The saints sure know how to have church.
But it wasn’t just members of the Church of God in Christ who gathered Monday night, May 16, to kick-off the 95th anniversary year of Chicago’s historic Roberts Temple COGIC.
A multi-denominational service, chaired by Rev. Eric Thomas, Pastor of Greater Harvest Baptist Church, brought together religious leaders such as Rev. Dr. Clay Evans of Fellowship M.B. Church, Dr. Charles G. Hayes of Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer, Bishop Cody V. Marshall, Jurisdictional Bishop of the Northern Illinois District of COGIC, and many others.
Event co-chair Pastor Mack C. Mason and TBGB’s Bob Marovich presented on the church’s history and music, respectively, and gospel music historian Nash Shaffer imitated the legendary Sister Minnie Pearl Roberts’ classic opening announcements to Roberts Temple church broadcasts on WSBC, while the choir sang the church’s theme, “Just Jesus.”
Musicians included gospel music producer Bryant Jones on the Hammond B3.
In addition to musical selections, congregants were treated to a snippet of a documentary work-in-progress about the church and its historic roots, including its role in launching the modern Civil Rights Movement when it held the funeral of Emmett Till, the young Chicagoan brutally murdered in Money, Mississippi in 1955. It was this event that helped earn the church historic status from the city of Chicago.
Four rows of Roberts Family members were present, including Sharon Walker Roberts and her daughter, Sharon Hayes, who helped organize the event, and Lora Branch, who is working on the documentary.
Superintendant Cleven Wardlow, Jr. is Pastor of Roberts Temple COGIC.
Photos by Bob Marovich:
(top) Rev. Dr. Clay Evans happily joins in the choir’s rendition of “It Is No Secret.” Far left: LouDella Evans Reid (in white) and seated below her, COGIC Jurisdictional Bishop Cody V. Marshall. Seated at right and reading the program is Dr. Charles G. Hayes.
(middle) Mother Alva Roberts sings while Pastor DeAndre Patterson (left) and Roberts’ daughter, Sharon Roberts Walker (right), one of the event organizers, listen with delight.
(bottom) Sister Vernon Oliver Price, who is best known for her work with St. Paul COGIC, grew up in Fortieth.
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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I am so proud to say that I was able to attend this great historic event!!! I was very much moved by ALL that went on. God Bless Roberts Temple COGIC and all those who are left to carry on the legacy of Bishop William Roberts!!! May God also bless the Roberts Family, especially those I hold dear as Mother Alva, Sharon, and Sharon, Jr….
I MISSED IT BUT I MISSED HISTORY I LOOK FORWARD TO VIEWING IT ON VIDEO IF POSSIBLE…BUT I KNOW IT WAS NOTHING LIKE BEING THERE…LOVE YOU MOTHER ROBERTS AND SHARON AND SHARON…! VERONICA!
I am proud to say I grew up at Roberts’ Temple COGIC, and am very sorry I missed the event. God bless you, Sister Sharon, for organizing such a wonderfully historic event.
My grandmother had such a great time at the anniversary for 40th, as did her mother. My Great-Grandmother, Camille Roberts, was married in the church. All of her children were baptized there. Such a blessing to know Alva is still going strong, but it’s something about those Robert’s women. They just don’t quit!!!