By Samuel KnoxThe 10th Annual Unity on Division St. celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.at 1900 W. Nichols St. in Nichols Park. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public.Event organizer Steve Williams says this year’s theme is: “Uniting all people under the direction of the Holy Spirit.”A Vision for UnityWilliams shared a bit of local history behind the name “Division Street.” In the 1800s, the St. Louis-San Francisco Line constructed its railroad through an area north of Springfield instead of through Springfield itself, establishing a new city known then as Moon City. Its main thoroughfare was Commercial Street, and its southern border met Springfield at Division Street—so named because it marked the division between the two cities.In 1887, Springfield and North Springfield voted to unite under the single name of Springfield. At that time, the mayor suggested renaming Division Street to Union Street as a symbol of togetherness. Although that change never happened, Williams hopes to revive the idea—this time with a new name: Unity Street.“The whole idea of doing that was already an idea a long time ago,” Williams explained. “My goal is to find a way we can change that street name to Unity. I’ve run across a few snags—one thing is money. Business owners would have to change their addresses, and that’s an expense. But we’re going to put a committee together to address those issues and raise money so that when this is proposed, we’ve already taken care of any barriers.”Williams says the committee plans to talk with business owners and community members to ensure the change would not come at a cost to them.“If we can propose this change and show that they won’t have any expense to change their address from Division to Unity, then hopefully it’s going to go through,” he said. “I feel that’s going to happen in the future.”A Day of CelebrationThe event will feature children’s activities, games, prizes, food, fellowship, and fun, as well as live music and words of encouragement from local ministers. Guests are encouraged to bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for seating.Agenda highlights include:
- Greeting by City Officials
- Prayer for first responders — including Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Police Department, State Highway Patrol, Game Wardens, and Conservation Officers — followed by a presentation of certificates of appreciation
- Foot Washing Ceremony
- Five Principles presented by five local pastors
- Altar Call
- Free lunch served
- Gospel music performances from various praise teams
“The whole purpose is to bring people together,” Williams said. “Bring people face to face, so God can bring them heart to heart.”
