In 1987, Myers Park Baptist Church found itself building bridges in every direction. Some stretched across continents as members traveled to the Soviet Union during the final years of the Cold War. Others connected generations through retirement celebrations, the ordination of new leaders, and investments in ministries that would nurture children and families for years to come. Through music, hospitality, service, and friendship, the congregation demonstrated that some of the most important bridges are not made of steel or stone, but of relationships. As old chapters gracefully closed and new ones began, the church offered a compelling witness to a faith that seeks understanding, welcomes strangers, and prepares the way for future generations.

Bridges for Peace: Building Understanding Across Divides
In a historic and remarkable witness to peace and global friendship, Myers Park Baptist Church joined six other North Carolina congregations in participating in Bridges for Peace, a citizen exchange program between the United States and Russia. Announced by Dale Mullennix, the initiative invited two church members to represent the congregation as part of a fourteen-member North Carolina delegation traveling to the USSR. Hosted by the Soviet Peace Committee, participants toured schools, hospitals, factories, and cultural institutions before concluding their journey with a conference on "Citizen Diplomacy" at a Soviet university. Later that year, a Soviet delegation visited Charlotte, where church members opened their homes and hearts in hospitality. Tours were given and their stay concluded with a conference similar to the one held in the U.S.S.R. Thanks to the generosity of the church's Endowment Committee, financial barriers were removed for participants. The program reflected the congregation's conviction that peace is nurtured through relationship, learning, dialogue, and recognition of our shared humanity.

Honoring Faithful Servants
The church gathered in gratitude to recognize two beloved staff members upon their retirement. A fellowship reception honored Lauretta B. Short, while a separate celebration in the Great Hall (now Heaton Hall) recognized James A. Berry. These occasions provided opportunities for members to express appreciation, affection, and prayers for two individuals whose faithful service had enriched the congregation's life for many years.

A Musical Legacy: James Berry's Farewell Performance
As part of his retirement celebration, James A. Berry offered a final major musical gift to the congregation and the wider Charlotte community through a performance of Felix Mendelssohn's Elijah on May 24. Supported by the Endowment Committee, the presentation featured the Chancel Choir, orchestra, organist Anita Tritt, and distinguished soloists Diane Triplett-Biser of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Frances Avera of Houston, Texas; Todd Geer of Rochester, New York; and Neal Schwantes of Umkirch, West Germany, in the title role. Conducted by Berry, the performance was dedicated to the memory of Betty Jo Gilley and stood as a testament to his enduring influence on the church's musical ministry. Through worship, artistry, and community, the evening celebrated both a remarkable musical career and the power of sacred music to inspire faith.

Celebrating the Ministry of Dr. Dick Sutton
As Dr. Dick Sutton prepared to begin a new chapter in ministry, the congregation marked his departure with a reception and time of reflection following worship on August 23. Members gathered to offer affirmation, gratitude, and blessings for his ministry among them, honoring the relationships and shared work that had shaped the church's journey.

Welcoming a New Minister of Music
The congregation celebrated the installation of Noel Lovelace as Minister of Music on September 13. Lovelace came from Appalachian State University, where he served as Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music. Pursuing a Doctor of Music degree at Indiana University, where he had previously earned his master's degree, Lovelace brought decades of church music leadership in North Carolina and Florida. He and his wife, Marion Lovelace, and their son, Marc, joined the church family as he began this new chapter of ministry.

Investing in Children and Families: A New Nursery
One of the year's most joyful milestones was the completion of a spacious new nursery facility. Church members expressed amazement at its size, openness and capacity to support the congregation's ministry with children. The project reflected the generosity of many who contributed time, talent, and financial resources. A congregational open house celebrated this achievement and reaffirmed the church's commitment to nurturing young children and supporting families in faith.

Ordination of James C. "Jay" Leach
On March 29, the congregation celebrated the ordination of James C. "Jay" Leach during morning worship. The service was led by Dr. Bill Leonard, Professor of Church History at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and marked an important moment in Leach's vocational journey. Following worship, members gathered for a reception, offering prayers, encouragement, and support as he entered ordained ministry. The occasion reflected the church's longstanding commitment to nurturing and sending forth leaders for service in God's world.

Looking back, 1987 stands as a year defined by connection. It was a year when church members crossed political and cultural divides in pursuit of peace, honored the faithful servants who had shaped their common life, welcomed new leadership with hope, and invested in the spiritual formation of future generations. Whether through international friendships, sacred music, ordained ministry, or the laughter of children filling a new nursery, Myers Park Baptist Church continued to live out its calling as a community of welcome and witness. The bridges built that year—between people, generations, and nations—became enduring reminders that God's work often advances one relationship at a time.