Over 25 years ago, the first Christian coffeehouse was held inside churches in College Hill to invite young adults into a living room environment with other Christians to share music, conversation, and entertainment. That tradition of fellowship has continued in homes and church halls through the years. The idea of the Christian coffeehouse now emerges to the streets of College Hill with the opening of a new venue on Hamilton Avenue.
The
new “Rock” coffeehouse is a nondenominational joint venture
of the entire Christian community in College Hill. It is a place for building
relationships with the young adults of College Hill and providing a racially
united Christian venue where popular Christian arts culture can be enjoyed.
Opportunities for music lessons, after-school tutoring, light recreational
activities, and computer training, all in a Christ-centered environment,
are part of the vision for the future.
The idea of churches working together to serve the residents of College Hill was started in the early 70s with the creation of Christ’s Community in College Hill. The tradition continues with “The Rock.”
Our
storefront coffeehouse was test run this summer using the lobby of the
House of Joy worship center. The doors were flung open on Tuesday evenings
and greeters invited people off the street to enjoy white and black Christian
entertainers performing jazz, gospel, contemporary, rap, mime, and dance.
The success of these events has led us to explore the possibility of a
permanent location with continuous operation.
The
venue is a beauty shop located at 5909 Hamilton Avenue across the street
from the House of Joy. Ample parking is located in the rear of the building.
Additionally, streetscape renovations scheduled for the near future will
enhance the appearance of the location.
We closed on the property on November 29, 2001, and hosted our first event there on December 1, 2001. Initially, events will only be held one or two evenings a week with the help of volunteers until a full staff can be developed to support full-time operations.
Full renovation of the coffeehouse is expected to take place in phases as funds become available.
Phase
1 will clean out the space as well as add two handicap-accessible bathrooms;
a simple refreshment station; a basic stage with lighting; four computer
stations; and sofas, tables, and chairs.
Phase 2 will expose the original tin ceiling and wood floors; install a larger drink service area; install permanent stage sound equipment and lighting; and open the adjacent barbershop and basement for recreational activities, music lessons, and meetings.
Funding in Progress
Currently, we are accepting donations and grants from individuals, churches, and organizations. All checks should be made to: Christian Ministries - The Rock.
Bishop O’Neal is donating all the proceeds from his recording, “Communion,” to the construction of “The Rock.” CDs are $12 and tapes are $10.
The completed project with renovations is estimated at $250,000 with a projected completion date of January 2003.
Volunteers
We are actively seeking individuals who would volunteer their time to help organize and develop the operations for the coffeehouse or assist with renovation. Also, we would be blessed to hear from those who can donate equipment or furniture, teach music lessons, or perform. We also need Christians to be present during events to witness to those who come.
Inquiries can be made to Bishop Todd O’Neal at the House of Joy at (513) 541-4600.
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