One congregation, made up of different denominations, but all believing in one God, came together in Clarksville to celebrate African American churches.
"Since it’s Black History Month, we thought what better way to celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made to our country by celebrating the African American church," said Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan.
Mayor McMillan said African American churches have played a vital role in helping to make Clarksville stronger in helping others in need, and sometimes that help may come by way of song.
"We wanted to come together as a community of churches in this community to celebrate this black history month," said Rev. Jerry Jerkins, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, a retired pastor.
Rev. Jerkins was a pastor for 40 years, and he’s seen what some of the churches have done in his community and what they've endured.
"Our churches were bombed and set on fire, because that was the meeting place where we would discuss how we would handle the problems in our community concerning race," said Rev. Jerkins.
But African American churches are still standing and continuing to hold the Clarksville community together.
"I think it's important in this day and age to show that all of us can come together. Black, white, young, and old, that we can all join together and say let’s have a common purpose," said Mayor McMillan.
