By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

MOUNT AIRY - A small congregation in Mount Airy is celebrating a rebirth this week.

The church, Lincoln Park Baptist, 2965 Blue Rock Road, went four years without a permanent pastor and just recently completed repairs necessary after a winter storm last year. The congregation has shrunk to about 75 members with weekly attendance averaging 25.

"It's been a trying time, but the church has seen worse days, and we ain't dead yet," said Jerald Richmond, 71, of Price Hill, noting that in 1937, the entire church was under water. At that time, an article appeared in the Enquirer under the headline, "Lincoln Park is Sunk."

But the church has hope, he said. A new pastor, the Rev. Larry Smith, took over last Sunday, and repairs are finally complete, including illuminating the church's 40-foot-high stained-glass window.

"We're looking forward to great things with his leadership. We know we have a lot of work to do," said Richmond, who has been a member of the 157-year-old church for 61 years. "We expect great things, and we don't expect our pastor to do all the work. We have a willingness to work."

Smith, 56, who is originally from Florida but most recently lived in Louisville where he attended seminary, is excited to be a part of the church's efforts.

"We've rebuilt the building, and now we need to rebuild ourselves spiritually," he said.

The church's regular services are at 10:45 a.m. with Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.

Peace and Unity walk

Members of several churches along the Interstate 75 corridor will walk, pray and sing for peace and unity Sunday.

The annual J2K Ecumenical Community Prayer Walk began in 2000 when the churches, of several denominations from Arlington Heights to West Chester, began to meet looking for a way to celebrate the millennium.

Since then the group has continued, hosting a prayer walk, Christmas celebration and smaller services ever since.

"We get a change to get know the different cultures of the people and the different religions. We look to have peace in that way," said Sister Joan Krimm, one of the organizers of Sunday's walk.

The prayer walk will begin at 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lincoln Heights Medical Center at Mangham Drive and Steffen Avenue. It will continue to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 417 W. Vine St., Reading.

Those who are unable to walk will meet at SS. Peter and Paul to pray and sing throughout the walk.

"There is good sharing along the way, and it helps us to get to know one another, to understand one another, support one another," Krimm said.

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To submit religion news, e-mail kbvance@adelphia.net or send a fax to 755-4150.