Sixty years after its founding, Myers Park Baptist Church found itself standing at the threshold of a new chapter. Long-held dreams became tangible realities as The Cornwell Center finally opened its doors, new leaders stepped into important roles, and ministries reached beyond familiar boundaries. Throughout 2003, the congregation celebrated its heritage while embracing fresh opportunities for worship, learning, service, and community. It was a year that invited members to look ahead with hope and imagine what God might do next.

The Year's Biggest Stories

Opening the Doors to The Cornwell Center 
After six years of planning, dreaming, and anticipation, one of the most significant moments in the church's recent history finally arrived. On September 7, Myers Park Baptist Church dedicated and officially opened The Cornwell Center, a new life and learning center created to serve both the congregation and the Charlotte community. 

The Grand Opening was more than a ribbon-cutting. It represented the beginning of a new ministry, one centered on wellness, learning, recreation, and community engagement. Church members gathered following worship for a dedication service and celebration, marking the culmination of years of vision and commitment. 

As the center prepared to begin its work, leadership welcomed its first Managing Director, Tami Vogel, a New York native who had made Charlotte her home. Soon afterward, David Pohorence joined the staff as Assistant Director for Program Operations, bringing extensive experience in sports programming, fitness, and organizational leadership. Together, they helped launch a ministry that would become an important part of church life for years to come. 

Building Bridges Across Faiths
One of the most powerful expressions of Myers Park Baptist's commitment to community unfolded through the Habitat House of Many Faiths project. 

In partnership with Mecklenburg Ministries and Habitat for Humanity, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Unitarians, Friends, and others joined together to build a home in the Lakewood neighborhood. The project honored the memory of the victims of September 11 while demonstrating the possibility of cooperation across religious traditions. 

The coalition included Myers Park Baptist Church, Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, Covenant Presbyterian, Baha'i Faith, Piedmont Unitarian Universalist, Charlotte Friends, Ash-Shaheed Islamic Center, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, St. Johns Baptist Church, and many others. Together, they raised $50,000 to purchase materials and land while providing volunteers to build the home. 

In a year marked by division in many corners of society, the project became a visible witness to the church's belief that people of different faiths could work together in pursuit of the common good.

Extending the Church's Reach Through Mission 
The church's commitment to building bridges extended well beyond Charlotte. 

During the summer, 34 participants from the greater Charlotte community, including 23 Myers Park Baptist members, traveled to Ecuador for the congregation's fifth mission journey. As Darlene Trandel-Korenchuk observed, the trip continued to build bridges not only across continents but also within the Charlotte community itself. The partnership between Myers Park Baptist and Temple Beth El reflected a growing spirit of interfaith collaboration that defined much of the year. 

Closer to home, members continued their faithful participation in Room In The Inn, providing hospitality, meals, transportation, shelter, and companionship to Charlotte's homeless neighbors. With the opening of The Cornwell Center, guests would also have access to showers and recreational facilities, expanding the church's ministry of welcome and care.

Celebrating 60 Years of Ministry
In 2003, Myers Park Baptist Church celebrated its 60th anniversary, offering an opportunity to reflect on six decades of faithful witness.

The celebration included Founders' Day on January 19, featuring a forum with Dr. Curtis Freeman of Duke University Divinity School. Speaking on "Marney and the Manifesto," Freeman helped the congregation revisit the influence of Carlyle Marney and explore the continuing significance of Baptist identity and renewal. During worship that same day, Dr. Steve Shoemaker introduced Dr. Pamela Lewis, the new president of Queens University.

The anniversary year encouraged members to remember the people, convictions, and courageous vision that had shaped the congregation since its founding in 1943.

Leadership Transitions and New Callings 
Several important milestones marked the lives and ministries of church leaders during 2003.

After more than seventeen years of service, The Reverend Joseph D. Aldrich, Minister of Parish Life, prepared to conclude his ministry at Myers Park Baptist. In a heartfelt message of gratitude, Joe reflected on the relationships he had built, the encouragement he had received, and the privilege of serving the congregation. A reception honoring his ministry was held on September 14 following worship.

