First Baptist Church to celebrate 178 years in Chicago by Theresa Fambro Hooks


First Baptist Church, 935 E. 50th St., known as the oldest Baptist Church in the city of Chicago, celebrates its 178th Anniversary on Oct.16. The theme: “For the Glory of God, by God’s Power and Do it God’s Way.” Rev. David Watkins and members of Greater Bethesda Church choir will lead the service, which begins at 4 p.m.


First Baptist was organized on Oct. 19, 1833 by 15 believers who met in a two-story frame building owned by the Methodist Church at Wacker Drive and Franklin Street. The first University of Chicago was organized by the pastor and mem- bers of First Baptist Church in 1857 and FB has continued its rela- tionship with the university through the Baptist Theological Union and the Divinity School’s internship program. First Baptist is a member of the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago, the American Baptist Churches USA and the Hyde Park-Kenwood Council of Churches and Synagogues. First Baptist is recognized in the Hyde Park community as a church dedicated to children, community involvement and youth ministry. It also supports an Assisted Living ministry for senior citizens and a Prison Ministry Team for the incar- cerated and their families. Rev.


DIXON, from page 2


songs. His wrote such classics as I Love To Praise His Name and He’s The Best Thing...To Happen To Me. But he may be best known for his 1993 hit, I Am Reedemed. His music was enjoyed by a worldwide audience and landed on the Top 10 lists of gospel charts over the years.


In an interview over 15 years ago, Dixon revealed that he knew since childhood that he wanted to use his gift of musicality and vocal talents in the church. It was anoth- er gospel icon, Rev. James Cleveland, who would discover Dixon and catapult his career. For the past 16 years, Dixon had been a fixture on the Bill Gaither Gospel Hour television series, and toured the world in concert. His


Jesse M. Brown has been pastor of First Baptist for 31 years. A diverse pastoral staff of 11 ministers includes his wife, Rev. Carol Jamieson Brown, who also pastors First Baptist Church of Park Forest. For more, call Hope Johnson, (630) 926-8508. Parishioners of Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church are in final preparation stages for their annual “Black & White Gala,” a dinner and concert, scheduled for Oct. 15, beginning at 5 p.m. at the church, which is located in the heart of the Bronzeville community at 4100 S. King Dr. The 6:30 p.m. concert will star Chicago’s own “soulful vocalist,” Terisa Griffin. For tickets to attend the benefit event, call Cecilia Peeler, (773) 313-9145 or (7t3) 520-6598. Rev. Dr. Leon D. Finney Jr., is pastor. Local and national Christian


leaders will be featured when Apostolic Faith Church, led by Bishop & Mrs. Horace E. Smith, M.D., and Mrs. Susan D. Smith, host FaithWorks 2011: Connecting the Body: Living God’s Purpose, a dynamic ministry whose goal is to train and empower Christians everywhere to build God’s Kingdom. Programming for the FaithWorks conference, Oct. 12-15 at Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S.Indiana Ave., will reflect the need in the Body of Christ for connect- edness with each other and will


unbridled enthusiasm for sharing the gospel, and the boundless ener- gy he brought to the stage made him an instant favorite to all who knew and loved him, both in the United States and in Europe. Over the course of his career in gospel music, Dixon received sev- eral Dove Award nominations, seven Grammy nominations, gar- nered five gold albums and in 2008 inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.


In addition to gospel, Dixon also enjoyed success in other music genres of music. He was known for his collaboration and friendship with Paul Simon, with whom he toured for eight years, and was a contributor on several of Simon's albums.


Dixon also wrote numerous


equip participants from all walks of life – pastors, Christian workers, lay leaders and the unchurched — for ministry beyond the walls of the local church.


Among the many conference


speakers: Pastor Marvin Sapp, Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Sheryl Branch, Pastor Bill Winston, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Fr. Michael Pfleger, Pastor John Hannah, Dr. Rosa Sailes, Pastor Yolanda Hunt, Evg. Sandra Riley, Pastor Noah Nicholson, Bishop Clifford Frazier and Pastor James Ford. On Saturday, youth ages 7-25, will participate in “#FaithWorks: The Social Gospel.” During age- appropriate sessions young people will be challenged to not only grown in their faith, but to share it with the world. General registra- tion:$50; youth, $15. Evening wor- ship services are free and open to the public. To register or for more informa- tion, visit www.faithworks2011.org or call (866) 26-FAITH. The fax number is (773) 373-6902; the mailing address: FaithWorks Ministries, c/o Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60653. Living SanctuaryWorld Outreach Ministries, 5820 W. Chicago Ave., is sponsoring a coat drive on Nov. 13 during the regular Sunday morning service, giving


songs for such artists as Cher, Natalie Cole, Amy Grant and Diana Ross.


The musician also played key- board with Earth, Wind, and Fire, and guitarist Phillip Upchurch, as well as piano for gospel legend, Mahalia Jackson.


Dixon is survived by a brother and sister.


His homegoing celebration will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at Family Christian Center, 340 W. 45th St., in Munster, Ind.


For more information, contact Lisa Conner at (708) 754-1641 or logon to www.jessydixon.com. All telegrams and resolutions may be sent to: The Estate of Jessy Dixon, P.O. Box 336, Crete, IL 60417. Also, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent.


Chicago Defender • ChicagoDefender.com • October 5-11, 2011 15


away new and gently used coats as well as clothes to the less fortunate and the homeless. Also members will be passing out hot chocolate and sharing inspirational words. Currently, the church is accepting donations on Sundays, 1 p.m. - 4


p.m. and Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Pastors are ElderW. Terrell and Michelle Burgess. Contact Deacon Christopher Hill, (312) 203-9524.


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