THE GRACE BEACON “IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY, SEEKING EVER TO REACH THE COMMUNITY’S HEART”

Vol. MMXVI Issue No. 2 February, 2016 Published by Grace Baptist Church of Germantown 25 West Johnson Street Philadelphia, PA 19144-1909

Dr. Quintin L. Robertson, Interim Pastor Deacon Tyrone L. Beach, Sr., Chair of Diaconate

Spotlight on Black History!

Get On Board and of captivity called slavery. The Underground Railroad, a secret great orator, Frederick Douglass way to the North. “Moses” may Tell Your Story was one of the first African have referred to the renowned American writers to discuss code conductor, Harriet Tubman who (Part 2) words in spiritual texts that could led her people “out of Egypt” Spirituals are songs that be used as secret messages. into the “Promised Land.” The were created by African Some spirituals narrated Bible spirituals told stories of freedom Americans who lived in the stories in which the ancient using words or phrases like the southern states during the period heroes were analogous to the ones listed below with their people who played roles in the double entendre. Code Word Religious Meaning Secret Meaning

Get on board become saved prepare to leave slavery Glory heaven freedom Home heaven the North, freedom I ain’t got long I’m ready to die I’m ready to leave slavery Jesus Jesus freedom Midnight special death comes at night escapees leaving at midnight No extras unsaved sinners no extra escapees Steal away death comes quietly run away Train group of saved souls group of escapees The following spiritual could obligated to tell the story of your take a drink using a dipper that announce an escape plan, give life in bondage, your escape, and was carved out of a gourd. The the time and circumstances of the your ultimate freedom so that gourd or dipper was also used as trip up North, and inspire slaves these events could be a symbol of freedom; it was hung to join the freedom train. documented for use as over the doorways of safe houses This Train propaganda to further the known as stations along the This train is bound for glory, antislavery cause. During the Underground Railroad. this train, antebellum period (the time According to the collector of This train is bound for glory, before the Civil War), “telling this spiritual, H. B. Parks, the this train, stories” became a necessary conductor is an old man, a peg- This train is bound for glory, activity of the abolitionists as legged sailor whose trip with Get on board and tell your freedmen orally recounted their runaway fugitives began near story, life stories in retrospect and Mobile, Alabama. Before dawn, This train is bound for glory, this train. scores of fugitive slave narratives he would lead his freedom train were collected, written down, along the bend of the Tombigbee This train don’t pull no published and circulated in the River and follow his peg-legged extras, this train, North and South. print on the dead moss-covered This train don’t pull no Some spirituals were adapted, trees along the trail pointing extras, this train, that is, words were changed to fit North. When the river ended at This train don’t pull no different situations that could the divide, he and his freedom extras, arise. A collector remembers train picked up the Tennessee Don’t pull nothing but the hearing the spiritual “Follow the River on the other side and midnight special, This train don’t pull no Risen Lord,” a song that was followed it into Ohio. extras, this train. sung by itinerant evangelists at Follow the Drinking Gourd As the conductor led her revivals and camp meetings. When the sun comes back passengers on the Underground Follow the risen Lord, follow and the first quail calls, Railroad, it was important for the risen Lord, Follow the drinking gourd, anyone who was “on board” to The best thing that wise men For the old man is a-waiting “tell your story.” In the context say, for to carry you to freedom, of the praise meeting, the Follow the risen Lord. Follow the drinking gourd religious connotation of “telling The freedom version of the your story” meant testifying song is known today as a Now the river bend will about the trials and tribulations in spiritual with a coded message, make a mighty good road, one’s life and thanking the “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” Dead trees will show you the Almighty for giving one the which refers to the path that one way, guidance to overcome obstacles could take to the North by And the left foot, peg foot and the opportunity to unload following the Big Dipper. The traveling on one’s burdens. “Telling your text mirrors the West African Follow the drinking gourd. story” meant inspiring others to tradition of fashioning eating and follow in your footsteps, for most drinking utensils out of calabash Now the river ends between storytellers or testifiers were gourds. Each African American two hills, revered as orators and leaders by family on a southern plantation Follow the drinking gourd, members of their spiritual had a well from which they drew And there’s another river on communities. The secret water. Once the water had been the other side, meaning of the code words, “tell collected in a bucket, it was left Follow the drinking gourd. your story,” meant that once you on a table where family members reached freedom, you were and even visiting friends could 2 The civil rights era “hallelujah motif” throughout the some African Americans prefer revitalized spirituals as folk second movement of his “Afro to forget the spirituals in favor of songs because they were used American Symphony.” evangelical songs that speak to spontaneously with calls and More recently, Darin Atwater, contemporary issues, others look responses suitable for group conductor of the Soulful participation. The functional Symphony, has arranged to Africa for the