Saturdays 4:30 - 6:30 PM

The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods swirls around guests who arrive at the chapel as Jim Ballard and guest musicians warm up for the evening's performance. Jim smiles and the show opens as his fingers glide across the keyboard. He encourages his guest performers and the crowd to join him, singing,

I'm feeling slow,

I need my Saturday Sundown.

I've got to blow those weekday blues away.

My mind is heavy from all the lead I'm carrying.

Can't wait for my Sundown Saturday.

In January 2005, Epiphany Church opened a weekly Saturday coffee house open from 4:30-6:30PM intended to welcome neighbors into the newly restored chapel now designated as the only World War I Chapel in the United States. Musicians set up in front of the chapel's living room fireplace. Candles twinkle on a dozen tables. Each week , folk, pop, gospel, blues and jazz fill the historical space where WWI soldiers once gathered for card playing and music-listening on the victrola. Now, members of the congregation provide coffee and gourmet snacks for all those who come to enjoy the music and poetry at the coffee house. The Chapel also includes a Chaplains' Peace Garden and social history museum. Honoring its history, Epiphany opens its doors to the community for delightful musical evenings.

Jim Ballard, a retired clinical psychologist and nephew of John Coltrane, is musical director and welcomes guest musicians and poets each week. He writes, "Music is my holy art and a gentle comforter that comes to me in hours of sadness. It transports me to other places and other worlds of mind and spirit. My performing goal is to share my holy art and open the portals to these places of comfort and joy."

Come enjoy the Saturday Sundown Coffee House every Saturday. This grant-supported community musical venue welcomes visitores of all ages and is free of charge. Epiphany Chapel is at 1419 Odenton Road, Odenton, MD 21113. For more information call 410-336-8383.