Fri 8/25-Sun 8/27
Cleveland’s Antioch Baptist Church at East 89th and Cedar Avenue has a long and storied history. Founded as a house church in 1893, it’s the second oldest Black Baptist Church in Cleveland and one of the area’s largest Black churches. It moved to its current location in 1934.
The Rev Dr. Marvin A. McMickle, who was its pastor from 1987-2011, became a well known community leader, including founding a ministry for people dealing with HIV/AIDS and serving on many community boards and as president of the local NAACP. McMickle, now pastor emeritus, returned in 2020 to serve as its interim pastor after its pastor left for another job, where he bridged the gap until it named the Cleveland-born Rev. Dr. Napoleon J. Harris V as its pastor in October 2022. Harris brings not only youthful energy but a strong background in education as the church celebrates its 130th anniversary.
And celebrate it is, with its 130th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend this week. It kicks off on Friday evening at 5:45pm with a gallery walk of the church archives, followed by a talent showcase at 7pm. Then on Saturday they’ll be throwing a free, family-friendly summer block party in their (very large) parking lot from 1-6pm.Finally come on Sunday for the 11am service feature the Rv. Dr. Harris and music reflecting the church’s long history. It’s followed by a reception. Go here for more information.
Cleveland, OH 44106