Members and friends of Clark Memorial United Methodist Church are celebrating 155 years of ministry.

The celebration began in January of 2020 and will continue until October.

On February 9, the city will be honored with the recognition of a prominent civil rights location, the Clark Memorial United Meth-odist Church, located at 1014 14th Avenue N. on the corner of 14th and Phillips Street.

In the 1960s, Clark Memorial was used as a classroom for Meharry Medical College and Fisk University students. It was a meeting place for those who participated in the ‘sit ins’ and as a place of worship for many doctors, lawyers, professors and teachers in the Nashville community.

“We look forward to welcoming some of the members of the Freedom Riders and other civil rights leaders,” said Marilyn Talbert, Clark historian and chair of the 155th anniversary celebration.

There are several activities and events planned for the eight-month celebration.

“Clark holds a rich history and we hope to share the legacy with the addition of this marker,” according to members of the anniversary committee.

Clark continues its legacy under “a cloud of witnesses” named throughout the church building, the church’s facility and on its grounds.

Clark maintains a plethora of ministries that welcome and continue to support the idea of serving the community through a mission of striving to be an oasis of ‘Hope, Help, Healing and Hospitality.’

“As we reveal the Historical Marker of Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, we look forward to the community sharing in this momentous occasion following the morning worship service on February 9 at 1 pm,” said a church official.

“If you are somehow affiliated with one of the past civil rights organizations that we may’ve missed, please contact us to be included in this celebration.”

For more information, call 615-329-4464.

Clark Memorial is located at 1014 14th Ave. North and is under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Lester, Jr., senior pastor.