UPDATE (Monday): Photos from the unveiling of the time capsule inside the cornerstone have been added to the bottom of this post.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Madison Avenue Christian Church continues the celebration of its centennial this week and on Sunday, members of the congregation will take a look inside the cornerstone of its building where contents were tucked away a century ago.
A week-long list of events is planned to celebrate 100 years on Madison Avenue. The box inside the cornerstone was filled by the church’s founders in 1912.
“We are a part of Covington’s history and its future,” said Minister Chinna Simon. “Our church family offers so much in the way of community support and friendship to people in need and this is a celebration of the larger community. We are committed to our mission and looking forward to the next 100 years.”
In honor of the church’s centennial, a $200,000 restoration project has just been completed on the four large stained glass windows in the sanctuary. There is a new protective coating on the outside of the windows that protects them and also allows people to see the windows clearly when the lights are on inside.
Prior to the restoration the windows were covered with a milky white protective covering to protect from damage. The unique stained glass windows are among the largest and most unique display of opalescent glass in the area.
Church historian Donn Manker, who has been a member since 1962, is completing a book that details the church’s records and history.
“The legacy of Madison Avenue Christian Church is to preserve, protect and pass on the stories to the next generation,” said Manker. “From its peak in attendance during the 1950’s to the decline in attendance in the 70’s, Madison Avenue Christian Church has survived and remained a vital influence in the community.”
The founders kept a list of the contents inside the cornerstone box, filled on November 9, 1912. Those items include copies of the Kentucky Post and Times Star from November 8, 1912; copies of the Cincinnati Enquirer and Commercial-Tribune of November 9, 1912; copies of the week’s editions of the Christian Evangelist, the Christian Standard, and the Christian Century; a copy of the King James version of the Bible; a photograph of each of the houses of worship used by the two congregations at the time they united in the new building; a sketch of Fourth Street Christian Church and a list of its charter members; a historical sketch of Central Christian Chuch and a list of its charter members; a copy of the telegram accepting the offer on a new lot to build the new church; and several other items.
Those items will go on display at Madison Avenue Christian Church (1530 Madison Avenue) on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. prior to the worship service.
Other events scheduled for the celebration include a gala event at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter in Covington on Friday night, a children’s festival next Saturday in the afternoon at the church parking lot, and a centennial worship service next Sunday.
The church’s impact on the community extends beyond its congregation.
Now in its seventh year, the homeless meal program at MACC has served over 60,000 hot meals with the help of church members and community volunteers. Several local neighborhood groups and churches have pitched in to help feed the poor and provide a nourishing hot meal twice a week, year round.
The church also provides Samaritan car care services, nursing care, flu shots, and personal care items. Church members are responsible for stocking the supplies.
SEE ALSO: Timeline of events over past 100 years at the MACC Click Here
Photo: Refurbished stained glass windows at Madison Avenue Christian Church/provided
