Gospel fundraiser to restore 1910 AME church

On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen,
and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins,
and rebuild it as in the days of old. (Amos 9:11)

History. Goodwin Memorial AME Zion Church is an African American congregation located at 41 Woodside Avenue in Amherst. The congregation grew out of the Zion Church originally constructed in 1869 with assistance by Amherst College as the first African American community in Amherst. Goodwin is part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, an independent African American denomination founded in 1822.

Restoration needs. The chapel building, which was constructed in 1910 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places, is in need of extensive repairs. The building requires a new oil burner and other immediate repairs totalling $13,000 and additional restoration needs totaling at least another $40,000. The fundraiser will help the congregation meet urgent needs as well as raise matching funds for the more extensive restoration the building needs to continue serving the local African American community for many years to come.

The Interfaith Opportunities Network is holding a fundraising event on Saturday, October 26th. All receipts will go 100% to the restoration fund of Goodwin Church. Many Amherst-area congregations, businesses, and individuals are joining together to support this effort.

Dinner. This event will begin with a harvest dinner prepared by members of Goodwin Church and other area congregations – served from 5-6 pm in the parish hall behind Grace Episcopal Church (16 Spring Street). Orange Tickets are now available at A.J.Hastings and at the Grace Church office (9am-4pm on weekdays) or from the ION representatives in area congregations. Suggested donation is $15-20 for each event but any size donation is welcome!

Concert. The benefit will conclude with a concert down the street at First Church of Amherst 165 Main St, at 7:00 pm. Performers will include

• Goodwin Memorial Choir
• Amherst Area Gospel Choir
• Leverett Community Chorus
• The Gospel Resurrect Choir of Amherst College
• Annie Patterson & Mary Witt
• John Sheldon, and others.

Advance tickets for the concert only are available now, at the door on a “pay as led” basis, or at the ticket locations above for dinner tickets. (No one turned away for lack of funds!)  Note: You must have paper tickets (see above) to come to the dinner.

More information is available by calling Grace Church at (413) 256-6754