(Photo: Alleyne AME Zion Church)
By Reverend Patrick Barrett
ALEXANDRIA,VA- A bastion of hope in the Old Town Alexandria community is turning 70 years old this year. The Alleyne AME Zion Church, located on the corner of King and Peyton streets, is the only African American congregation in the historical district and was established 70 years ago on September 11, 1949.
For 70 years the congregation has been a beacon of light and a place for fellowship, worship, and inspiration for people of all walks of life. Over its history, the church has been active in the community, sponsoring feeding programs, establishing mentoring initiatives, organizing drives for area shelters, and supporting education through scholarships and tech giveaways. Their anniversary theme this year is “A People with a Mind to Work” coming from Nehemiah 4:6, and under the leadership of their new pastor, Rev. Patrick Barrett II, they are striving to do and be just that.
All Invited to Community Day and Homecoming Services
To celebrate this milestone birthday, the church is inviting the entire community to join them for a weekend of events. Festivities will kick-off on Saturday, September 14, 2019, with their Annual Community Day from 12pm to 5pm. Community Day will feature local artists and musical groups, a variety of neighborhood eateries and restaurants, and a host of fun activities for the whole family.
The weekend will conclude with two phenomenal “Homecoming” services on Sunday, September 15, 2019. Former members and friends are also invited to come home and join in the celebration with us. At 11 a.m., the morning preacher will be Presiding Elder Evalina Huggins, a daughter of Alleyne-of the Baltimore District. The afternoon preacher, for the 4 p.m. worship service, will be Alleyne’s Bishop W. Darin Moore, the Presiding Bishop of the Mid Atlantic Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church. All are invited to attend and be blessed by these prolific and powerful preachers.
Souvenir Journal
To commemorate this significant moment, a souvenir journal will be produced to help to mark the 70-year history. Community members, churches, businesses, and other organizations are invited to place an ad in the journal, or a memorial memory of a loved one that has passed. There are multiple ways in which you can support anywhere from partnering with the church as a Platinum Plus Supporter to submitting a business card ad for $25.00 or being listed on the patrons list. However you choose to support, the church would be most grateful.
Please contact the church at 703-548-3888 or [email protected] for more information about the weekend’s events and how you can participate.
