In 1967, Rev. William Brown started Trinity Christian Community in response to the organized church leaving the city. At a time when race relations were at their worst, Rev. Brown recognized that opportunities for African American, at-risk youth were largely non-existent. He mobilized the church, recruiting volunteers to assist the efforts and created unique programs for our city’s youth. He began with a community center on Erato Street, called the Upper Room. It functioned as a “drop-in” center with activities for youth, a coffee house, a day camp, a training institute, a counseling office, a network for churches to respond to the needs of the poor and more. Because there were few resources for the same youth during the summers, Rev. Brown organized day camps, summer camping programs, educational and literacy programs, youth clubs, even a food bank.

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