authentic music context of the songs was spirituals for choir and orchestra of African Americans. But recreated as the demonstrators in an innovative anthem entitled, forgetting the spirituals is akin to sang for the purposes of “Song in a Strange Land.” negating one’s heritage and inspiring, telling stories, and Following the precedent set unlearning the lessons of the providing outlets for emotional by contralto Marian Anderson, past. The spirituals, born in expressions during times of who sang spirituals on Easter slavery, reared in freedom, and protest. Because of their special Sunday in 1939 as part of her qualities, spirituals have been repertoire to an estimated aged in ancestral memory have incorporated into many seventy-five thousand people at reached maturity as American art Protestant denominational the Lincoln Memorial, opera songs with universal hymnals and have been singers such as Kathleen Battle implications. They speak to performed as part of the standard and Jessye Norman continue to humankind about the divine and liturgical repertoire in mesmerize audiences with worldly experiences of human synagogues and churches. renditions of well-known life. For the African American Unlike their secular spirituals. No choral program can listener, the sound of spirituals counterparts, the blues, which be said to be “musically correct” have remained essentially in the without a spiritual, whether sung can serve as an awakening, for in oral tradition, spirituals, by a soloist, an ensemble, a the traditional re-creation of originally folksongs are now chorus a cappella fashion, or a these songs, we celebrate the considered part of a “fine arts” choir with piano or orchestral voices of our ancestors in tradition. They have been accompaniment. captivity and in freedom. It is arranged by noted African Today, spirituals have been through their music that we are American musicians such as N. altered by young composers and renewed. Ballanta-Taylor, Hall Johnson, incorporated with new texts and John Work, Jester Hairston and musical motifs into African Written by Dr. Gloria Davis Margaret Bonds. Composer Goode (reprinted from Jump Up Harry T. Burleigh acquainted his American expressions such as professor, the Czechoslovakian religious rap and gospel. While and Say by Linda Goss) composer, Antonin Dvorak with the spiritual genre, which Dvorak used for thematic motives in the second movement of his “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, From the New World.” The African American composer, Nathaniel Dett incorporated spiritual melodic materials in his choral compositions. The dean of African American composers, William Grant Still captured a syncopated theme in his use of a

3 February Greetings as we face the challenges of today. after a former slave from Virginia From Our Interim Pastor As we see racism practiced on the who purchased his freedom, national scene it is important that migrated to Liberia and was one of “Dark am I, yet lovely, … Do not we teach our children the the first black American stare at me because I am dark, importance of our history. missionaries, as well as the first because I am darkened by the sun. My Actually, it is important that each American Baptist missionary, to mother's sons were angry with me and generation learns and shares the Africa. He established its first made me take care of the vineyards; history of our people. Who knew church, Providence Baptist Church my own vineyard I have neglected. as our fore-parents were shackled in Monrovia, and founded schools Song of Solomon 1:5a - 6 NIV in slave ships and carried over the for natives, and helped lead the Black History Month this year Atlantic Ocean to be auctioned on colony. is very significant in light of slave blocks in the new land that In closing, I reference two current events. Recently Stacey they would one day become a additional scriptures that support Dash, actress in the movie Clueless great people who would be a the importance of sharing our and its television spin-off, stated blessing to our nation and to the history as Israel shared its history on national television that there world. to each generation. "My father was was no need for Black History Let us celebrate and share the a wandering Aramean, and he went Month. She went on to say that it story of our fore-parents in Africa, down into Egypt with a few people is a form of segregation. I write to and lived there and became a great the transatlantic slave trade, the nation, powerful and numerous.” you Grace because I do not want Underground Railroad, the Deuteronomy 26:5 NIV and "In the you to be “clueless.” emancipation of slaves in the future when your descendants ask America is a mosaic, in other United States, the Reconstruction their fathers, 'What do these stones words a salad bowl of diverse mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Era, the Civil Rights Movement Jordan on dry ground.” Joshua people. A tomato remains a and the election of the first African 4:21-22 NIV tomato in a salad, although it is American President of the United Grace and Peace, mixed with lettuce, cucumbers and States of America. Let’s Quintin L. Robertson spinach. Together they are one commemorate and honor our past, The Rev. Dr. Quintin L. Robertson salad, but they maintain their and applaud and commend our Interim Pastor individual uniqueness. Likewise, present story as we pass on our African Americans are Americans rich story from one generation to of African descent who are the next generation. Americans with a unique African Each year on the first Sunday Spiritual Armor identity. in February we emphasize “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet This month at Grace Baptist Missions and this year we want to and a light unto my Church we will recognize Black highlight the upcoming Lott Carey path. History Month and we will start on Foreign Mission Convention that Youth Sunday, January 31st will be held in Philadelphia this through Sunday, February 28th. summer. As a people of the Over these five Sundays our youth Baptist persuasion we have been will highlight the Emancipation committed to missions since the “Love must be Proclamation and the 13th, 14th and inception of our conventions. We 15th Amendments during worship came together as independent sincere. Hate what is and our African Heritage Ministry congregations to join forces to do evil; cling to what is will print those highlights in each missions especially for our good.” Romans 12:9 week’s bulletin. homeland in Africa. Lott Carey Ours is a rich history and Foreign Mission Convention is a heritage that needs to be embraced result of that desire and is named

