Most people would say that DAPC started in 1874 and they would be right, in a sense. They might state that world-renowned architect Cass Gilbert designed the building and that would be correct. They might say that DAPC has been in the same neighborhood location for over 100 years and that is also correct.
Dr. Maurice Edwards, 1st pastor. Founding
leader of Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The real, important history of the church started
in the 1960's, when the DAPC congregation made a conscious decision to
adopt the vision of the 'Rainbow Coalition'. This slogan came from
Rev. Jesse Jackson, that all people were related and needed to work
together. In 1969, Pastor Harry Maghakian led the community, founding People Incorporated.
Pastor Harry Maghakian
In 1975, Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church hired Rev. Tyrone Burkett, an African-American, as its sole pastor for a predominantly Caucasian congregation. The list of social causes and programs started, supported and continued by DAPC is long and varied.
Rev. Tyrone Burkett
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Dayton Avenue Participation:
Liberty Plaza a low-income housing development of 175 units was started and
funded by DAPC.
Fare Share
food program
Loft Teen Center
WICDayton Avenue free Clothing Center
DAPC supports:
- Workers Interfaith Network
- St. Paul Area Council of Churches
- Free Clothing Center
- Bill's Pantry food shelf (for HIV patients and their families)
- Community of Peace Academy,
And is proud to share its building with: - House of God, a Hmong congregation,
- Many Twelve-Step Groups,
- Area of Hope
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