The Truth Staff
Braden United Methodist Church held its 117th Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, October 12, and the congregation honored the special occasion to the theme of “Though we are MANY, yet we are ONE.” – Romans 12: 1-8.
Sunday’s Order of Service began with a gathering of the congregation at 10 a.m., followed by a procession to music and the rhythms of Don Lynn, an open hymn by the congregation and the welcome be Pastor Rev. Ernest P. Ologo.
Over the past 117 years, Braden UMC has seen more than a few changes – locations and pastors.
The church, which once sat at the corner of Lawrence and Woodruff, was in the center of the city, surrounded by families young and old, with varying professions and diverse in age. In its prime, youth filled this space, roaming through the halls, up and down the stairways-in and throughout the classrooms for any number of activities including Vacation Bible School, The Toledo Ecumenical Youth Council, or even the youth choir.
“New Braden” has now been located within the Reynolds Corner area since 2009 and sits next door to the Inverness Club where an annual Independence Day celebration is held, as the church hosts a community picnic complete with food and games.
Braden’s first pastor was Rev. George Chin who served the congregation from 1908 to 1918. Recent pastors have included Rev. Albert Redd (1966 – 1986); Rev. William Davis (1986 – 1996); Rev. Roland Moore (1996- 2004); Rev. Donnetta Peaks (interim 2005); Rev. Wynston Dixon (2005 – 2018); Rev. Cecil Fitzgerald Thompson (2018- 2023)
Through the years, although Braden has seen many changes, having had two previous locations in Toledo as well as a number of pastors who have served the congregation, the church recently entered a new season.
Pastor Ologo began his service with the church in 2024, following the leadership of his predecessor, Rev. Cecil J. Fitzgerald Thompson, who was also present for the 117th celebration.
Marie Bush, PhD, acknowledged the visitors and guests, led a scripture reading and introduced the morning speaker, Rev. Damon Horton, pastor of Corinth Baptist Church here in Toledo. Horton pastors Corinth Baptist alongside his wife, Marquisa Horton. He has served in the ministry for 20 years, was ordained in 2016 and elevated to Elder in 2017.
In addition, Horton serves as vice president/program director of Pathway for Successful Leadership and is a parent liaison at Imagine Madison School for the Arts.
After Horton’s sermon, the congregation presented an offering and Pastor Ologo made the closing remarks, followed by a benediction by Rev. William Davis.
The congregation was treated to a luncheon in the Wynston Dixon Fellowship Hall following service.