4 Financial Analysis Committee, Ushers ( Mr. Peter Custis, A WORD FROM THE PRISM (Saturday worship service) President). We praise God for these CHAIRMAN OF THE and Media ministry. He is an dedicated servants and leaders. active participant in our Joint LOSS OF OUR BELOVED DIACONATE/CEO Board and church quarterly PASTOR EMERITUS, REV. Deacon Tyrone L. Beach, Sr. business meetings. On a weekly DR. G. DANIEL JONES basis, he devotes a considerable We as a church family As we continue in this period amount of time to the design and continue to grieve the loss of Dr. of transition, we thank our Lord preparation of our church bulletins G. Daniel Jones and Mrs. and Savior Jesus Christ for and worship services and Geraldine Jones. We especially keeping the Grace family together, coordinating with our service units. thank the Grace family for blessing us and guiding us through We thank our associate ministers supporting Dr. and Mrs. Jones’ 2015. As Christians and followers (Minister Carolyn Blackson, son, Brother Bryant Jones and his of Christ, we must not forget Minister Samuel P. Coleman IV, entire family and continue to keep whose church this is. We are all Rev. Tamika Holder, Rev. Suzanne them in our prayers. Rev. Dr. Alyn members who have different H. Kershaw, Rev. Arnold C. Storr, E. Waller, Senior Pastor, Enon opinions on church issues who Rev. Dr. Peggy Vertreace, Minister Tabernacle Baptist Church, is gather weekly to worship God in Brian Wallace and Rev. Carmen thanked for allowing Grace the use His house. We have completed the M. Watson) for their continued of his church/facilities and many year 2015 financially in the black ministry support including our other amenities. We also thank Dr. with a total membership of 844. Saturday services and prayer Robertson for his leadership during Our church theme for 2015-2016 is meetings. During this year, we the Pre-Funeral Rites and the worthy of committing to memory: thank our singing units and their Service of Triumph for Dr. Jones “God’s people striving to obey directors (Senior Choir/Organist, as we celebrated “A Legacy of God’s Word to fulfill God’s Will Mr. Robert Anderson; Wright’s Family Love and Service for God through Worship, Work and Gospel Chorus/Assistant Organist, to His People.” Witness: (Philippians 2:13; Psalm Mrs. Patricia Beach; Men’s LEADERSHIP –HEARTFELT 29:2; I Corinthians 15:58 and Chorus, Ms. Marilyn George; APPRECIATION Matthew 24:14).” Chancel Choir, Celestial and Bell Thanks to Dr. Robertson and THE INTERIM PASTOR, Choirs, Mrs. Jacqueline Garden- Trustee Fannie Russell for their ASSOCIATE MINISTERS AND Marshall; Cathedral Choir and leadership during 2015. Since the SERVICE UNITS Praise Team, Mrs. Sara Blanford; departure of Rev. Merle McJunkin, We are grateful to God for the and Expressions of Praise (dance we have added Rev. Tamika ministry of the Rev. Dr. Quintin L. ministry), Mrs. Candace Bass. The Holder, Rev. Arnold Storr and Rev. Robertson in shepherding the Usher Boards serve at funerals, all Dr. Peggy Vertreace to assist with Grace Family as the Interim Senior church services and concerts, pastoral services. Kudos to Trustee Pastor for the past year. He has during Revival, and accompany Fannie Russell and the Board of preached transitional sermons, the pastor on outings. For their Trustees as they manage the taught bible classes, trained new unwavering faithfulness, we finances, keep major systems potential officers of Grace, express a very special debt of working, meet government ministered to our sick and shut-in, gratitude to the Senior Ushers (Mr. standards for operation, and and comforted those mourning the James Napolean, President); the maintain the church’s property. loss of loved ones. He has attended Bessie Campbell Ushers (Mrs. We commend Trustee Russell as various ministry programs and Burnestine Burrell, President); the she hands over the reins of the meetings of the Board of Deacons, Golden Eagle Ushers (sponsored Board of Trustees after ten years of Board of Trustees, the Community by Trustee Scott and Mrs. Alvis stellar leadership. We thank Center, Strategic Planning and Fields); and the Young Adult President Deborah Croston and the