Throughout the year, the congregation also celebrated the ministries of The Reverend Sharon S. Doar, Minister of Children and Families; The Reverend Mr. Gary Hudson, Pastoral Associate; Dr. Kathryn A. Clark, Director of Early Childhood Ministries; and Tom Holmes, who served as Chair of the Deacons.

Another significant moment came on September 21 when the church ordained Lee Smith to Gospel ministry. Through the laying on of hands, the congregation affirmed both the calling of the whole church and God's specific call on Lee's life.

Nurturing Faith Across Generations 
As always, much of the church's story unfolded through the formation of children, youth, and families.

On Memorial Day Sunday, Rob and Amy Joye Bailey presented their son, William Lee Bailey, for family dedication alongside Dr. Shoemaker. Children gathered for worship experiences throughout the year, including Start-Up Sunday, where Edith Collins, assisted by Kelly and Curt Thurston, Amber Brown, and Mary Alice Lewis, led worship among the youngest members of the congregation.

The Preschool Christmas Reenactment brought the Nativity story to life under the leadership of Cheri Lindblom and Susan Ban, with musical accompaniment by Meredith Lindblom.

Youth also created lasting memories during a retreat to Kanuga, where fifty youth and fifteen adults shared worship, fellowship, laughter, and spiritual growth together.

The congregation's commitment to environmental stewardship continued through the work of the Earthkeepers, whose Earth Day celebration and Children's Garden project encouraged care for creation.

Learning, Reflection, and the Life of the Mind 
Myers Park Baptist continued to demonstrate its longstanding commitment to thoughtful faith and lifelong learning.

The congregation welcomed renowned New Testament scholar Marcus Borg for a weekend exploring "Being Christian in the 21st Century." Building on his previous visit in 1998, Borg invited participants to consider fresh perspectives on Christianity and discipleship in a changing age. 

The church also hosted two major Baptist gatherings during the fall, welcoming participants from both the Alliance of Baptists and the American Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS). These events highlighted Myers Park Baptist's ongoing role as a gathering place for conversation, reflection, and partnership among Baptists. 

Music remained central to congregational life as well. In January, the church joined Temple Beth El and First Baptist Church-West in a Shabbat Service of Unity honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Later that month, the renowned Luther College Nordic Choir, directed by Weston Noble, performed in the sanctuary, enriching the church's worship and cultural life. 

Meanwhile, members of the Fifth Dimension Sunday School Class celebrated the publication of The Devotionals of Tommy Thomason: A Collection of Sunday School Inspirations, preserving the wisdom and encouragement of a beloved teacher for future generations. 

A Church Family Sharing Life Together 
Many of the year's most meaningful moments came through the everyday experiences of community life.

At the Columbarium, Katherine and Alex Plevka shared stories about their grandparents and reflected on the role they played in their grandmother's funeral service, helping others understand the importance of remembering and honoring those who have gone before.

Members continued serving beyond church walls as volunteers led Bible studies at Southminster. Carolyn Geer expressed gratitude to Nancy Allison, Jean Anne Feiler, Louise Shepard, and Dan White for their faithful leadership and support of residents over several years.

These quieter moments often reveal the true heartbeat of a congregation: people caring for one another, sharing wisdom, and strengthening bonds of community.

Looking back, 2003 was a year of opening doors in every sense of the phrase. The dedication of The Cornwell Center symbolized more than the completion of a building project; it reflected a congregation willing to invest in the future while remaining rooted in its deepest values. As Myers Park Baptist celebrated sixty years of faithful witness, welcomed new leadership, expanded its ministries, and strengthened its presence in the wider community, the church demonstrated a spirit of possibility that continues to shape its story. The year stands as a reminder that faithfulness is not only about honoring where we have been, but also about courageously stepping through the doors that open before us.