Deep roots in the civil rights movement has helped extend the reputation of Monumental Baptist Church far beyond Memphis. This week, Monumental celebrates its 50-year anniversary with the theme “Rejoicing, Reminiscing, and Reckoning: 50 Years on a Marvelous Journey.”

Monumental Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Samuel B. Kyles answers questions at the Peabody about the Academy Award nominated HBO documentary: “The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306,” which tracks the day that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

During a banquet that begins at 7 p.m. Friday (Oct. 16) at Hilton Hotel, the church will observe the milestone. Rev. Jesse Jackson, longtime friend of the Monumental’s pastor, Rev. Samuel B. Kyles, will make a special presentation.

Rev. Kyles moved to Memphis from Chicago in 1959 to lead newly formed Monumental Baptist Church. At the time, the membership was 34.

Over the past 50 years, Kyles and many of the Monumental members have been on a mission to bring positive change to the city of Memphis. That quest has often put them at the forefront of change efforts, including integrating schools and city buses, and bringing down the walls of segregation in restaurants, department stores and workplaces.

“I believe that serving God and serving the community go hand in hand,” says Kyles. “You can’t do one without the other. My work to ensure the equal rights of all people regardless of race or social status is simply an extension of my ministry.”

Kyles was an eyewitness to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is the only living witness who was on the balcony and shared the last hour of Dr. King’s life with him. He was featured in the Academy Award nominated HBO documentary: “The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306.” which tells the story of that day.

Community leaders lined up to pay tribute to Kyles and the life of service he and his church membership have led throughout the years, include Rev. Benjamin L.Hooks, Rev. James Netters, Rev. Melvin Charles Smith, Rev. Stacey Spencer, Maxine Smith, Judge Bernice Donald, and Beverly Robertson.

In addition to the banquet, the 50-year anniversary celebration will culminate with special worship services at the church on Sunday, Oct., 25 with Rev. Roger Brown of Mt. Gilead Ministries as the 11 a.m. speaker and Bishop Edward Stephens of Golden Gate Cathedral as guest speaker at 3 p.m.

Monumental is located at 704 South Parkway East.

For more information, call the church at 901-946-2529.