5 Executive Council for facilitating mandated standards to transport Our volunteers are most church-wide activities; Sister our children and church members. important in the operation of the Sandra Johnson, Chairperson, who The Security system has been church. Without the volunteers, it oversees all of the committees upgraded by installing a new would be impossible for the church under the Board of Christian monitor and several new cameras to function efficiently, carry out the Education. The role of the Church to cover areas in the church and missions and ministries of the Clerk was greatly expanded by surrounding areas outside the church or to meet the needs of its Pastor Jones. Heartfelt thanks is church to include areas at the members. They serve in the given to Mrs. Leola Highsmith for community center. Trustee church office, transport our generating numerous funeral Sydney Estes provided leadership members on the church van and resolutions, maintaining official to this committee. bus, serve as instructors of the church documents and records and The Audio-Video Recording Word, work with the children in for producing the minutes of our Ministry has provided excellent the after-school program and regular and called church business coverage of our various services summer camp, culinary arts team, meetings. We continue to be and programs under the leadership assist with food preparation and blessed by the ministries of the of Mrs. Natalie Jones and Deacon food distribution. Our committed church: liturgical arts, youth, Jace Jones. The church continues and dedicated volunteers also security, van, prison, homeless and to update and improve the sound operate the sound system, produce/ the outreach ministries of all of our system under the leadership of distribute the Grace Beacon and missionary groups. Each one of us Trustee William Lucas and the serve on the security team, etc. has accepted the challenge and Property Maintenance team. All The Grace Community Christian responsibility to keep the Grace are to be commended for the Center (GCCC) is to be especially family together, to enrich and numerous hours dedicated to this commended as it ministers daily to strengthen the spiritual life of the endeavor. the real needs of area residents members and to improve the A new Church Website is with increasing demands for food administration, Christian being developed under the assistance. We express our education, organization and leadership of Mrs. Sandra W. appreciation to every individual, protocols of the church and to (Roane) Hogue. We thank her and ministry and organization that work within the current guidelines Mrs. Natalie Jones for updating the comes under the umbrella of the of the church’s constitution. A website on a weekly basis. We Grace Baptist Church of very special thank you is extended thank Mrs. Hogue as she Germantown. All of you allow us to our full-time and part-time staff completes ten years of leadership to live up to our motto, “In the whose dedication is noteworthy. to this committee. heart of the community, seeking DEBT LIQUIDATION ever to reach the community’s UPDATING OF FACILITIES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN heart.” AND EQUIPMENT (January 2016 to August 2017) The Board of Trustees updated The church has a deadline of SEARCH COMMITTEE the James B. Murray Social Hall August 2017 for a lump sum During 2015, the Search with new stage drapes, window payment on the mortgage for the Committee presented its candidate curtains, refurbishing the stage Emlen Street property. We to become the Senior Pastor of the floor, painting the entire social continue to encourage the Grace Baptist Church of hall, replaced the stage front grill membership to make extra Germantown. They hosted Rev. and purchased 40 banquet tables. contributions to support the Dr. Kevin B. Taylor and his wife The membership is to be thanked reduction of this debt by the due from August 5th to 9th. Dr. Taylor for their generous contributions to date. was also given the opportunity to this project. We have also leased a VOLUNTEERS - THANK meet with the Deacons’ Ministry, new 14 passenger bus which meets YOU!!!! Executive Council, Joint Board,

6 the Associate Ministers and the so that we can better discern “what in spite of tough economic Grace family to answer any is that good and acceptable and times. You were there with us questions concerning his perfect Will of God” for us. I through it all, and by your background and pastoral encourage you to spend some time precious Holy Spirit you have experience. Dr. Taylor returned to reading, studying and meditating strengthened us, guided us, and Grace Baptist Church on October over Romans 12. Its message is used us to bring others to Christ. 25th to allow those members who extremely relevant to our situation. We thank you for the Spirit- missed the August date to hear him We are all members of this body of filled leadership you have given preach. The congregation voted to Christ with varying gifts and us through the years, especially call Dr. Taylor following the functions. Let us serve the Lord for the service of our late Pastor October 25th service. He did not with gladness (Psalm 100: 2a) “to Emeritus, the Rev. Dr. G. Daniel receive the required 75% “yes” fulfill God’s Will through Worship, Jones, and we pray for similar vote of the “financially up-to-date” Work and Witness.” We have leadership and spiritual members present to be called as many ministries in the church but guidance during this time of our next Senior Pastor. The voting not enough volunteers to serve. To transition and beyond. facts: there were 319 votes cast; become the church that God has Help us Lord, to work 187 voted “yes”; 130 voted “no”. called us to be, we need more together to discern your will for The Search Committee has members to transition from being the future of this congregation. reopened the process for new pew members to active Help us Lord, to put our applicants to apply. We thank the contributors of their time, talent personal preferences and biases Search Committee for their work and resources. From a aside and to seek your wisdom, to present a man of God’s conversation with a new member, I your guidance, your direction. choosing, who is above reproach, learned that pew members are Send us your choice as Senior to become the Senior Pastor of important to creating a welcoming Pastor of Grace Church, grant Grace Baptist Church of atmosphere that could lead visitors us the grace to see your will for Germantown. to become members. Please know what it is, and soften our hearts IN 2016 that new ministry ideas are to accept the person of God Each one of us must accept the welcomed! whom you have sent. Help us