| Delegates
to the Region 8 Civil Rights conference received a rare treat, in attending
services at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.
The Civil Rights movement was born in the churches of America, as peaceful
demonstration was advocated to changing the way people think. Following
the example of Jesus Christ, many of the early civil rights leaders were
pastors from churches across the south. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. turned
down lucrative teaching offers to enter the ministry. The peaceful revolution
began in church with the idea of forging a better world for those of all
races.
The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama played a vital role
in the civil rights movement. Organized in 1873 as the First Colored Baptist
Church of Birmingham, the congregation worshipped in a small building
on the corner of 12th Street and 4th Avenue. In 1880, the congregation
moved to its present location. The present building was completed in 1911.
Due to the 16th Street’s prominence in the black community and central
location, the church served as headquarters for the civil rights mass
meetings and rallies in the early 1960’s. On Sunday, September 15,
1963 at 10:22AM, a bomb exploded inside the church, killing four little
girls attending Sunday School, and injuring 20 others.
Outpourings of sympathy around the world resulted in $300,000 being contributed
and the church reopened for services on Sunday, June 7, 1964.
Pastor Arthur Price, Jr. gave a soul stirring lesson on the trials and
tribulations of life. He stressed the importance of looking to God when
life presents challenges, and being thoughtful to others who are experiencing
problems.
The UAW’s presence at the service was recognized, as all in attendance
left up lifted by the service.
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