PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Marian Anderson Museum is partnering with the historic Tindley Temple United Methodist church on Broad street for a Black History Month event honoring two very special people in the singer’s life.
Jillian Patricia Pirtle, a National Marian Anderson Scholar artist with the museum, says faith, music and community are at the heart of the pop-up exhibit experience: “Faith Music & Community.”
“They are important because they foster the story of the Black community in Philadelphia,” said Pirtle.
The exhibit examines the lives of Rev. Charles A. Tindley and opera singer Marian Anderson — both connected to Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in Center City.
“The reason why this is so significant is because Marian Anderson’s mother was a lifetime member of the church. And because of that, Marian Anderson had several meaningful concerts there during her lifetime and career in honor of her mother.”
Tindley headed the church during the civil rights movement of the 20th century. Both Anderson and Tindley were integral in the church's involvement in civil rights and in lifting up the Black community.
“It’s a brand-new experience. Philadelphia has never seen it before. An exhibition that features Rev. Charles Tindley and everything he did to build a bridge of faith for the Black community in the 1800s into the 20th century — and Marion Anderson’s significant role with that and her family.”
Pirtle says the one-day event — Sunday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m. — will include recordings and live performances.
On display, visitors will find photos, artifacts and sheet music from Marian Anderson and the church’s historic collections, showcasing the essential roles faith, music and community played in American history.
“These things are a rich part of the story of what makes Black Philadelphia the experience it has been since 1663.”