challenge and responsibility to now to acknowledge your keep the Grace family together. We PRAYER FOR GRACE sovereignty in all that we do, must strive to enrich and BAPTIST CHURCH OF and to follow your lead as you strengthen our spiritual lives GERMANTOWN direct our paths. Hold this DURING THIS TIME OF through the study of God’s Word PASTORAL TRANSITION church together in your loving hand, as we work towards a Eternal God our Heavenly future even brighter than the Father: We the members of past you have so lovingly Grace Baptist Church of allowed us to experience. Germantown thank and praise We pray for unity and you for all you have done for Christian love during this u s i n d i v i d u a l l y a n d interim period and beyond, and collectively, and you have done we will give you all the honor, so much indeed. You have held the glory and the praise, in the us together as a congregation precious name of Jesus Christ through over a hundred years our Lord and Savior. of worship and service, during Amen. times of joy and of sorrow, The Deacons Ministry, during turmoil in society, and

7 Guess Who This training must be taken every children; or an employee of a Dear Friends, in this poem five years and the clearances child-care service who has direct You’ll find something di"erent and must be renewed every 36 contact with children in the new. months. course of employment”, this It’s really like a spiritual puzzle- W h y i s t h e t r a i n i n g message concerns YOU. And you”ll find here and there, a clue! necessary? Act 31 certification training “The state toughened child will be offered here at Grace When listening to them expound... protection laws because of the Baptist Church of Germantown especially on topics from God’s Word, You can readily discern they’ve been Sandusky sex abuse scandal at on Saturday, February 27, 2016, in His Presence Penn State University and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for for the truth can always be heard. extended the child abuse those who need to implement or clearance and background check renew their certification - Not only are they big in stature- mandate to include volunteers. including our After School they’re big in spirit too... The changes, which were Program Workers, Van Drivers, You only have to be in their presence initially slated to take effect July Sunday School and Vacation once 1 u n t i l t h e d e a d l i n e f o r Bible School Staff, Christian To realize they know just what to say compliance was extended to Education Workers, Scouting and do. August 25. http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/ Staff, Teen Shop Workers, With a spiritual hint here- What does the training Security Team, Choir Directors, accompanied by another truthful hint cover? Sextons, Nursery Staff, Ministers there too... Among other topics, it and anyone else who regularly You certainly should have guessed by includes i n f o r m a t i o n works with our children. now- about the problem of child What do I need to do? He’s none other than our own sexual abuse, critical components Sign up sheets for this “Dr. Q” to reduce the risk of child abuse, training are available in the first Author Anonymoussigns of sexual abuse, responding floor office and in the narthex. to reports of child sexual abuse, You must pre-register so that the and ways to protect workers from presenters will know how much false allegations. material is needed for the The training will include an training session, and so that audio-visual presentation as well certificates can be prepared. as discussion. If you have received training Who must take the through your employment or training? another facility, the church needs If you are “a clergyman, a copy of your training certificate Child Protection Training priest, rabbi, minister, Christian and clearances. Please Clear Your Calendar Science practitioner, religious What are clearances? for February 27, 2016 healer or spiritual leader of any The state requires volunteers Anyone who works with regularly established church or involved with children to have children here at Grace Baptist other religious organization; an criminal background checks and Church of Germantown must individual paid or unpaid, who, child abuse clearances. These have certification that he/she has on the basis of the individual's clearances are free for participated in Child Protection role as an integral part of a volunteers. Trustee Deborah training and has obtained the regularly scheduled program, Croston will have a registration necessary Child Abuse activity or service, is a person sheet available, but each person Clearances required by the responsible for the child’s must request their own clearance Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. welfare or has direct contact with information from the state. 8 T h e l a w r e q u i r e s a n additional FBI criminal background clearance for those who have not been continuous residents of the Commonwealth Join the Marriage Ministry of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years. This clearance costs for its $27.50 and unfortunately, 11th Annual Valentine Banquet volunteers are not exempt from on the requirement or the cost. Saturday, February 13. 2016 Do we have a deadline? Yes, we do. The state has set 6pm to 11pm a compliance date for all at volunteers:For persons Double Tree Hotel volunteering prior to July 1, 2015 Plymouth Meeting, PA - July 1, 2016 $50 per person, • For persons starting as a $100 per couple volunteer after July 1, 2015 - Prior to the commencement of service What do I do if I can’t make the training in February? See Sandi Johnson for more information on how you can get the necessary training. Let’s make sure that Grace is about our Father’s business in decency and order. Let’s have all of our volunteers and workers in complete compliance by JULY 1, 2016.

9 From the Pen Of The Editor announcement, various places, Kingsley sent his wife (wives), which are significant sites in the children and a few slaves to African American quest for Haiti. Anna oversaw the Haiti freedom and equality are plantation which was worked by Oh, The Places We’ve Been mentioned. While I was familiar the slaves that had come with the And The Things We’ve Seen! with several of them, I decided to family. They were able to earn February is designated as do more research. their freedom in nine years, since “Black History Month.” As I Do you know where these are they were then classified as thought about my grandnieces located or why they have indentured servants. (Haiti had and others their age, I wondered significance: The Kingsley abolished slavery.) Anna Jai how much of our history they Plantation; DuSable’s homesite; remained there until her would come to know in this post Seneca Village; 180 South Street, husband’s death when she modern world they are inheriting. Auburn, NY; Mother Bethel returned to Florida to claim her The Word of the Lord AME Church; Frederick inheritance. Although the will admonishes us to tell our Douglass’ home; 125th Street in was contested by Kingsley’s children our history. Harlem; Beale Street in white relatives, the court ruled in “Only take care, and keep Memphis; and Sweet Auburn her favor since the will had been your soul diligently, lest you Avenue in Atlanta? made when inheritance by blacks forget the things that your eyes The Kingsley Plantation is was legal. have seen, and lest they depart located on Fort George Island, 180 South Street, Auburn, from your heart all the days of Jacksonville, Florida. The New York is the site of Harriet your life. Make them known to original owner was Zephaniah Tubman’s home and the Home your children and your children's Kingsley who, in 1806, married for the Aged which she children.” Deuteronomy 4:9 Anna Madgigine Jai, a 13 year established for African A people who forget their old Senegalese girl whom he had Americans who were former history is bound to repeat it. In purchased as a slave. Because slaves. Although she was born these days when a megalomaniac Florida was, at that time, under on the Eastern Shore of is a seemingly viable candidate Spanish rule, Kingsley could Maryland, Tubman spent a great for the Presidency of the United legitimately marry his slave and portion of her latter days in States, it’s time for some serious free her so that their children Auburn, New York. Known as reflection and education about would also be free. He had “Moses”, Tubman was a primary our history and heritage. relationships with three other conductor on the “Underground Fortunately we have African women and the family Railroad” leading many slaves, organizations like ASALH- The lived a polygamous lifestyle with including members of her family, Association for the Study of the other women acting as “Sister to freedom. During the Civil African American Life and Wives.” He was criticized War, she served as a cook, nurse, History. We are blessed to have a because he advocated a three-tier scout and spy for the Union chapter functioning here in social system that acknowledged Army during which time she Philadelphia, and an outgrowth the rights of free persons of encouraged slaves to join the of that chapter here at Grace. color. He was described as “an Union Army and obtain their During this month, they and our unusually permissive slave freedom in that way. children will present highlights owner” who allowed his slaves Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, from black history. time to attend to their personal was born in the Caribbean ASALH has announced its needs if they finished the day’s Islands and was of African 2016 National Black History tasks early. descent. His homesite, now Theme. It is “Hallowed When Florida began to repeal celebrated in Pioneer Court at Grounds: Sites of African the rights of free blacks, 401 N. Michigan, Chicago, American Memories.” In its 10 Illinois, is considered the first Manhattan owned by African- became a staunch abolitionist. non-native permanent residence Americans, although the After publishing his in Chicago, and DuSable is population was a mixture of autobiography, The Life and considered the city’s earliest non- nationalities including Irish and Times of Frederick Douglass, native permanent settler. He German immigrants. The area Douglass traveled to Ireland established a trading post in was a community of about 250 where he remained for several addition to a estate which inhabitants. It had a school, three years. Upon his return to the included “a house, two barns, a churches and several cemeteries. United States, Douglass began horse drawn mill, a bakehouse, a The Village was between 82nd publication of his newspaper, poultry house, a dairy and a and 89th Streets and Seventh and The North Star. His association smokehouse. The house was a Eighth Avenues, just east of with abolitionists like William 22-by-40-foot (6.7 m × 12.2 m) Central Park West. In 1857 Lloyd Garrison, John Brown and log cabin filled with fine Central Park was established on Gerrit Smith, and Women’s furniture and paintings” the site of Seneca Village. Those suffrage advocates like Elizabeth according to Milo Quaife in The interested in promoting the Cady Stanton, James and Mississippi Valley Historical establishment of the “urban park” Lucretia Mott fueled his views of Review. claimed “eminent domain” to say Slavery and women’s rights, Between 1825 and 1857, that the city owned the land and though at some point in his Seneca Village was one of therefore could evict the