The roots of Tindley Temple, located on Broad Street in Philadelphia, are steeped in musical history. Its congregation moved there from its original location in 1906 under its pastor, Charles Albert Tindley, whose hymn collections made him a founding father of American Gospel music. Two decades after Tindley’s passing, the church, with a capacity of over 3,000, hosted its first Messiah festival, which highlighted several choirs, soloists and the church's Møller organ - one of two brought to the city by John Wanamaker. The musical tradition has continued ever since, serving as a way of supporting the organ’s upkeep. This year’s event will take place on December 7, with proceeds supporting the creation of the Charles A. Tindley Legacy Preservation Center to honor his legacy, in addition to the organ's maintenance.
A Tempo host Rachel Katz speaks with Tindley's Organ Master and Major Musical Events Coordinator, Rev. Dr. Marcus Simmons, and its Archivist and Historian, Jillian Pirtle, about the concert and the congregation's musical past.