Oldest African-American church in LG turns 112

Davis Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in La Grange, marked its 112th birthday today with special morning services and an afternoon of song and celebration.

Musical performers included pianist Stephanie Travis, liturgical dancer Quincy Williams, the Praise Team from Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Evanston, and vocalist Minister Daniel Garrett, (pictured above at the keyboards). Davis' pastor, the Rev. Debra Williams, (above right), sang a hymn solo, acompanied by Rev. Garrett.

Davis Memorial was organized in 1894 in Hinsdale. The congregation moved to La Grange two years later. In 1916, it acquired the land on E Calendar Ave where the current church is located.

The second oldest black church in La Grange, Second Baptist on Washington Ave, celebrates its 110th birthday next Sunday.

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