Joseph Akins

Unity of Murfreesboro will host a benefit concert featuring performances by local songwriters Rick Bennett, Susan Dickerson and award-winning pianist Joseph Akins.

The concert will help raise funds to keep Unity of Murfreesboro at its current location. The church was founded 15 years ago by Rev. Felicia Searcy. It began as a study group which met on a weekly basis. As it grew it moved to various locations, including a back room in the Hastings bookstore and a strip mall on South Church Street. In 2005 they were able to purchase a building that previously housed an air conditioning company, and through hard work, dedication and support from congregants and the community, created a sanctuary for worship services, a full kitchen, two classrooms and an office.

Unity congregants have also given generously of their time, talents, treasures and the Unity meeting space to support many organizations that work with the local community, such as Habitat for Humanity, Kymari House, the Rutherford County Child Advocacy Center, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), Greenhouse Ministries, the Peace and Justice Art Committee and others. They have also been instrumental in providing opportunities for residents of the Murfreesboro metropolitan area to hear renowned speakers such as Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution, a book that was endorsed by no less than six Nobel Laureates.

According to their current minister, Rev. Shirley Bowman, they are in danger of losing their current home, which would have a great impact on both the congregation and the community. This concert is being held to help to raise funds to prevent this from happening.

Unity of Murfreesboro is located at 130 Cannon St. For tickets or more information, contact Rick Bennett at (615) 904-0456.