For 38 years, the Antioch Baptist Church has celebrated “Christmas In July” with seniors. This year’s event took place on July 28 at the church, located at 2401 Annie Malone Drive.
The event started three decades ago by accident because the church had a tradition of honoring seniors in December. However, for two years the weather wouldn’t permit the event. The chair person for the event, Mattie Spearman, had an idea, why not have the dinner in July? So Antioch’s Christmas In July was born.
You have to be 60 years old to participate and 90 years old to be honored. The seniors loved the idea of sitting on Santa Claus lap for a photo and each person gets a gift. Each person in attendance receives a gift with the event and date. This year the gifts ranged from a $50 gas gift card, coffee maker, toaster, and they vary from year to year.
This year, two honorees reached the greatest milestone of them all. Mrs. Adele Henderson reached 103 years, born January 15, 1910. She was a member of the Metro AME Church before joining The Antioch Baptist Church. Mrs. Henderson became a Sunday school teacher, joined the choir and became a member of the Missionary. She has been a member for 70 years.
Mr. Houston Gay was also honored for reaching 102 years, born May 1, 1911. Mr. Gay was a member of the Southern Mission Church before joining The Antioch Baptist Church. Mr. Gay joined the Deacon Board.
A letter from Governor Nixon was presented to each of the two honorees. Because of their special honor, they were brought to the church in a limo.
Church commemorates 50th Anniversary of March on Washington
Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd., will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington by dedicating their annual Dillie Slaughter & Foster Tripp Church and Society Lecture Series to the event.
The lecture series will be held each Sunday morning during the month of August from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd. The series is free and open to the public.
On August 18, Evan Krauss, president of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis, will speak on “Contributions of Non-African Americans.”
On August 25, Rev. Lerone Martin, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Danforth Center on Religion & Politics at Washington University, will speak on “Contributions of Labor Union.
For more information please contact Washington Tabernacle Church at 533-8763 or email washtabernacle@att.net.
Church launches fundraising campaign
The congregation of St. Augustine Catholic Church, located at 1371 Hamilton Ave., under the pastorship of Father Robert J. “Father Bob” Gettinger, has launched a major fund raising campaign aimed at making needed repairs to the 100-plus year old campus of buildings. Due to years of wear and tear and major storm damage from over a year ago, part of the buildings’ infrastructure has eroded causing leakage, loose bricks and safety concerns for parishioners and visitors.
“While we have made tremendous progress in addressing needed repairs to our buildings, we still have a long way to go,” said Father Bob, who has served as pastor of the church for over 20 years. “St. Augustine is a driving force in the community. Through our health, education, emergency assistance and other services, our congregation serves over 6,000 individuals annually.”
The church’s fundraising committee has set a fund-raising goal of $125,000 to help finance needed improvements. The church’s steeple, parking lot and kitchen renovations are just some of the projects to be funded with money raised. The committee projects all work will be completed by July 2015.
“This campus houses not only a church but St. Augustine’s provides assistance to many,” said Michele Brown, co-chair of the “By God’s Grace, All Will Be Well” fundraising committee. “This fundraising campaign will allow those in need of help to come to a safe place for assistance.”
