On March 18, 1951, more than 600 people gathered to walk up North Vancouver from the site of the old church, which was 1914 N. Vancouver Ave., to the present location of the church, 3138 N. Vancouver Ave. Members of the congregation who remember the procession recall people of all ages, dressed in their Sunday best, singing hymns and defying rain as they walked in the street. This year, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the historic 1951 procession, the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church invites the community to join in the festivities.
Making their move: Palm Sunday of 1951 significant in history of Portland’s black congregations from The Oregonian.
Date: Sunday, April 17, 2011
Time: Procession starts at 10am; Worship service begins at 11am.
Where: The procession starts at the Lillis/Albina Park located at North Flint and Russell Streets in North Portland. Following the procession, marchers will gather for the Annual Palm Sunday Worship service that will begin at 11am at the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church located at 3138 N Vancouver Ave, Portland, Oregon.
Food drive: All participants are asked to bring macaroni and cheese or cereal to be donated to the Sunshine Division.
Want to volunteer to help collect food at the event? Volunteers needed from 8am to 12pm on Sunday, April 17. Contact Sara Gourley at 503-823-2116 or sara@sunshinedivision.org.