Abyssinian Baptist Church in Xenia, Ohio
XENIA, Ohio (WKEF)-A man is wanted for trying to break into a local church. The suspect broke a window in an attempt to get inside. Xenia police are asking for help in identifying him.
Membership candidates shall be interviewed by the Council of Elders and presented for acceptance by the Church on the recommendation of the interviewing Elders.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Founded in 1808, Abyssinian is one of the oldest and largest African-American Baptist churches in New York City. It began when a group of African Americans and Ethiopian merchants refused to accept segregated seating in the First Baptist Church of New York. They formed their own congregation and named it Abyssinian, a name that reflects the heritage of the Ethiopian nation.
During the second half of the nineteenth century, Abyssinian’s membership and financial stability grew rapidly. The Reverend William Spellman led the church to prominence and established its reputation as one of the wealthiest African-American congregations.
The church built its present building between 1922 and 1923, designed by Charles W. Bolton & Son in the neo-Gothic style typical of Protestant churches of this period. Its members, who mostly hailed from the South, made Abyssinian an important center of African-American cultural life. Powell’s successor, Reverend Samuel DeWitt Proctor, and later Reverend Calvin Butts, maintained the church’s commitment to community service by organizing campaigns for social justice, including efforts to integrate Harlem Hospital and hire black workers at the World’s Fair.
Olivet Baptist Church
Originally known as Xenia Baptist Church and Zoar Baptist Church, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church is one of Chicago’s oldest African American churches. It was founded in 1850 and merged with another congregation in 1861. It has a long history of activism and has influenced other churches. The church’s members and pastors have been active in politics at the local, state, and national level. They have also worked for social reform. During the Great Migration in the 1920s, they helped new arrivals. They also supported black leaders in political and labor activities.
The church carries on its activist legacy today. It has more than 50 spiritually-based community programs. These include a summer enrichment college tour, an investment club, and an after-school program. It has also hosted speakers ranging from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to 2004 Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean. Its current pastor is Reverend Jawanza Karriem Lightfoot Colvin.
Middle Run Baptist Church
The church’s mission is to serve God through worship, education, outreach, and community service. It also offers midweek prayer, Bible study, and auxiliary meetings and activities. Its auxiliary choir, Missionary Circle, and Sunday school are among the many programs that the church offers.
The Middle Run Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American churches in Ohio and the United States. It was founded by Godfrey Brown and his family in 1822 and was named for a section of land between two streams. The church took part in the Underground Railroad and helped people escape slavery.
The church’s ecumenical relationship is deep and strong, and its members work together to fulfill the mission of Christ. The church is tax-exempt and contributes to local and national charitable organizations. Its EIN is 201477250. The church’s auxiliary organizations are active in the communities of New Ellenton, Petticoat Junction and Silver Bluff. Its pastor is Reverend C.W. Phinizy, who leads the church in spiritual guidance and direction.
