he saw how
the black population on the east side of Toledo was growing
and needed an organized church. He joined with a few
Christian members of the community to start the church such
as: Moses Johnson, Mollie Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Wright, Emma Berry, Lunie Bell and Harvey Holden.
In 1968, the church moved
to its present location on Bancroft Street and a mortgage
burning ceremony was held on December 18, 1977.
Bethlehem’s current
pastor, Rv. Derek Arnold, assumed leadership of the
congregation on April 3, 1994. Under his guidance the
congregation has continued to grow – spiritually,
financially and numerically. Over 800 people have united
with the church during his tenure. |
