The Galeras Gallery
June 21 – August 18, 2024
This exhibition brings together a rich tapestry of historical artifacts, documents, and narratives to celebrate the centennial of the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, a cornerstone of The City Beautiful. Founded in 1923 as part of George Merrick’s visionary plan for Coral Gables, the church not only honored his father, Solomon Merrick’s dedication to abolitionism and religious freedom but also became a vibrant community hub. Celebrating a Century… highlights the church’s dual role as both a place of worship and a civic center, hosting city government meetings, educational events, and cultural gatherings. Visitors will explore how the church’s inclusive practices echo the progressive ethos of the United Church of Christ, which led historic advancements in social justice, including the first ordinations of African Americans, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals in a Protestant denomination. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, the church continues to embody its founding principles of religious freedom, hospitality, and justice, making it not only a historic site but also a living community dedicated to creating a just world for all.
Las Galerías
21 de junio – 18 de agosto, 2024
En colaboración con la Iglesia Congregacional de Coral Gables- United Church of Christ, y el Departamento de Recursos Históricos y Artes Culturales, Archivos Raul E. Valdés-Fauli de Coral Gables, Ciudad de Coral Gables.
Curaduría / Curatorship: Pastor Laurie Hafner, Michael Maxwell, Raul Hernandez, and Sophia Ramirez-Peralta
Educational Programs / Programas educativos: Gianna Riccardi & Ian Melgarejo
Installation / Instalación: Adrián Menendez, Fabian Peña, and Alejandro Taquechel
Marketing and Communication / Marketing y Comunicación: Maylin Lara
Opening Music by / Música de Inauguración: Community Arts Program, Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
Special thanks to Jude Alexander, Phillip Church, the Coral Gables Merrick House especially Gay Bondurant and Joanna Meagher & the Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department, Raul E. Valdés-Fauli Coral Gables Archives, City of Coral Gables especially Amanda Levasser, Ana Pernas, and Kara Kautz.