In a unique fusion of art, spirituality, and community activism, the St. John Coltrane Church in San Francisco celebrates jazz legend John Coltrane through a special painting created by Emory Douglas, an esteemed artist known for his ties to the Black Panther Party. The church, founded by Archbishop Franzo King and his wife, Reverend Mother Marina King, aims to secure a permanent home for its vibrant community. To facilitate this goal, a limited edition print of the Coltrane painting is being sold, attracting attention and support from influential personalities, including famous filmmaker Spike Lee.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Divine Connection of Coltrane’s Music and Faith |
| 2) The Search for a Permanent Home |
| 3) A Unique Fundraising Initiative |
| 4) The Legacy of Emory Douglas |
| 5) Community Engagement and Future Aspirations |
The Divine Connection of Coltrane’s Music and Faith
At the Artfunk gallery in San Francisco, a painting of John Coltrane captures the essence of a great musician transcending into the divine. For Archbishop Franzo King, this artwork symbolizes a profound spiritual connection. “When I see this painting, I see God,” he stated, indicating the powerful relationship between Coltrane’s music and personal faith. The music of Coltrane, particularly his album A Love Supreme, does not merely resonate as art but serves as a transformative spiritual experience for the congregation of the St. John Coltrane Church that King co-founded with his wife, Reverend Mother Marina King, in 1969.
The church’s unique blend of jazz and spirituality reflects its foundation on Coltrane’s music, viewed through a lens of reverence and worship. The four parts of A Love Supreme—Acknowledgement, Resolution, Pursuance, and “Psalm”—are integral to the church’s services. Through the music, church members connect with both the rhythm of jazz and the teachings of Christ, fostering a community that embodies love and acceptance.
The Search for a Permanent Home
The St. John Coltrane Church has experienced a nomadic existence over the past fifty years. Currently, services are held every Sunday in the Magic Theater at Fort Mason. Despite the church’s recent location, Archbishop King expresses a yearning for stability. “This church has been like a gypsy movement,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity of finding a permanent space to serve the community. “If you are going to leave something to a generation, you got to at least have somewhere to sit, somewhere to stand, somewhere to be.”
The search for a home is particularly important as the church aims to create a legacy for future generations, providing a physical space dedicated to spiritual and artistic expression. Establishing a permanent location will allow the church not only to anchor its community but also to expand its outreach and impact.
A Unique Fundraising Initiative
To help raise funds for acquiring a permanent location, longtime San Francisco artist and photographer Peter Shaw proposed a compelling initiative. By transforming the original painting of John Coltrane into a limited edition print, the church could generate financial support while simultaneously celebrating Coltrane’s legacy. Shaw has produced a limited edition of just 20 prints, with four artist proofs available, aiming to create unique art that resonates with the community and jazz enthusiasts alike.
This initiative has garnered interest beyond the local community. Notably, filmmaker Spike Lee visited the gallery while in San Francisco, expressing interest in purchasing the original painting. However, the Kings decided against selling the original piece, a representation of their storied heritage and mission. “Spike Lee wanted to buy the original, and we said, ‘No, we are not selling it,'” King shared. This decision reflects the church’s commitment to preserving its history and artistic legacy while being open to further fundraising opportunities.
The Legacy of Emory Douglas
The painting of John Coltrane, crafted by Emory Douglas, holds significant historical value. Douglas, renowned as the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, created the artwork in 1972 when the organization’s movement was at its peak. The painting’s journey to the St. John Coltrane Church was marked by an impactful gift from both Douglas and Huey P. Newton, a co-founder of the Black Panther Party.
Archbishop King articulates the gravity of Douglas’s work, stating, “His art was really, as I knew it, it was about revolution and change.” This sentiment echoes the church’s mission, aiming for social and spiritual transformation through the profound impact of Coltrane’s music. The congregation believes that through music and art, they can inspire change in society and cultivate a spirit of unity among people.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
The sale of the limited edition prints is not merely a fundraising effort; it is a way to engage the community in celebrating jazz and its cultural significance. With Spike Lee being the first to commit to purchasing a copy of the limited-edition prints, interest is expected to grow as stories surrounding the church and its mission spread. Church officials encourage anyone interested to reach out for information about acquiring the prints.
Through this unique collaboration between art, faith, and the jazz community, the St. John Coltrane Church continues to inspire and uplift both its members and those who resonate with the music of Coltrane. The church’s vision is to create a lasting legacy of love, unity, and spiritual growth, ensuring that the teachings and music of John Coltrane live on for generations to come.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The St. John Coltrane Church celebrates jazz as a spiritual journey connecting music and faith. |
| 2 | Archbishop Franzo King expresses the church’s desire to secure a permanent home for its congregation. |
| 3 | A limited edition print fundraiser of a painting by Emory Douglas aims to financially support the church. |
| 4 | Emory Douglas’s painting exemplifies a legacy of artistic and social change from the Black Panther era. |
| 5 | Community engagement is critical as the church continues to inspire and promote the teachings of John Coltrane. |
Summary
The St. John Coltrane Church embodies an intersection of spirituality and the arts, celebrating the transformative power of John Coltrane‘s music. Through innovative fundraising initiatives and community engagement, the church seeks to secure its future and continue spreading its message of love and change. As the congregation prepares to honor their musical heritage, they look forward to establishing a permanent home that reflects their rich history and ongoing commitment to social impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the significance of John Coltrane’s music in the church?
John Coltrane’s music serves as a spiritual foundation for the St. John Coltrane Church, representing themes of love, acceptance, and transformation. The church incorporates his compositions into their services to create a unique worship experience that blends jazz and spirituality.
Question: How can someone purchase a limited edition print of the Coltrane painting?
Interested individuals can contact Peter Shaw, the artist facilitating the sale, via email at [email protected] to inquire about purchasing one of the limited edition prints.
Question: Why does the church seek a permanent location after years of moving?
A permanent location will provide the St. John Coltrane Church with stability, allowing them to establish a lasting community space for worship, education, and social impact, ultimately ensuring the legacy of their mission continues for future generations.
