Sunday night marked 100 Years of faith and community at the Antioch Baptist Church.
The church is celebrating 100 years of faith in Jesus Christ, service and deep community connections on Youngstown's north side. To mark that historic milestone, it held an anniversary gala celebration at the Byzantine Center.
Pastor Ernest Ellis tells us the church had humble beginnings.
We are remembering the shoulders we stand on," said Ellis. "We are commemorating those people who paved the way for us -- those who started this church 1924 in a little house."
Ellis said, Reverend Alfred Ward helped the church grow as its pastor for 45 years.
Sunday night, members who served the church for 50 years or more were honored.
"I sang in the sunshine choir when I was young," said parishioner Daryl Harvey. "I sing in the gospel choir. I used to be an usher. I got many hats that I wear around Antioch."
Under Reverend Ellis, the church continues to grow through outreach -- helping support agencies that feed the hungry. It also provides spiritual guidance as a cornerstone of support for folks in Youngstown.
Ellis said that they anticipate more of God's work in the community.
"There are so many things that need to be done," he said.