Newman United Methodist Church upbeat to induct new members

If you make a sudden visit to the Newman United Methodist Church in Alexandria these days, you may not get anyone to talk to you for long. The whole institution is badly busy since this oldest black Methodist church of the region is on the verge of celebrating its 144th anniversary. The program is grand and it will again prove the predominance of the church on the local populace. However, in the celebration the musical event featuring more than 250 performers will be the main attraction.

According to the version of anniversary celebration committee chairwoman Norvella Williams, Newman United Methodist Church will present Igniting God’s Presence Through Praise musical event at 5 p.m. March 7 at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. The musical will introduce performances by Pentecostals of Alexandria contemporary choir, the Zion Hill Baptist Church children’s choir and mime ministry, the St. Matthews Baptist Church mass choir, the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church Choir and New Scott Olly male ensemble, musical committee chairwoman Lillie Evans said. Choir members from Newman United Methodist Church will start the show with a musical selection.

What is the objective of this gala event? It is to invite people outside of the congregation to form a junction with in the celebration of the oldest black Methodist church in Alexandria. Is there any necessity of these stances? If we lend our ears to the church’s authority, there is indeed. A lot of them consider it is futile to remain confined within the four walls of the building and it’s the most opportune time to induct others or fresh blood. Many persons are getting interested in Christianity, its adherence to serenity or tranquility and also the sense of discipline.

Newman United Methodist Church was founded in 1865 as St. James Methodist Episcopal Church and the original building was a small wood-framed facility on the corner what is now Seventh Street and Murray Street in downtown Alexandria.