Edgehill United Methodist Church’s 60th Anniversary

1966 - 2026

Group of young people performing music on stage, with a banner that reads 'Love One Another...' in the background, decorated with flowers in front.

Archive: Sunday, July 26 2026

This was a special day of community celebration marking the 60th anniversary of our life together. Since 1966, our scrappy little church has believed in “praying with our feet”—a faith that doesn’t stay still, but moves outward in love, justice, and deep care for our neighbors.

Over the decades, we have worshiped, questioned, grown, and shown up—sometimes boldly, sometimes imperfectly, but always with a commitment to living out the good news in real and tangible ways. From our earliest days to this present moment, we have sought to be a community where all are welcomed, where compassion takes shape in action, and where faith is something we practice together in everyday life.

This anniversary was not just a look back, but a celebration of the people and stories that have shaped us. We reconnected with old friends, met new ones, and gave thanks for the many ways this community has made a difference—in this neighborhood and beyond.

Group of diverse people standing and sitting facing forward at an indoor event, with a large blue banner behind them that reads 'Welcome' and 'Everyone has a place at this table'
A diverse group of people, including children and adults, gathered in a church or community hall, standing behind a table with rocks and textiles. There is a large screen displaying a religious message about giving thanks to the Lord. The group appea
An indoor church or conference hall filled with a large audience of people seated facing a stage where a speaker is standing behind a podium. The room has high ceilings, beige walls, and colorful banners hanging on the sides, including a banner with
A diverse group of people, mostly elderly, standing in a row inside a room with yellow walls and large windows, looking at open hymnals or prayer books.
A white bus with blue stripes parked on a street in front of a house with a gray roof and beige siding. The bus has the words "Edgehill United Methodist Church" on its side and a blue wave symbol near the front.
A smiling woman with dreadlocks sitting on a wooden chair indoors, wearing a striped shirt and glasses hanging from her neck, with a baby in a floral outfit nearby.
A large group of diverse people gathering in a hall for a meal, sitting at tables with food, on a sunny day. The hall has yellow walls, colorful banners, and paintings, with ceiling lights and speakers.
People sitting in an audience in a large room with a yellow wall, listening to a speaker or presentation, with a banner that says "Welcome" and "Everyone has a place at this table" hanging on the wall.
An elderly man with glasses and a green shirt playing a piano.
A man with a beard and mustache standing at a podium, speaking or giving a presentation with a colorful backdrop behind him, decorated with symbols, paintings, or logos, and green curtains on either side.
A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a blue jacket and name tag talking to a person with glasses and dark hair in a busy indoor setting.
A group of people standing in a room, holding sheet music, likely participating in a choir or singing practice session.
Four people are standing on a stage in front of an audience, each holding a microphone. The background features a blue banner with colorful symbols and text, and green curtains. Audience members are seated and facing the stage.
Four people standing on a stage, holding microphones, attending a formal event with an audience. Behind them is a banner with religious symbols and Dove images. The audience, mostly elderly, watches the scene.
Close-up of a woman with dreadlocks wearing a pink and white striped shirt, sitting on a wooden chair, with glasses hanging on her shirt, and a neutral expression as she looks to the side.
A middle-aged woman with dark skin and dreadlocks wearing a purple and white striped shirt, smiling and looking to her left, sitting on a wooden chair against a light green wall. Sunglasses are hanging from her shirt.
Two elderly women and a middle-aged woman hug each other warmly indoors. They appear to be happy and enjoy each other's company in a brightly lit room with curtains and a poster on the wall.
A group of people gathered closely at an indoor event, engaged in a conversation or activity. The scene includes a woman with gray hair and glasses, an elderly man with glasses, a young man with dark hair, and a woman with short gray hair, all appear
A person holding an open songbook with the title 'Study War No More' and musical notation visible, while another person stands nearby.
A diverse group of people, including elderly, middle-aged, and children, standing and sitting, gathered in a room decorated with colorful banners and artwork. Some are holding hands, and several are wearing name tags.
A historic plaque dedicated to Reverend Bill Barnes, featuring a black and gold emblem at the top with a city seal and a tree. The plaque provides biographical information about Reverend Barnes, a civil rights leader and preacher.
A group of people gathered around a table at a social event, with food and drinks on the table. Two women are standing in the background, engaging in conversation. One man is sitting at the table, smiling, while another person leans over talking to h
People embracing in a group hug, smiling and showing affection.
A man with glasses and a gray beard wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt with a guitar, singing or speaking in front of an audience. Behind him is a large banner with religious symbols and the text "poured out for you." The audience is seated at tables,
A man with a beard is holding a slice of cake and appears to be singing or speaking, wearing a colorful striped stole around his neck. Other people are gathered around, some wearing tie-dye shirts, and there is a large screen in the background with t
A group of diverse people standing together at a church event, some wearing colorful tie-dye shirts with the church's name, in front of a large screen displaying a religious quote. The setting appears to be a church hall with a table in the foregroun
Group of diverse people standing together indoors, holding hands, in a prayer circle during an event.
A diverse group of people gathered in a church or community hall for a service or event. The room is decorated with colorful banners with symbols of peace, shalom, and various animals around a globe. People are standing, some with hands raised or cla
Two women are looking at their phones, surrounded by a crowd. One woman has long dark hair and a septum piercing, smiling, while the other has curly hair and is wearing glasses.
Group of women, some with glasses, standing in a room with yellow walls and large windows, attending an event.
Two women in a crowded room looking at a brochure or program, engaging in conversation. The woman on the left has short, light-colored hair, glasses, and a purple striped shirt. The woman on the right has short gray hair, glasses, and a shirt with an
Two women hugging at an indoor gathering, one with red hair wearing a striped shirt and the other with gray hair and glasses wearing a white top.
Exterior of Edgehill United Methodist Church with rainbow pride flags hanging across windows and a red flame symbol.
A woman with long dark hair, wearing earrings and tattoos on her arms, stands at a podium with a microphone, speaking. Behind her, there is a colorful banner with religious symbols, a cross, and a Bible open on a green table. The setting appears to b
Close-up of an older woman with long, gray, curly hair smiling outdoors in front of a yellow house with green surroundings.
Two smiling elderly women with gray hair, one wearing glasses on her head, standing outdoors in front of a green, leafy background.
A man with a beard and a child with red hair are sitting at a wooden lectern during a ceremony. The man is wearing an autism awareness rainbow scarf and is speaking, while the child is sitting on his lap, looking forward. Behind them is a green curta
A large group of people sitting at tables in a banquet hall, enjoying a meal and socializing. The walls have welcoming signs and colorful banners; the atmosphere appears cheerful and lively.
Group of diverse people hugging and smiling at an indoor event.

Edgehill Historic Photo Slideshow

The Princely Players

A group of people, including children and adults, gathered in a room with a wooden background, posing for a photograph.

We were thrilled to host the Princely Players at our 60th Anniversary celebration at Edgehill! For close to sixty years, this talented group has presented through song the history of struggle and resilience of African Americans in this country. The group was founded in 1967 by Cameron High School (formerly on 1st Avenue near Lafayette) teacher, H. German Wilson, when the members were students there. Founding Edgehill pastor Bill Barnes was a strong supporter of their message of liberation which inspired so many in the Edgehill neighborhood in the late Sixties and nationally in the decades since. Through the Princely Players, many young people found their voice -- members of the group as well as listeners! The Players have performed at Edgehill UMC many times through the years.

Special Edition Hatch Show Print

A poster commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1966 to 2026. It features yellow and orange colors with large red text.

We commissioned a special, limited-edition print from Hatch Show Print to commemorate our 60th anniversary. The phrase “Resisting evil, injustice, and oppression” is taken from our United Methodist baptismal vows. We hope this commemorative print will be a meaningful reminder of this special celebration, Edgehill’s history, and impact.