The year 1989 was marked by change across the world. The Cold War was drawing to a close, conversations about peace and global relationships were gaining new urgency, and communities throughout the Carolinas were recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Hugo. At Myers Park Baptist Church, these larger events were not observed from a distance. Instead, they became opportunities to live out faith in tangible ways.

Throughout the year, the congregation responded to crisis with service, welcomed new voices and leadership into its ministries, nurtured children through creativity and the arts, engaged complex issues with honesty and compassion, and strengthened connections with people across cultures and continents. Whether clearing storm debris, supporting neighbors in need, celebrating music and worship, or fostering dialogue in a divided world, church members demonstrated a shared commitment to putting faith into action. Together, these moments reveal a congregation seeking not only to believe faithfully, but to serve courageously, create generously, and build meaningful relationships at home and around the world.

Lessons from Hurricane Hugo
In his pastoral meditation, "On the Way," Rev. Dr. Gene Owens reflected on Hurricane Hugo not simply as a time of destruction, but as a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion found within a community of faith. In the storm's aftermath, more than fifty church members joined together to clear debris from church property, while many others assisted neighbors whose homes had been damaged. These acts of service demonstrated the congregation's willingness to respond to crisis with generosity, hard work, and care for one another.

Among those Owens remembered was St. Lamar Rogers, whom he humorously described as belonging to the "order of chainsaw operators" and as a "fundamental Baptist" whose extraordinary generosity nearly "converted" the pastor's theology. Through such stories, Owens highlighted the way ordinary acts of service often become powerful expressions of faith.

Reflecting on the experience, Owens observed that Hurricane Hugo had offered important lessons about gratitude, resilience, and mutual dependence. The storm revealed the strength of relationships forged through shared faith and reminded the congregation that ministry is most effective when carried out together. He concluded by noting that church budgets are more than financial plans; they are tangible expressions of a congregation's shared commitment and pooled resources, making possible the work of caring, serving, and responding to the needs of both church members and the wider community.

This perspective transformed a moment of hardship into an opportunity for deeper understanding, reinforcing the conviction that even in times of disruption and loss, God works through communities of faith to provide strength, support, and hope.

Standing with Sullivan's Island after Hurricane Hugo
In the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, Myers Park Baptist Church extended its ministry beyond Charlotte to assist residents of Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, one of the communities hardest hit by the storm. Church leaders learned that approximately 90 percent of the island's homes had suffered structural damage, and many residents—particularly older adults living on fixed incomes—faced significant challenges as they began the long process of recovery.

Responding quickly to the need, the congregation provided more than $9,000 worth of building supplies, generators, tools, food, and clothing. Under the leadership of Jim Templeton and the Board of Missions, volunteer work crews were also organized to travel to Sullivan's Island, where they assisted with cleanup and repairs. These efforts provided both practical help and encouragement to those struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.

The church's response reflected a conviction that Christian ministry extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary and into communities experiencing hardship and loss. By offering resources, labor, and compassionate presence, Myers Park Baptist demonstrated its commitment to serving neighbors in need. In a season marked by widespread devastation, the congregation's partnership with the people of Sullivan's Island became a tangible expression of faith in action and a reminder that hope is often carried through the hands and hearts of those willing to help others rebuild.

Choosing Peace in a Divided World
During the final years of the Cold War, Myers Park Baptist Church strengthened its commitment to Christian peacemaking by celebrating the opening of the Southern Regional Office of Bridges for Peace. Supported by a $10,000 grant from the Endowment Fund Committee, ongoing assistance from the Board of Missions, and the hospitality of Joe Aldrich and Myers Park Baptist Church, the new office on the church’s second floor became a hub for citizen diplomacy and relationship-building between people in the United States and the Soviet Union.

The ministry reflected the congregation’s conviction that peacemaking is not merely a political endeavor but an expression of faithful discipleship. By fostering dialogue, understanding, and personal connections across national and ideological divides, Bridges for Peace embodied the belief that relationships can help overcome fear, reduce tensions, and contribute to a more peaceful world.

