News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

aretha-mural-thumb_article_image.jpg
The New Bethel Mural Project
Entertainment

Aretha Franklin's home church raises money for mural of her

by Cara Bentley

New Bethel Baptist Church, where Aretha Franklin's father, Rev C.L. Franklin was the pastor from 1946-79, is now raising money to have a piece of artwork featuring Aretha and her father painted on one of the church's outside walls.

It's estimated to cost $375,000 if the wall is going to be preserved.

Rev C.L. Franklin is a noteworthy figure aside from his daughter's fame in the music industry.

He was a keynote speaker, invited by Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights 'Detroit Walk to Freedom' march in 1963 and a famous gospel preacher, broadcasting sermons every Sunday on a radio station.

The 'Queen of Soul' recorded her first album at the church and many concerts were held there throughout her upbringing and career.

The Baptist minister, Rev Jesse Jackson, announced on Tuesday in a press conference (below) that the church planned to make this tribute.

"To have on the side of this building this mural with Reverend C.L. Franklin and Aretha is entirely appropriate," Rev. Jackson said.

Next to him was a smaller version of what the mural would look like - with a profile of Rev Franklin on the left and Aretha Franklin on the right and the church behind them inbetween.

The current pastor of New Bethel Baptist church, Rev Robert Smith, said: "The wall is going to have to be treated in such a way that it doesn't fall apart."

On the second day of their GoFundMe page they only had $120 of the $375,000.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate