Resurrection Sunday will be on April 17th this year. This is the time for me to reflect on the history of the Black church and early Christians. My siblings and I were raised in a Christian household. Our parents and maternal grandparents grew up attending church and attended until their deaths. My siblings and first cousins were required to attend also. We weren’t asked if we wanted to go, we were told. We didn’t have transportation so we walked. I didn’t know our paternal grandparents, but by word of mouth from Dad and older relatives, they were also Christians.
We lived in the segregated South but our parents refused to let our circumstances define who we were. We were taught to be bondage breakers. In our home, Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, was always special. During those days, money was tight, but our parents saved money for Christmas and Easter. Our mom, whom we called MaDear, always prepared a delicious meal to enjoy after church services. As we grew older, my sister and I looked forward to getting new outfits and hunting Easter eggs. Our brothers preferred the delicious meal. I personally hated if I had to say an Easter speech. I didn’t understand why child after child had to go to the front of the church and recite meaningless speeches they didn’t understand. We participated in the traditions, but our parents made sure we knew the real meaning of Resurrection Sunday.
Our maternal grandparents were children of enslaved people. We heard word of mouth stories about the early church and Christianity. Enslaved people sought release from suffering through prayer, song, dance, and playing musical instruments. In the Black slave quarters, they connected with each other without the presence of white people. They prayed for their freedom and believed it would come one day. Spirituals served as an early escape from slavery or bondage.
We were taught this history and about the power of song. In the Baptist church we attended, many of the elder’s moaned or hummed. This represented being stolen from Africa. After a while, many people burst out in song and began shouting. Many songs that were song by enslaved people had hidden meanings. We were always taught that Black people were the chosen people. We were held in bondage but would be delivered. Enslaved people identified with and believed in a Supreme Being. It was important for us to believe also.
We were taught that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and on the third day, he raised from the grave. As a result, mankind is granted opportunity for new life by the forgiveness of sin and escape from its bondage. All we had to do is believe and accept God as our savior.
MaDear, grew up in a small Baptist church and Dad grew up in a Methodist church. They never changed their church denominations. They didn’t believe denominations were important. My siblings and I alternated attending church with them. Our grandparents, Momma and Poppa, and MaDear, attended church at Dean Hill Baptist church and Dad attended church at Bullard’s Chapel African Methodist Church (AME). Dad began attending an AME church while living in Chicago and told us its history. The church was founded by Black people and advocated for their civil rights and human rights. The church welcomed everyone. It was founded by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones. They were both Northern freed slaves. Most of the first Black congregations and churches formed before 1800 were founded by freed Black people. Many Black churches were born out of protest and reaction to racism. Black churches were the first institutions built by Black people and run independent of white society. The church provided a refuge. It was a place where Black people could freely express hope for the future.
We called our elder cousin, Cousin Fessor. He attended nearby Rising Sun Baptist M. B. Church. He said the Missionary Baptists believed in evangelizing beyond the church. According to him, the first cooperative endeavors of Black people were to set up as churches. These early missions were referred to as “bush harbors.” After slavery, Black people were devout Christians, believed God was in the plan for emancipation, and wished to establish a place of worship. The men of the community came together and erected a building made of free logs and materials bought from their limited savings.
I always enjoyed learning about the early Black church and the importance of Resurrection Sunday. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine. The resurrection story is when Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified on the cross and buried in the tomb. Jesus wanted us to have a relationship with God. He wanted people to love each other and love Him. Love is a choice that many people refuse to make. Being a Christian or follower of Christ may be difficult for some people. There are many reasons why. It is not an easy journey. Regardless of a person’s belief system, we all have choices. For me, the journey is easier with God’s eternal love.
Francie Mae. April 15, 2022.
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