Church leaders envisioned a future in which the immense resources devoted to the arms race could instead be directed toward feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, educating children, and uplifting communities in need. In supporting this work, Myers Park Baptist affirmed a gospel-centered vision of justice and reconciliation—one that called believers to be agents of peace, choosing hope and understanding over division and conflict.

Welcoming Fran Morrison to Music Ministry
The congregation welcomed Fran Loftin Morrison to the adjunct staff as Assistant to the Minister of Music and Coordinator of Children's Choirs. Raised at Myers Park Baptist Church, Fran brought not only professional expertise but also a lifelong connection to the church and a deep commitment to nurturing children's faith through music. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and certification to teach music in North Carolina public schools, providing a strong foundation for her ministry.

In addition to coordinating the children's choir program, Fran served as a soprano soloist with the Chancel Choir and directed the Chapel Choir, enriching the church's worship life through both leadership and performance. With thirteen years of church music experience, she also maintained active involvement in professional organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association, Choristers Guild, Music Educators National Conference, and the North Carolina Music Educators Association.

Fran's arrival on staff marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable and enduring ministry. Through her leadership, generations of children, youth, and adults have been shaped by the gift of sacred music and the joy of participating in worship. As Myers Park Baptist Church journeyed through seasons of growth, change, and transition, Fran remained a steady and trusted presence. More than three decades later, her faithful service, thoughtful leadership, dedication to excellence, and discerning voice continue to bless the congregation, reflecting the lasting impact of a ministry rooted in both talent and calling.

Nurturing Children's Creativity
The summer arts program Collage 89! "In a Garden of Green" offered rising kindergarten through fourth-grade children a week-long opportunity to explore creativity in a nurturing and faith-filled environment. Designed to encourage artistic expression and hands-on learning, the program reflected the church's commitment to fostering the growth of the whole child.

Throughout the week, children participated in a variety of creative experiences, including collage, music using the Orff approach, silkscreening, and weaving. These activities invited young participants to experiment with new materials and techniques while developing confidence, curiosity, and imagination. Through exploration and discovery, children were encouraged to express themselves in ways that were both meaningful and enjoyable.

More than a summer enrichment opportunity, In a Garden of Green reflected the congregation's belief that creativity is one of God's gifts and an important part of spiritual growth. By creating space for children to imagine, explore, and create, the church affirmed the value of the arts in nurturing faith, building community, and helping young people discover the beauty and wonder of God's world.

Honoring the Dignity of Work
Following a Wednesday evening dinner in March, adults gathered for a thought-provoking program centered on the meaning and value of work. Through a dramatic reading from Studs Terkel's acclaimed book Working, Jerry Hoogenakker, Ann Owens, Sandy Hill, and Ike McLaughlin, with Flo Bryant serving as narrator, brought to life the voices and experiences Terkel had collected during three years of interviews with people representing a wide range of occupations.

As the stories unfolded, participants encountered the hopes, challenges, frustrations, and satisfactions that shape the daily lives of working people. The firsthand accounts offered a glimpse into the diverse experiences of individuals whose labor often goes unnoticed, while revealing the important role work plays in shaping identity, purpose, and relationships.

By highlighting the stories of ordinary workers, the program encouraged reflection on the dignity inherent in all forms of labor. It also reflected the church's commitment to exploring the ways faith intersects with everyday life, inviting participants to consider vocation not simply as a means of earning a living, but as an expression of one's gifts, responsibilities, and place within the broader community.

Worshiping with Global Neighbors
The congregation had the privilege of welcoming the Gevakin Choir of Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), a 22-member ensemble selected from more than 4,000 choirs to represent the Baptist community of Western Zaire. The name Gevakin was derived from the French phrase Groupe Évangélique de Kinshasa ("Evangelical Group of Kinshasa"). Their visit came through A Musical Bridge, a program sponsored by American Baptist Churches USA that fostered cultural exchange and Christian fellowship through music.

Joining Myers Park Baptist's Chancel Choir in worship, the Gevakin Choir filled the sanctuary with music sung in Lingala, Kituba, French, and English. Their vibrant performance brought energy and joy to the service while offering worshipers a glimpse into the rich musical traditions of African Christianity. Through song, the choir shared both their faith and their cultural heritage, creating a meaningful connection between congregations separated by thousands of miles.

