The word: Empower; Allen Temple goes outside sanctuary to engage African-Americans

Publisher: The Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio)
By: Karen Vance E
First published: October 07, 2006

'Fight for our church! Fight for our God! Fight for the One who died for you! Fight for our community!"

The pastor's voice resonates in a smooth cadence from the pulpit of the stadium-style, 1,000-seat sanctuary.

It's a pep talk, a coach revving up his team.

That's how the Rev. Mark W. Thompson wrapped up a recent sermon at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Bond Hill. It was part of the church's Unity Sunday celebration, which recognized dedicated work of developing projects to be an even greater influence in the African-American community.

"We will no longer be the pretty church on the corner, we will be the effective church on the corner," said Thompson, who marks his first anniversary Nov. 20 as pastor of historic Allen Temple - founded in 1824 - the first organized black congregation west of the Allegheny Mountains.

Thompson, 52, of Springdale admits he's greedy. Amidst a wealth of diverse community outreach programs, innovative economic development initiatives and its historic and current place in the landscape of Cincinnati, he wants Allen Temple to do more.

"We don't need any more good ideas just sitting on the table. We need them up and walking around and talking," he said to the congregation after a productive brainstorming session of programs - from health fairs and seminars to more aggressive efforts to tackle poverty - the church could add to its roster of outreach.

Allen Temple, located in the former Swifton Commons shopping center and in a worship center and sanctuary built in 2004, already concentrates on education from youth to seniors. Consider it has:

A CyberCenter and College Resource Center for school-age children.

An Excel Club aimed at helping young people go to college.

A Life Management Institute.

Forums on everything from politics to health care.

A senior center complete with computer classes.

It has also played host to the arts, providing a venue for the Cincinnati Opera with the "Opera Goes to Church" initiative and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in the Classical Roots Community Concerts.

"It's a tremendous opportunity to expose the children," said Emma Barnes, who attends with her husband and four children, ages 3-17. "We empower them to bring forth their gifts. My kids want to go to church."

Perhaps its most innovative approach to ministry is the economic development of Bond Hill through the purchase of the former Swifton Commons shopping mall and the purchase of the 60-acre former Huntington Meadows housing complex to redevelop it into 300 single-family homes.

The mall, now known as Jordan Crossing, is home to the church's offices, a branch of Wilberforce University and faith-based ministries. The sanctuary and worship building were built in 2004.

For the housing development - the Village of Daybreak - the church partnered with Tryedstone Baptist Church and the city of Cincinnati to redevelop the property.

"I believe the church should involve itself in all aspects of the lives of its members," said Dr. George C. Hale, chairman of the board of trustees for Allen Temple. "It should be involved in economic development, and certainly the African American community."

Hale, 77, of Avondale has been a member for more than 50 years. He said the church's mission in addressing the needs of African-Americans dates to its founding and work against slavery. Today, the church maintains that commitment to the needs and problems of the local community.

Thompson hopes that Allen Temple's future projects can include senior housing and a safe house for youth.

"I have a deep respect for the elderly, and we want people to live in dignity," he said. "And I have a deep respect for our kids who are being pushed, lied to, cajoled, sexually and physically through violence and drugs. We need to be a positive place for them. To show them that the God of their mothers and fathers is the God who loves them also."

Ultimately, the church is about faith and family.

Four generations of Oneaster Drummer's family have attended the church, including her daughter, Barnes.

"You just have that family-type bonding here. You become a part of their family and they become a part of your family," said Drummer, 66, of Colerain Township. "It encompasses and embraces everyone who comes here."

Thompson wants to keep that at the church's core.

"The Temple should be a place where people come and find a healing station, a place of restoration and a place for empowering, equipping and embracing," he said. "My prayer is that it will be a place truly where people's hopes are realized through God. ... It shouldn't be a kingdom, but a beacon of light."

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