Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix, Arizona announced that it held its annual “Reaching for the Stars” baby photo contest.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Sept. 1, the church said its women's missionary society was proud to announce the first annual baby photo contest.
According to the church’s post, "Reaching for the Stars” involved ages zero up to six years old who competed to win top prizes based on the most funds raised.
The church said the first place will receive $1,000, followed by 2nd place $600, and 3rd place $300.
According to the Tanner Chapel AME Church, the winners come in different categories, which are the cutest grin, best dressed, funniest expression, and greatest posture.
Participants up to age six are welcome to enter the competition, according to the church.
The church said the educational and emotional development program is for children aged four to six.
In order to execute educational, artistic, nutritional, and physical activities with their children, those participants will receive packets of supplies, the church said.
The church said this curriculum has been designed to promote the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of this age group.
Each participant must pay $200 as entry fees, according to the church.
It added that more details will be supplied electronically after registration. On Saturday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. through zoom, participants were encouraged to join for a fun-filled day.
For further details, curious readers can view the Tanner Chapel AME Church's Facebook page.
History of Tanner Chapel AME Church
According to the church's website, Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest African American church in Arizona.
The church said the courthouse records show that in 1886, the property was owned by an African Methodist Episcopal Mission.
The statement went on to say that the organization was started back in the early days when Charles Ward, N. D. Valentine, Laura Valentine, and Sister Bell approached the Reverend H. H. Hawkins with the idea of starting a Christian mission that would promote "family life.”
As the African Methodist Episcopal Mission grew, another plot of land was bought in 1899 at the intersection of Second Street and East Jefferson Street, according to the church. The African Methodist Episcopal Mission was renamed Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church as a tribute to Bishop Benjamin T. Tanner, according to the church.
Women’s Missionary Society
A few years later, Bishop Tanner's wife was honored when Sarah E. Tanner Women's Missionary Society was founded, according to the church.
Later on, the site at Eighth Street and Jefferson Street was bought after the property at Second Street and Jefferson Street was sold, the church said.
The church said Tanner's pastor from 1926 to 1932, Reverend A. H. Hamilton provided the impetus for constructing the current church. In 1929, the "new" Tanner Chapel was finished.
In November 1987, Tanner Chapel celebrated its 100th anniversary under the direction of the Reverend John L. Shaw, it added.
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