ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 This Black History Month, the spotlight is on a landmark of faith, resilience, and social change in Orlando. <\/p>\n
For 130 years, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist has served as a cornerstone of the African American community, guiding generations through worship, service, and civic engagement.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1896, the church was rebuilt at its current site in 1963 and has worshiped in its present sanctuary since 1990. <\/p>\n
It is one of the oldest historically Black congregations in Central Florida. <\/p>\n
Members such as Ms. Loraine Harris and Mr. Ernest Boyd have been part of the church community for 7 decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe church made an impact, I think, through its members,\u201d Harris reflected on the church\u2019s enduring impact. \u201cThe members are the church.\u201d<\/p>\n
Throughout its history, the church has been more than a place of worship. It has been a refuge and a sounding board at times when Black voices were often silenced. <\/p>\n
That role became especially prominent during the Civil Rights Movement, led in large part by Father Nelson W. Pinder.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s was non-violent,\u201d Boyd recalled, describing the church\u2019s participation in peaceful protests and activism. \u201cYou had to maintain your cool, but our church was totally involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beginning in 1959, Father Pinder became one of Orlando\u2019s first full-time Black Episcopal priests and emerged as a key figure in the city\u2019s push for equality. <\/p>\n
He was known as the \u201cStreet Priest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026Because he was always out in the street trying to get people involved,\u201d said Boyd.<\/p>\n
Pinder organized peaceful sit-ins and worked directly with city leaders to guide Orlando through desegregation with fewer violent clashes than seen in other cities.<\/p>\n
Harris added, \u201cOrlando never had some of the turmoil that other cities had, because members of the church, both black and white, were involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the church celebrates its milestone anniversary, its mission remains strong. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t feel like God brought us 130 years and is going to leave us now,\u201d said Boyd. \u201cI do feel that we will survive and we\u2019re going to be a beacon in this community.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a beginning for us,\u201d said Harris. \u201cWe\u2019ve been through all kinds of struggle, but I feel like it\u2019s not the end. There\u2019s more to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
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