Idlewild Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Idlewild Presbyterian Church
|
|
 |
|
| Location | 1750 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Area | 2.2 acres (0.89 ha) |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Memphis MPSMemphis MPSMemphis MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000539 |
| Added to NRHP | July 7, 2009 |
Idlewild Presbyterian Church is a historic church located in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee. It is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has a long history of serving its community.
Contents
A Look at Idlewild's History
Idlewild Presbyterian Church was started in 1891. Over the years, it became a very important church in Memphis. The church moved into its current building in 1928.
Standing Up for Fairness
During the Civil Rights Movement, Idlewild was special. It was one of the few churches in Memphis that welcomed people of all races to worship together. After the death of Martin Luther King Jr., Idlewild helped create the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA). This group helps over 50,000 people in West Tennessee every year.
Welcoming Everyone
Idlewild has always been a church that believes in including everyone. In 1968, it allowed women to become deacons for the first time. By 1974, a woman was serving as an associate minister. Today, many of the ministers at Idlewild are women. The church is also known for being welcoming to all people.
A Recognized Landmark
In 2009, the church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historic site.
Helping the Community Today
Idlewild continues its tradition of helping others. It works with local schools and has a project called "More Than a Meal." The church also partners with groups that work for social justice in Memphis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Idlewild helped families in need by serving as a mobile food bank.
Steve Montgomery was the pastor from 2000 until 2019. After a short time with pastor Anne Apple, David Powers became the new pastor in late 2020.
The Church Building
Idlewild's beautiful church building was designed by George Awsumb. It is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style looks a bit like old European cathedrals. The building is similar to the nearby Rhodes College, which is also in Memphis.
The Bell Tower
The church's tall bell tower was finished in 1999. The bells inside are very heavy, weighing almost 27,000 pounds! Other buildings nearby have been designed to fit in with Idlewild's grand architecture.
More to Explore
- Presbyterian Church (USA)
- List of Presbyterian churches in the United States
- Memphis, Tennessee
