Poll:
How many friends do you have of another race?
(WHAS11) - August 23rd was the day history was made in Shively.
Two churches merged to become one in the eyes of the lord.
Pastor Mark Payton welcomed parishioners to the historic first service.
A white church and a black church were ready to overcome their differences and celebrate their likenesses, celebrating what they have in common: Jesus.
They surrendered labels to strike a new harmony, reaching out across the aisle to bridge the gap of a racial divide.
Dr. Lincoln Bingham says they don’t want to be known as a black church or a white church, just a church.
The two churches had both been seeing dwindling congregation numbers. The merger was motivated in part by money but inspired by a long time friendship between the pastors; Mark Payton and Dr. Lincoln Bingham, who will share the pulpit.
Nearly 600 people filled the pews and balcony ready to see if this was a match made in heaven. For 87-year-old Mary Peterson, who has seen her share of racial conflict, it's a day she's longed for.
Some parishioners weren't overjoyed and left. Others, like long time member Peggy Lawrence, were ready to give it a try. Everyone agrees it will be a test of faith that plays out over time.
Several Sundays later, our WHAS11’s cameras were back, and so was a good crowd, not standing room only but about 300 parishioners.
Many were faces we saw on that first day, and now several weeks later, people like Wallace Murrell.
And remember Peggy Lawrence who had reservations? Well, she doesn’t anymore.
It’s the celebratory worship style she’s come to love. Any fears of differences in worship style have been laid to rest.
This congregation will tell you, they worship with all of God’s people, and looking at a rainbow is more satisfying than a world in black and white.
