The youth of Southern Pines will soon be invited to an after school program with support and tutoring by retired teachers as well as the opportunity to learn music composition from the Rev. Dr. Paul Murphy if we can help fund the completion of the remaining construction items to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy.
The Trinity Community Outreach Center is a multipurpose 4000+ sf building owned by and situated behind the Trinity AME Zion church located 972 at W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Anita Emery, past President of the Mid Carolina Regional Association of Realtors joins Dr. Paul Murphy, Mr. Carlton Bacon & Joyce Jackson to discuss this project and upcoming fundraiser.
The top 3 reasons this effort merits your support:
- Even though the church has few young members when youth centered programs have been offered 100+ young people turn out, many of whom live within walking distance.
- We have confidence in the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Paul Murphy, Pastor of Trinity AME Zion church and his vision for the young people of this community.
- We have met with the membership of this church, a large percentage of whom are retired teachers who are committed to reaching out to the local community.
Please plan to attend an evening of music in Owens Auditorium at the Sandhills Community College on August 26th at 7:00 PM with a Silent Auction to benefit the TCOC beginning at 6:15. Tickets may be purchased at the Country Bookshop (140 NW Broad St, Southern Pines) or the Mid Carolina Regional Association of REALTORSR (140 Turner St, Southern Pines)
Here are the sponsorship options:
- $2,500 – Full page program Ad, Business Name featured on an exclusive Board
in the reception area, 8 tickets and Recognition from the stage - $1,000 – Full page program Ad, 4 Tickets
- $500 – Half page Ad, 2 Tickets
- $100 – Name on program Donor list, 1 Ticket
Gifts In Kind will be noted in the program
Outright gifts may be made payable to:
Trinity Community Outreach Center or TCOC
Rev. Dr. Paul Murphy is originally from Moore County. Paul had been a music teacher in the Moore County schools and approximately 20 years ago was called to Christian ministry within the AME Zion church. A little over two years ago he was sent from a church in Laurinburg to pastor the Trinity AME Zion church on West Pennsylvania Ave in Southern Pines. This ironically, is the church he grew up in and so is a “homecoming” of sorts for him.
Paul’s family were mostly Educators, his dad, Robert (Bob) Murphy besides being an Educator was a pianist who performed for many years at the Carolina Hotel.
Paul, carries on his tradition not only at the Hotel, but with his bassist, Dr. Larry Arnold, Professor of music at UNC Pembroke and drummer, Gary Robinson who is Paul’s nephew.
The Paul Murphy family includes his wife Sharon and their five children. Their daughter, Anna Murphy, is a vocalist who performs songs from the Great American Songbook as well as Portuguese jazz classics. The two older sons, Drake and Trent are very active and successful in music composition and production. The youngest son, Greene Murphy, is a vocal recording Artist currently being pursued by Disney. Sharon Murphy, a teacher in the Moore County schools, is also a vocalist who especially enjoys performing sacred music.
Needless to say they are an enormously talented family who are willing to give of their time and talent to support the Trinity Community Outreach Center, the vision for which is to complete the remaining construction items to obtain the certificate of occupancy and to begin to reach out to the local community, especially the youth.
Trinity church has a high percentage of retired teachers in its membership who are eager to begin an after school program which will provide a safe after school place for young people to complete their homework with the help of experienced teachers when needed. Paul has a vision to teach music composition to the youth and to one day develop a recording studio where they can learn music production. Another member of the church is certified to provide Drug & Alcohol awareness. Eventually, the hope is to furnish the commercial kitchen facility within the center to allow for revenue producing functions when it’s not being used for community outreach.
Paul’s vision is to focus on Education and the Arts. Apparently, a high percentage of the church membership is comprised of retired teachers who are willing and eager to provide an After-school program helping with homework and tutoring wherever needed. Paul himself will begin with teaching music composition, bringing in Guest Lecturers and eventually creating a Chamber Music Orchestra. Other Art forms such as dance, music production, film making and theater may be incorporated over time. Another member of the church who is willing to serve is certified to provide Drug & Alcohol prevention education and counseling.
The reason that we felt compelled to respond and to involve our Association is that when Trinity church holds a program foryouth, even though they have few young members, the turnout is over 100 students, many of whom live within walking
distance and who do not have transportation to places like the Boys & Girls Club.
Paul, his wife and the members of Trinity AME Zion church have the heart and the skills to provide something meaningful for “at risk” youth in this area. If we can complete the building and help them get started I believe that the good they provide
will open many pathways to working with the young people of our area who are most in need.
All proceeds from the Silent Auction and Sponsorships will be dedicated to the TCOC for which a special account has been established at First Citizens Bank
Tickets are being sold at the Country Bookshop and at the Mid Carolina Regional Association of REALTORSR office, ticket sales will benefit Trinity AME Zion Church.
Click here for sponsorship information.
