Library: Archives & Special Collections: St. John Baptist Church

Descriptive Summary

About St. John Baptist Church:
The St. John Baptist Church is located at 184 Goodell Street at the corner of Michigan Avenue in downtown Buffalo, New York. The Church and its developments sit in the pinnacle of the Buffalo Medical Corridor which houses Western New York's major medical facilities. Our 45 acre campus which houses our 1200-seat sanctuary and administrative offices, corporations, housing units, and parking facilities, is a unique addition to the City of Buffalo's industrial landscape.

The St John Baptist Church has Membership in the Following organizations:
The Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc, The American Baptist Convention Inc, Baptist Ministers Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity, The Visiting Ushers Association of Buffalo and Vicinity.

Materials:

"Yielding to the Spirit" DVD (available on YouTube and on CD)
This documentary takes a special look at the history of the St. John Baptist Church, from its humble beginnings inside a storefront to becoming a prominent church within the city of Buffalo, New York. The story of this historic church is told through archival photos and film footage as well as personal interviews. Reflections of the first 2 ministers, Rev. Burnie C. McCarley and Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith, Sr are also shared within the video.

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The St. John Baptist Church Website

Andrew Brown Choral Arts Collection [c. 1968-1991] A tenor soloist at St. John Baptist Church, Andrew Brown (1929-1977) became the church's minister of music in 1955. There, he organized a hundred-voice choir and personally established concert series as well as composing popular and renowned spiritual songs such as "My Prayer to Thee," "In Jesus' Name," "Come and Go with Me to My Father's House" and "Lord, Lord." A native of Buffalo, NY, Brown was also involved locally and elsewhere in organizing, establishing and conducting church choirs while promoting his love of gospel music. Installed as an instructor of music at Buffalo State College (then State University College at Buffalo), Brown became the director of the Pilot Musical Experiment Program in Gospel Music in 1967. Due to the program's success, it was instituted into the College's curriculum the following year. He directed the annual "Gospel Festival Comes to College" and remained active in teaching and community groups until his death in 1977. In 1978, a Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Andrew Brown, the first director of Buffalo State College All-College Choir, by Dr. Joseph Wincenc, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus, of the Buffalo State College Performing Arts Department. Since 1978, scholarships and awards have been given annually to outstanding students who participate in Choral Arts at Buffalo State. With encouragement and support from Dr. Joseph Wincenc and Miss Rosalie Turton, former director of the Buffalo State Alumni Association, an Andrew Brown Chapter was established in 1987 by Reather Walker Diamond (BSC '76), coordinator of the Buffalo State All-College Gospel Choir, 1973-1982. The main object of this Chapter is to provide educational enrichment and assistance for people who have little or no background in music or singing. The Chapter's future goal is to maintain an Archives and Music Library to preserve the tradition, legacy, and ideals of African-American Choral Arts directors and accompanists in the educational process of learning, searching, and serving mankind.

Archives & Special Collections: St. John Baptist Church

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