career, he broke ties with earliest communities in “squatters” as, the residents were Garrison, Stanton and Brown. referred to, by force if necessary. During the Civil War, Beacon Staff All of the buildings were Douglass continued his fight for destroyed and the land converted equality. He spoke to President Managing Editor Sandi Johnson to the current park. Lincoln on the subject of the Philadelphians are familiar black presence in the Union Associate Editor with the historic Mother Bethel army, and was himself a recruiter Karol Mason AME Church on 6th and for the Massachusetts Regiment. Computer Specialist Lombard Streets, as the After Lincoln’s death, He William L. Lucas birthplace of the AME engaged President Jackson about denomination established by the the right of blacks to vote, and Advertising Debra L. S. Wake Reverend Richard Allen. The when President Ulysses S. Grant church is the oldest church sent a commission to the West Circulation Manager property continuously owned by Indies explore the annexation of Cheryl Johnson African Americans in the United Santo Domingo, Douglass was Reporters States. sent along. Doris Collins-Terrell Cedar Hill, the home of Douglass was the first Octavia Frederick Douglass, is located at African American nominated for Jeanine Watson 1411 W St. SE in Washington, Vice President of the United Staffers D.C. Douglass was often States. Without his knowledge or Marcia Bass referred to as one of the “Elder consent he was nominated by the Courtney Carter Statesmen” in the 19th Century Equal Rights Party. Priscilla E. Custis Leedrester Jackson African American Community. He relocated to Washington, Jackie Johnson He was a former slave who D.C. after his home in New York Grace McCollum successfully escaped to New was destroyed by fire. In 1882, Lavida Royster York City in 1838. Douglass Anna, his wife of more than 40 Ellen Williams Jonathan H. Williams married Anna Murray-Douglass, years died. Two years later he moved to Massachusetts and married a white woman, Helen

11 Pitts. Both families rejected the Museum in Harlem, the Mount national epidemic of poverty, marriage, but the couple Morris Bank Building, the crime, and homelessness hit it. remained together until his death Harlem Children's Zone, the However like 125th Street, it too in 1895. Church of St. Joseph of the Holy is experiencing rebirth as the Later in life, Douglass served Family, and the former West End Georgia Trust for Historic as a bank president, Haitian Theatre. Preservation has included it on minister-resident and consul- Beale street is the 125th the list of places in peril. Among general, and United States Street of Memphis. Clubs, the famous buildings which it Marshal for the District of Restaurants, shops, newspaper seeks to preserve and/or restore Columbia. He died on February offices, and churches were built are Dr. Martin Luther King’s 20, 1895 and was buried in on Beale Street and owned by birthplace, Ebenezer Baptist Rochester, New York. African Americans. Beale street Church, The Atlanta Life 125th Street in Harlem was became a center of the blues and Insurance Company, and the historically main street of jazz with famous musicians like Atlanta Daily Word, among African-American life in New W.C. Handy, Louis Armstrong, others. York City. Blacks began moving B.B. King, Muddy Waters and These places and many others into Harlem in the early 20th others helping to garner its are significant in our history. If century, and by the 1920’s, it had Official declaration as “Home of you find yourself near any of become the center of a literary the Blues.” these sites, why not take the time movement know as the “Harlem Can anything good come out to visit, and soak in the history? Renaissance.” 125th street was of a race riot? The black business And...don’t forget to take the known for its night life. The district in Atlanta Georgia did. kids! Apollo Theater, and the Lenox Auburn Avenue and the area Kids’ Solution: From left to right: Sojourner Truth, Thurgood Marshall, Lounge were world famous...and around the Atlanta University Booker T. Washington, Barack Obama, “white only.” As the Center became the home of the Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, neighborhood changed and crime black businesses that had Frederick Douglass and poverty replaced former formerly been located in the ! prosperity, Malcolm X and “integrated” downtown section Martin Luther King spearheaded of the city when competition rallies on 125th street. with whites sparked a riot. Gentrification has begun to “Sweet Auburn” became known take place on 125th, but many of as the “richest Negro Street in the the historic buildings remain World”, according to Fortune “Which Church Are We?” including the Adam Clayton magazine in 1956. Like 125th (Conclusion) Powell Jr. State Office Building, street in Harlem, it experienced “Blessed is he who reads and those the Hotel Theresa, the Studio widespread change as the who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time OCTAVIA SAYS: is near.” Revelation 1:3 (NASB) As we here at Grace were led in the observation of the life and As we conclude this legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it was indeed a mountain top commentary, we’re reminded that experience. the theme of the book of Those who were fortunate enough to have joined the March were Revelation is the victory of reminded of the struggle. The young worshippers were reminded of Christ and His church over the Dr. King’s life and lessons of nonviolent leadership. The morning message by Reverend Storr led us through the dragon (Satan) and the world. Scriptures, reminding us to wait