- Created on 10 January 2013
South Side Church Gets Big Donation — New Building Site
CHATHAM — On Sunday, Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, told his 4,000-member congregation that it received its biggest donation yet — a new church building, according to DNAinfo.com
"God has given Fellowship a big sign. Congratulations. You are the brand new owner of 8522 S. Lafayette. No mortgage, no debt," Jenkins said during worship service. "To God be the glory."
The vacant, 14.5-acre site is set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use complex, according to Jenkins. It would include up to seven retail stores, a restaurant, youth center and school at an estimated cost of $26 million.
The start and completion dates have not been set for the redevelopment project. It is not known when the church, now housed at 4543 S. Princeton Ave., will move into its new home.
The church property's previous owner, Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., is a national arts and crafts chain that has contributed to faith-based initiatives nationwide for many years.
Hobby Lobby spokesman Vincent Parker confirmed the donation to Fellowship.
Read the full story at DNAinfo.com.
- Created on 09 January 2013
Medgar Evers' Widow to Offer Invocation for Obama
(AP) — The widow of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers will deliver the invocation at President Barack Obama's second inauguration on Jan. 21.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Tuesday that Myrlie Evers-Williams would deliver the prayer. It comes 50 years after her husband was gunned down in the driveway of his Mississippi home. The inauguration falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Evers-Williams is a distinguished scholar at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss. She was chairwoman of the NAACP from 1995 to 1998.
Inaugural organizers said the Rev. Louie Giglio of Atlanta's Passion City Church will deliver the benediction for Obama's swearing-in.
In a statement, Obama says Evers-Williams and Giglio represent the ideals of justice, equality and opportunity that he pursues.
In 2009, the Rev. Rick Warren delivered the invocation.
- Created on 03 January 2013
Remembering Inez Andrews, The High Priestess of Gospel
It was a musical celebration that honored the life of the late Inez Andrews and the music that she made famous and sang so well. The festive event was held Dec. 27 at her home church, Apostolic Church of God.
Musical legends from near and far stopped by to pay homage to the "High Priestess of Gospel" including Gospel Music According to Chicago, Dr. Charles G. Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir, The Thompson Community Singers, Bishop Larry Trotter and Sweet Holy Spirit, Vashawn Mitchell, Dr. Janice White, Rev. Stanley Keeble, Elder Deandre Patterson, Leanne Faine, Angela Spivey, Anita Wilson, The Barrett Sisters and longtime members of the Caravans: Delores Washington and Dorothy Norwood.
Antoinette Gibbs rendered a touching performance, accompanied by her son, Richard Gibbs.
The funeral services on Friday was yet another celebration of Andrews' life. Fellowship Baptist Church founder and former pastor Rev. Clay Evans, gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams, Rev. Jesse Jackson and longtime friend and gospel recording artist Rev. Shirley Caesar were among those who attended the service, also held at Apostolic.
"I gave Inez the title of 'High Priestess of Gospel' over 50 years ago," said Caesar. "Jesus wanted a Christmas present so he came and got Inez."
Caesar and the surviving members of the Caravans - Dorothy Norwood and Delores Washington – sang favorites at the moving homegoing service, including "Jesus is the Best Thing that Ever Happened To Me" and "Lord Keep Me Day By Day."
Norwood and Andrews had been longtime friends. At the funeral, she reflected on their bond.
"She was a sweetheart," said Norwood. "We were rehearsing at Albertina's house, 7249 S. Calumet, and we had one good rehearsal. She (Inez) turned the house out and was knocking out lamps and everything. Albertina had just bought a new Road Master Buick. Me, Inez, Albertina, James Clevelend and Jonella Davis got in the car and rode to New York and did 26 shows at the Apollo. Inez started off with a bang!"
- Created on 04 January 2013
Christ Universal Temple Needs Actors and Singers for Inspirational Stage Place
Christ Universal Temple (C.U.T.) is looking for a few good men and women to serve as extras in an inspirational stage play featuring Jennifer Holliday coming to C.U.T. in the Spring! Acting experience preferred but not required.
Auditions will be held at the Temple on Tuesday, January 8th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Back-up singers are also needed.
Interested persons should contact Dana Adams at 773-568-1717 to schedule auditions.
- Created on 02 January 2013
Chicago Cardinal Urges Opposition to Gay Marriage
(AP) — Chicago's Cardinal Francis George is urging parishioners to let state lawmakers know they oppose gay marriage.
George's letter to priests in the Roman Catholic archdiocese comes as Illinois legislators are poised to consider a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. State Sen. Heather Steans (STAYNZ') and state Rep. Greg Harris could introduce the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act to legalize same-sex marriage as early as this week.
George wrote that allowing gay couples to marry would be "acting against the common good of society."
Previously, some clergy members sent a letter pushing for gay marriage and some of Illinois' top companies and executives have also voiced their support for the legislation after Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel asked CEO's to sign such a letter.
