The Logans are pictured on billboards throughout the community promoting their church which is open to all denominations

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio —Wittenberg School of Community Education graduate, Monica Logan, class of 1999, is preparing for the role of a lifetime Sunday, Aug. 1. A theatre major, Logan and her husband, the Rev. Ronald Logan, are pastors of Greater Grace Temple in Springfield. The Logans will welcome special guests Sen. John Kerry, the presidential nominee, and Sen. John Edwards, the vice-presidential nominee and their families to the 11 a.m worship service.

Lifelong residents of Springfield, the Logan family, including their daughters Anita Logan and Wendi Richardson, are very excited to celebrate their faith with the Kerry and Edwards families.

The Kerry-Edwards campaign office in Ohio has stated the visit to Greater Grace Temple is not a political rally, but merely a chance for the Senators to express their faith and get out and visit people across America.

“We’re so honored to have them join us this Sunday and we hope they’ll be touched by the service,” Anita Logan said. “My mother’s theatrical training will be highlighted as the service will begin with our Praise Team and Choir performing with the Praise Dancers and she also directs the Ascension Drama and Theatre group who perform with us. I think Dr. Georges at Wittenberg would be very proud of her skills as a director.”

In addition to the flurry of activity of granting media interviews, sprucing up the place, planning the service and rehearsing in preparation for such prominent guests, Logan is also hard at work for the debut of a play she wrote called “From Motown to Gospel.”

The play is a true story based on the life of her husband’s career as a Motown performer in the late 60s to early 70s and will feature community actors and more Wittenberg connections.

Monica Logan, Wittenberg graduate of the class of 1999 and her husband, the Rev. Ronald Logan, founded Greater Grace Temple thirteen years ago.

“From Motown to Gospel” is under the advisement of Corwin Georges, professor and chair of Wittenberg’s theatre and dance department and the set designs will be those of James Humphries, associate professor of theatre and dance.

“Wittenberg helped me to put a professional edge on what I call ‘chitlin’ theatre,” Monica Logan said. “The school also taught me how to interact with a broad spectrum of people and how to use skillful public relations.”

Returning to school as an adult can present many challenges but Logan stressed, “You have nothing but time, so you should just do it! The end of the road will come and it will have been well worth it.”

“From Motown to Gospel” will be performed at Greater Grace Temple on Sept. 23, 24 and 25. The church capacity is 1,000 and more information can be obtained by calling (937) 328-3308.