Josephine Baker
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Description
Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a talented dancer who became famous around the world.
1. Josephine Baker Home
Lost to the demolition of Mill Creek Valley neighborhood in the 1960s, this is the approximate location of Josephine Baker's childhood home on Gratiot Street in Midtown St. Louis. Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis in 1906 as Freda Josephine McDonald to her parents, Carrie McDonald and Eddie Carson. Josephine Baker created the foundations for her career in show business as a premier dancer, singer, as well as starring in multiple movies. Her love of the spotlight was sparked in St. Louis through her performances in clubs and in front of local theaters, before she relocated permanently in the 1920s to skyrocket her fame. After her move from St. Louis, Josephine Baker grew to be one of the most successful female performers in the world known for her famous banana dance in which she donned an outfit made of artificial bananas, as well as her performances in the films "Siren of the Tropics," "Zouzou," and "Princess Tam Tam."
2. Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church
Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church was founded by Rev. Starks. This church was given it's name by the late Mother Nancy Lewis. Mercy Seat M.B. Church was first located at 3500 Bernard Street. Rev. Starks did not serve as pastor long. Several pastors pastored Mercy Seat M. B. Church until 1936 when a dynamic Rev. Roosevelt Brown was elected as Pastor. Mercy Seat M.B Church moved to different locations in the Mill Creek Valley Neighborhood. The last location in the Mill Creek Valley Neighborhood was at 2730 Bernard Street 63103. Due to Urban Renewal, 460 acres of the Mill Creek Valley Neighborhood was demolished - including the Mercy Seat M. B. Church. Under Rev. Roosevelt Brown's leadership, the church moved to 4424 Washington Blvd. 63108. Rev. Roosevelt Brown served Mercy Seat for 48 years. In 1985, Mercy Seat M. B. Church members elected a new pastor - Rev. James Brown Sr... After serving steadfastly for 32 years (30 years as Pastor and 2 years as Interim Pastor), on January 20, 2018, the Rev. Dr. James Brown, Sr. was called home from his labor to his reward. On Nov. 18, 2017, the church elected a new Pastor - Rev. Earl Houston. Rev. Houston served until his health failed, and he passed away on February 12, 2020. On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Rev. Roger Carson Jr. was installed as the new Pastor of Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church.
