Virtual Memorial Service for the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell

The Rev. Gil Caldwell stands outside of Bryantville United Methodist Church in Pembroke, Mass., with his wife, Grace Caldwell, and two sons in this undated photo. Caldwell served as senior pastor of five predominantly African American churches and four mostly white churches over six decades. Photo courtesy of UMC.org.

From UM News, by Heather Hahn:

The virtual service for the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern time Saturday, September 12. The service will begin with about a 30-minute prelude of videos and music. Speakers will include his family, Bishop Woodie White and the Revs. William “Bobby” McClain, Traci West and Don Messer. Many others will participate in the service in various ways. The service can be watched here.

In lieu of flowers, people can make contributions in the Rev. Gil Caldwell's honor to the Dale Caldwell Foundation, 16 Goodale Circle, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Caldwell’s death follows the passing this year of giants of the civil rights era — the Rev. Joseph Lowery, a United Methodist pastor; as well as the Rev. C.T. Vivian and Rep. John Lewis, both ordained Baptists.

Caldwell remembered the legacy of these fellow leaders in his final email to UM News on July 18. He also expressed his undying hope that the U.S. was moving toward becoming a “multi-racial democracy.”

“As we used to sing in the (Civil Rights) Movement, ‘Ain’t gonna let nobody turn us around,’” he concluded. “Sing it and live it, no matter what. Celebrate your progress, and don’t be imprisoned by your failures.”

Watch video of Caldwell about answering the Rev. Martin Luther King’s call.