More than a musical presentation, the choir's visit was a celebration of Christian fellowship that transcended national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries. At a time when Myers Park Baptist Church was strengthening its commitment to global missions and partnerships, the presence of the Gevakin Choir offered a tangible reminder that the church is part of a worldwide community of faith. Their visit enriched worship and broadened the congregation's understanding of the many ways Christians around the world express their faith through music and praise.

Celebrating Music and the Arts
The congregation had much to celebrate in the musical and artistic accomplishments of its members during 1989. These performances showcased remarkable talent while reflecting Myers Park Baptist's long-standing commitment to fostering excellence in the arts as an expression of worship, creativity, and community life.

Church organist Anita Bultmann Tritt appeared as a featured soloist with the Charlotte Repertory Orchestra under the direction of Melvin Leopold Sipe. The concert featured works by Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Daniel Pinkham and included performances by choirs directed by James Berry and Charles Starnes. Anita's participation highlighted both her exceptional musicianship and the rich tradition of sacred and classical music cultivated within the life of the congregation.

The celebration of music continued later that month when Myers Park Baptist hosted a free recital featuring members of the church's music ministry. The program showcased Fran Morrison, newly appointed Assistant to the Minister of Music and Coordinator of Children's Choirs, and Janice Bradner, mezzo-soprano, accompanist for the Cambiata Choir, and staff accompanist at Winthrop College. Accompanied by Anita Bultmann Tritt, the singers presented a diverse repertoire that included works by Bach, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Ravel, Barber, Mozart, and Puccini. Both Morrison and Bradner also served as soloists with the Chancel Choir, further enriching the church's worship ministry through their musical gifts.

These performances reflected a congregation that viewed music and the arts as vital expressions of faith and human creativity. Whether through worship services, community concerts, or special recitals, Myers Park Baptist continued to cultivate an environment where artistic gifts were encouraged, shared, and celebrated. In doing so, the church enriched both its worship life and its broader witness to the beauty, inspiration, and connection that the arts can bring to a community of faith.

Taking on Life/Death Issues with Hope
At a time when many difficult questions surrounding illness, aging, and end-of-life care were often approached with uncertainty or discomfort, the Crossroads group at Myers Park Baptist Church created a space for thoughtful conversation and learning. Through a three-week series titled "Facing the Life/Death Issues with Hope," the church invited both members and the wider community to engage some of the most pressing ethical and personal concerns of the day.

The open class focused on Alzheimer's disease, euthanasia, and AIDS—topics that touched countless lives and raised profound questions about suffering, dignity, compassion, and human responsibility. By bringing these subjects into an educational and faith-centered setting, the series encouraged participants to confront challenging realities with both honesty and understanding.

Designed especially for those not connected to a Church School class and for members of the surrounding community, the program reflected Myers Park Baptist's commitment to addressing contemporary issues through the lens of faith. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, the church sought to provide a welcoming environment where questions could be explored openly and thoughtfully.

The series demonstrated a ministry willing to engage the complexities of modern life while offering hope and encouragement grounded in Christian compassion. By fostering informed discussion and mutual support, Myers Park Baptist helped participants face uncertainty and loss with greater knowledge, empathy, and faith.

A Church Living Its Calling
Looking back, 1989 reveals a congregation deeply engaged with both the challenges and opportunities of its time. In moments of crisis, Myers Park Baptist responded with compassion and practical service. In moments of uncertainty, it chose dialogue over fear and understanding over division. Through music, education, creativity, and mission, the church continued to invest in the spiritual growth of its members while extending its influence far beyond its own walls.

The stories of this year are connected by a common thread: the conviction that faith is meant to be lived. Whether rebuilding after a hurricane, welcoming strangers as neighbors, addressing difficult questions, nurturing children, celebrating artistic gifts, or working for peace in a changing world, the congregation embodied a theology rooted in action and relationship. As 1989 came to a close, Myers Park Baptist Church stood as a community strengthened by service, enriched by diversity, and united by a shared commitment to follow Christ wherever that calling might lead. Through the lens of time, the year remains a powerful reminder that faith is most visible when it is expressed through generosity, courage, creativity, and love.