DAVIDSON

Edgehill renames street, honors late Rev. Curtis Goodwin

Jen Todd
jtodd1@tennessean.com
Horton Avenue in front of Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church has been renamed Rev. Curtis W. Goodwin, Sr. Way in honor of the late pastor.

A stretch of road in Edgehill has been renamed after an activist for the neighborhood, Rev. Curtis W. Goodwin Sr., late pastor of Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

"He was the Moses of the South Nashville community," said church administrator Rev. Margreat Smithson during a prayer Sunday at the dedication ceremony.

On Sunday, church members and Metro Councilman Colby Sledge dedicated Horton Avenue from 12th to 15th Avenues, which has been renamed Rev. Curtis W. Goodwin, Sr. Way.

Rev. Curtis Goodwin Sr. led Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 38 years.

"While I didn't get to meet (Goodwin), with this community, and all of you here, I do get to meet him," Sledge said.

Goodwin, who died in 2011 at age 64, served as pastor for 38 years, ordained at least 35 ministers and advocated for education and the needs of children.

Current pastor John Faison said Goodwin gave a "voice to those who did not have one for themselves."

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Under Goodwin's leadership, the church opened an education wing, created more Bible study opportunities and a weekly radio ministry, and offered an early morning service. Goodwin also led the church to its new home at 1415 Horton Ave.

The street's renaming was part of the church's Legacy Weekend, dedicated to remember the reverend.

Reach Jen Todd at 615-313-2760 or on Twitter @jentoddwrites.

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