12.20.2008 9:47 am
Live at the Apollo…Jesus Christ!
Special to the Post-Dispatch
Waiting in line for the Apollo's first worship service. (Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times)
The House that James Brown built has had a new first. It hosted its first worship service: “Harlem Hallelujah.”
The event was led by the prominent New York City minister, Rev. Dr. Suzan D. Johnson Cook (known as “Dr. Sujay”), pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. It packed the house. And it is the first in a series of worship services at the hallowed Harlem landmark.
I’ve been wondering how (or if) something like this would translate in St. Louis. Where would it be held? The Fox? Who would have the civic gravitas to take the lead on it? Could it cross racial/demographic/denominational lines? Would it pack the house?
Travis Scholl, 35, is managing editor of theological publications at Concordia Seminary. A graduate of Yale Divinity School (MDiv), he is an ordained Lutheran minister. Despite some time away, he and his wife are native St. Louisans, as is the child they are now raising. 
I moved from St. Louis in 1977. At that time the city on a scale from 1-10, was raked at 2 when it came to race. I have returned many times to visit my friends and relatives and not much has changed. I am a white male.
Yes, it most certainly can work here! I serve on the Dred Scott Foundation committee in St. Louis. The group crosses all demographic lines. This can happen, count me and a group of black LDS and others to join any effort in this area.
Perhaps contributors to this blog might bring community leaders together for this activity.
Let me know if you or others are serious about doing something like this.
Thanks for sharing!
Dana