In an event steeped in gratitude and community spirit, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church will unveil a street sign dedicated to the legacy of Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr. The ceremony, set for March 17, 2024, at 12:45 p.m., marks both a physical and symbolic intersection of faith and public service at the corner of Looney Ave. and Ayers St.
Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr., hails from a venerable family long associated with spiritual guidance and community engagement in Memphis. His father, Rev. O.C. Collins, Sr., left a 47-year legacy of leadership at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, influencing a generation with his stewardship and commitment to outreach.
When fire consumed the church sanctuary in 1990, it was Rev. Collins, Sr.’s resilience that led the congregation to temporary worship at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Center, culminating in a triumphant return to a renovated church home in 1991 .
The Collins family’s contributions are etched in the Memphis community. In 1999, a section of Vance Avenue was named in honor of Rev. O.C. Collins, Sr., a testament to his profound impact. The dedication, attended by local dignitaries including the city mayor and councilmen, was marked by the unveiling of a “Reverend O.C. Collins, Sr. Avenue” sign .
Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.’s dedication is mirrored in his leadership, with a focus on community development initiatives that honor his father’s vision. From infrastructure improvements to support for local ministries and a long-term goal of providing affordable housing, the Collins family continues to foster the well-being of their congregation and neighbors.
As Memphis residents gather to witness the unveiling, the sign will stand not only as a marker on a map but as a beacon of the enduring bond between the church, its leaders, and the community they serve. RSVPs for the event can be directed to Makbean123@gmail.com or 901.489.2653, as the church looks forward to welcoming attendees in celebration of Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.’s service.
The forthcoming street sign is a physical embodiment of the Collins family’s spiritual and communal legacy—a reminder that their journey of faith extends well beyond the walls of their church.
