Published: September 07, 2008 08:25 am            

Pastor says New Albany church helped rid area of drugs, prostitution

Rev. Johnny Knuckles, of Friendship Baptist Church, stood outside his church Saturday afternoon watching as neighbors and congregation members enjoyed the games, pony rides, food, music and more for free.

This was all part of the church’s second-annual Neighborhood Block Party, which was on Shelby Street in the dead end circle.

“We service the needs of the neighborhood and we’re working to revitalize the area,” he said, looking at the crowd.

More than throwing block parties, the church is working to clean up the crime in the area.

“There were drugs right across the street and prostitution going on here,” Knuckles added, pointing to the houses adjacent to the church.

He said church members stood outside as a deterrent and when it still went on, called the police. Now, he said both issues are taken care of.

“That is wonderful,” said Dorothy Lee, who lives in the area and took her grandson to the party. “I never knew that was going on.”

“I think it’s great,” Marc Botts, who lives along Shelby, said of the church’s work. “I think more people should stand up for what’s right.”

“We’ve really, really worked to clean this neighborhood up,” Beth Barton, congregation member, said. “We’ve made a difference and we hope to continue that.”

The church, which opened last year, is already getting ready to expand. Knuckles said the group purchased a building behind the existing one to add more space. He said he hopes to start construction within a month.

Meanwhile, he’s hoping events such as this help the community to see what this church is all about.

Those there Saturday came for different reasons. Many are members, some were checking out the church and others just came to enjoy the festivities.

“It’s nice for the kids to have something fun to go to where the parents don’t have to break their wallets,” Susan Greenwell said as she watched her 5-year-old daughter, Seattle, ride a pony.

“I think it’s awesome, because it has a lot of fun games and stuff and I can ride the horses,” 9-year-old Raven Fulkerson said.

Barton said she is happy to see the changes and the neighborhood residents coming together and enjoying themselves.

“It’s a blessing,” she said, smiling. “We are blessed. We really are blessed.”

        

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