Timmons Hall, in collaboration with the Community Church Collaborative, is spearheading efforts to enhance neighborhood outreach through innovative programs and hospitality services. A key focus is the development of an “evergreen” Passport Book, designed to remain relevant for years by highlighting local events, family programs, and educational opportunities.
The Passport Book
The Passport Book was first introduced by Christine Peoples, Outreach Minister and Education Coordinator for Timmons Hall, during the 2023 Juneteenth City-Wide Celebration. Peoples has worked diligently to ensure the book remains timeless by incorporating QR codes for easy updates. While themed covers may change, the content will continue to emphasize collaborations between churches and community programs throughout June 2025. Future editions will expand to include August and February content.
The book was developed with input from key collaborators, including Megan Buchbinder, Convention and Business Bureau; Rusty Worley, Downtown Springfield Association; Duan Gavel, All Things Diverse; Dr. Algerian Hart, Missouri State University; Kia Isaia, Community Partnership of the Ozarks; and Stephanie Smallwood, Springfield-Greene County Library. These individuals also serve on the Springfield Juneteenth Celebration committee.
The Passport Book aims to increase participation in family programming, church hospitality events, and community gatherings throughout June 2025.
Hospitality Services: Historic Washington Avenue
The Community Church Collaborative leverages Historic Washington Avenue’s rich African American heritage to host “Meet and Greet” assemblies. This location is ideal due to its seating capacity, historical significance, and connection to the African American Heritage Trail. Organized shuttle van services further enhance accessibility for attendees.
Upcoming Event: Train the Trainer Extension
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025, 3:30-4:00 p.m. at Timmons Hall
Host: Lincoln University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
Theme: Community Connections
Soil Health Partner: Springfield Community Gardens
Christine Peoples will kick off the event at the Historic Timmons Hall under the umbrella of the Timmons Hall’s Community Church Collaborative. Community members will join her as part of this initiative.
Neighborhood Outreach Mapping
Timmons Hall’s outreach map highlights hospitality events, family programs, and educational training sites within walking distance of homes, schools, and parks. This mapping effort focuses on former redlined neighborhoods, encouraging collaborative members to “Research, Rethink, and Reimagine” community agency through:
- Hospitality
- Art Immersion
- Nutritional Food Prep
- Repurposing Spaces
- Artifact Restoration
Extension Site Pilot: God’s House of Glory
God’s House of Glory will serve as a neighborhood extension site featuring green spaces for hands-on activities like nutritional food prep workshops, family meals, home economics classes, and summer learning festivals. This initiative reflects the ongoing legacy of neighborhood church cultures. The extension site will be explored in future UniteNews Magazine editions.
Docent Training Workshops: Faith Tabernacle
Faith Tabernacle is a key partner in training docents through virtual workshops led by Bishop Jonas Foote. Using Timmons Hall’s research methods, these workshops equip participants with skills to lead others effectively.
Upcoming Event: Training Intro in Action Series
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: $10 per person (Ages 18+)
Focus: Exploring repurposed buildings and green spaces through the lens of African American family and community history. Collaborators: Springfield Community Gardens & The Community Church Collaborative
Registration Details:
Email: cpeoples@springfieldmo.gov, or call Timmons Hall at 417-983-1171.
Through these initiatives, Timmons Hall continues its mission of fostering education, cultural preservation, and community growth while honoring African American heritage.
The Community Church Collaborative is made of members from Timmons Hall, Faith Tabernacle, Freedom Baptist, Covenant of Grace Christian Center, Deliverance Temple Ministries, Acts of Praise, God House of Glory and Washington Ave Baptist Church.
by Christine Peoples, Outreach Minister and Education Coordinator for Timmons Hall
Photo: From Left to Right: Pastor Chris Grandberry, God’s House of Glory; Pastor Tray Walton, Covenant of Grace Christian Center; Bishop Jones Foote, Faith Tabernacle; Minister Christine Peoples, Timmons Hall; William Martin, Freedom Baptist; Pastor Terrence Tate, Washington Ave Baptist Church; Not pictured are Deliverance Temple Ministries, and Acts of Praise
