By Staff
NILES – Monday night marked the opening of a week long celebration for the 128-year-old Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sycamore Street.
The week's festivities began with Niles resident Gerald L. Hayden in concert. Selections included spiritual, popular and show tunes.
A great hit of the evening occurred when Hayden joined forces with Franklin's former First Lady, Vera Pierson, for a lively and amusing rendition of There's a Hole 'n' Bucket, an old folk tune.
Hayden, a member of Conner Mayo AME Church, has been singing all his adult life. His early musical training started in the choirs of churches where his father was pastor. His mother was an accomplished musician in her own right and possessed the perfect pitch it appears she passed on to her talented son.
While in the Air Force Hayden was a member of a military show that toured Europe and was sent by the State Department and Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces in Europe to Morocco to entertain royalty.
Hayden honed his singing style with many other musicians including Claude Thornhill's Orchestra, The Tab Smith Band, the U.S. Air Forces "Tops in Blue Show" and performed on the Steve Allen Show and with the Jerry O'Morrow Orchestra and Billy Price Quintet.
The programs continued Tuesday evening with services conducted by Elder Elijah Thompson of Spiritual Vision Church of God in Christ, Niles.
On Wednesday the Rev. Dr. Coy Brown of Community Baptist Church in Cassopolis appeared and on Thursday, the Rev. Darwin Johnson of Community Church in Covert will add his blessing to the church's celebration. He will be joined by the Union Memorial Male Chorus.
Friday night is youth night at the Franklin AME Church and its pastor, the Rev. Jared L. Graves, Sr., will return to his pulpit.
Festivities conclude with Saturday night's 128th Year Celebration Banquet. Tickets are $25 per couple (described as any two people) and $15 for individuals.