On the weekend of October 26-27, Myrtle Baptist Church, a historically African-American church in West Newton, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a banquet on Saturday and a worship service and reunion choir concert on Sunday.
Myrtle Baptist Church has served its members and the broader community since 1874. Its rich history, deeply intertwined with the community, begins with Newton’s early black residents, many formerly enslaved, who made the city their home after relocating from Boston’s West End in the mid-1800s, seeking opportunities for employment and a better life.
Saturday, October 26, noon: The 150th anniversary weekend will open with a banquet at the Venezia Restaurant in Boston, with Rev. Dr. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes as guest speaker. Tickets may be purchased online at online.
Sunday, October 27, 10:45AM: A 150th-anniversary worship service will be held at the church (21 Curve Street, West Newton) with Rev. Alicia Marie Johnson, Senior Pastor of the Messiah Baptist Church of Brockton and former Myrtle Assistant Pastor, as guest speaker.
Sunday, October 27, 3PM: The celebration weekend concludes with a reunion choir concert at Myrtle featuring music in the black tradition led by current and former Myrtle music directors. The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.
