There was singing, dancing and praises lifted up to God when the West Side Missionary Baptist Church opened the doors to reveal the new look of their sanctuary at 4675 Page Blvd. Friends, family and local city officials all shared in this momentous occasion with the saints as they (literally) went marching in.
For the first time in four months the members finally got inside to see what has been described by their pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Bobo Sr., as “a new look, a new start.” He says he couldn’t be more excited.
“I am so grateful to God to be serving as pastor for this historic moment and to see God’s hand upon us so,” he said.
According to church staff, there were members who tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to get an early “sneak peek” at the new look. Their overwhelming excitement may stem from the fact that the church sanctuary had not had a major remodel in over 40 years. Rev. Bobo said the first renovation was under the leadership of former pastor, the Rev. Moses Javis, of Jacksonville, FL, who oversaw the installation of new pews, new carpeting and had the pulpit renovated.
Today those pews are gone, replaced by new ones. The carpeting has a new color scheme and now the pulpit area is completely surrounded by brand new furnishings for Rev. Bobo and his ministerial team.
Rev. Bobo said the sanctuary has been completely made over thanks to one of his church members who gifted the church $450,000. Rev. Bobo says the donor, who chose to remain anonymous, gave specific instructions on how the money was to be used.
The work began with repairs made to the steps leading to the front entrance facing Page Boulevard. The church members raised an additional amount of over $100,000 to complete the project which also includes screen projectors and a new sound system. A baptismal pool, once positioned out of the floor base in the pulpit area, now has been redesigned and is in a higher position right behind the pulpit area.
As the renovations were being completed, the “One Unified Church in Two Locations” fellowshipped together, holding services at their county location at 2677 Dunn Road. They reunited in a two-day celebration Saturday, May 18-19. Rev. Javis came to town just for the occasion and was been given the distinct honor to preach both Sunday services.
West Side member Ethel Waters joined the church over 75 years ago and says she can recall the earlier renovations. Waters, 88, typically worships at the Page location and says to finally be going back in to worship there “is splendid.”
Mt. Pisgah MB hosts Health Fair
Mt. Pisgah MB Church will partner with Eastside Health District to present My Health – My Life Health Fair 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, June 7 at 1111 R.B. Lyles Dr. (formerly Pennsylvania Avenue in East St. Louis.
The event will feature free health screenings focusing on education, prevention and maintenance. It also will offer free workshops on genealogy, chronic illnesses, food safety, breast/ovarian cancer, HIV/AIDS ,nutrition. and other health related topics, plus giveaways, gift cards and much more.
A number of community and government partners will attend with information to distribute.
Call 618-271-1935 for information.
