Saturday, September 23, 2000
West End touchstone 150 years
When the Rev. Richard E. McNeill walks through the doors of West Cincinnati Presbyterian Church, he savors 150 years of history.
The kind of history that defines the melting pot image of America.
The church at 1708 Baymiller St. in the West End went from an all-white congregation in 1850 to 90 percent African-American now.
The Rev. Mr. McNeill, its pastor, handles the historical changes with ease because he said the mission is the same: “Serve the Lord and the West End.”
“The philosophy and the theology have not changed,” he said. “And our extension into the West End community is just as it was in 1850.”
The church will celebrate its 150th anniversary Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
The celebration will reflect what kind of church West Cincinnati Presbyterian has been. Along with preaching, praying and singing, there will be a demonstration by the championship double-dutch team from the West End YMCA and a performance by the Bucket Boyz from Laurel Homes.
Other activities include a picnic, entertainment, games, a photo display and a special session honoring former pastors.
The church has been in half a dozen locations in the West End and has had half a dozen different names, but always has been in the forefront on community, civic, racial and health issues.
In 1945, the Rev. Maurice McCrackin, one of the most avid warriors against anything he felt unjust, including the federal income tax, took over the pulpit.
That meant part of the church was on the picket lines in the battle to integrate Coney Island and fighting income taxes, poor health facilities, poverty and bad housing.
In 1962, the Presbytery revoked the Rev. Mr. McCrackin's ordination, but the church didn't stop its mission. The Rev. Richards Sellers, became pastor and served for 28 years.
“When we saw a need, we got busy and started it,” he said.
The church did it by spreading its members on different committees. The beginning of the Findlay Street Neighborhood House and the West End Health Center can be traced to the church.
As the Rev. Mr. McNeill scans his program now, he talks about youth employee services, tutoring programs and a computer-cop program.
“Part of this ministry includes helping African-American children to relate to the police,” he said.
National and local independent schools will be recruiting minority students 1-4 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Ramada Hotel Central, 8001 Reading Road, during the 15th Annual Queen City Foundation School Fair.
The fair will feature 30 schools, including boarding schools from around the country, along with local independent schools.
“This is an opportunity for parents and students to meet and discuss with school representatives their admissions policies and procedure,” said Ronald E. Felder, president of the foundation.
Anyone interested in attending may call Mr. Felder at 241-1322.
Allen Howard's column runs on Saturdays. Call: 768-8362. Mail: The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
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