on the Lord. The letters sent to the seven Thank God for leading us through our struggles in the past, in the churches in chapters two and present and in the future! three were representative and 12 characteristic of the church down teaching of Balaam, an Old spiritual wickedness because through the centuries as Christ Testament prophet induced by they illustrated moral gave a searching appraisal of Balak, King of Moab, to compromise by tolerating an evil each assembly with words of pronounce a curse on the people woman named Jezebel, a self- commendation, condemnation, of Israel. When God would not proclaimed prophetess of Baal and consolation. In part one, we allow it, Balaam devised a plan worship (Rev. 2:20) who openly chronicled what Christ said to the to have the men of Israel enter advocated apostasy by leading churches at Ephesus and Smyrna. into marriages with Moabite some believers astray, seducing We’ll now look at the remaining women thus producing spiritual God’s servants to commit acts of five messages and, as we compromise on the part of the immorality. To the Godly examine the spiritual condition of Israelites. Secondly, the remnant at Thyatira, Christ gives each of those assemblies, perhaps Pergamos assembly tolerated the words of comfort and exhorts pause to question “Which church false doctrine of a group known them to “hold on till I come, I are we?” as the Nicolaitans who brought will give you authority over the Pergamos, means “height, pagan practices into the church nations…” (vs. 25-26) elevation of power,” which was under the guise of “liberty in Sardis, which means representative of the location of a Christ,” a doctrine destined to “prince of joy,” was once a great high acropolis, a mountain upon undermine the authority and commercial center of legendary which all public buildings sat. A power of the church. Christ wealth and considered one of the city of political and religious exhorted the church at Pergamos great cities of the world. Sardis, importance, Pergamos housed to repent with a promise that however, had lost its significance one of the finest libraries of “I will give you hidden and the church had declined, too. antiquity and was the place manna and a white stone with a Early on it appeared to have where parchment was first used. new name written on the stone vitality and a glowing reputation As one of the most pagan cities ….” (Rev. 2:17) but in actuality it had lost its of Asia, Pergamos was full of Thyatira, which means spiritual fervor and was now magnificient shrines and temples “sweet smell, sacrifice of labor,” powerless; almost dead. Christ which honored numerous gods. was a prosperous city important had no words of commendation It was also the origin of serpent for its trade guilds and its for this church as he told them: worship. As Satan had firmly commerce in wool and textiles. “I know your deeds, that you established himself throughout It was especially famous for fine have a name that you are alive, the city, God warned the woolen cloth died in a shade that but you are dead.” (Rev. 3:1). Pergamos assembly of their came to be called “Thyatira He rebuked the Sardis assembly compromise and alliance with the purple.” A prominent citizen of for ineffectiveness and self- world which began with the Thyatira was Lydia, a seller of delusion; devoid of any spiritual dubious conversion of the Roman purple fabric and a convert to life and power, and exhorted Emperor Constantine, who Christianity (Acts 16:14). While them to “wake up and strengthen declared himself a Christian and Christ commended the church the things that remain,…” (vs. 2), by his edict Christianity a state because it exercised love, saying: to allow the power of God to religion. Though persecution of “I know your works, love, enter in and re-energize it. If Christians ceased, corruption service, faith and patience, they repented, God promised: “I entered the church by way of …” ( Rev. 2:19), nevertheless the will dress you in white raiment false doctrines which sought to assembly at Thyatira received the and confess your name before My combine Christian worship with longest letter of reprimand Father and before Angels.” (Rev. pagan rites. Christ voiced two because of the idolatrous system 3:5) complaints against the church at that had been allowed to enter the Philadelphia, which means Pergamos. One, they allowed the church. He rebuked them for “brotherly love,” was characterized 13 as the persevering church. a pillar in the temple of My God As we look at the various Located 25 miles southeast of …” (vs. 11 & 12) problems of the five churches Sardis, the newest of the seven Laodicea, means “lay which received reprimand, they cities, was established by Attalus II people” or “voice of the people,” reveal the successive phases of (159-138 BC) who was called indicating self-rule. Forty-five church history. We see the first ‘Philadelphus’ (”brother lover”) in miles southeast of Philadelphia, century church (Ephesus) which honor of his loyal affection toward Laodicea was a significant started out “on fire” for the Lord his brother, King Eumones II of commercial and banking center at Pentecost down through the Pergamos. During the king’s noted for its great wealth and centuries to the lukewarm lifetime, Attalus was his most famous for the manufacture of indifference of the church at loyal assistant as he successfully wool carpets and clothing of rich Laodicea, conditions predicted commanded his brother’s forces black color and fine texture. It for the last days before the true in several wars and later became boasted a prominent school of church is “caught up” in the the trusted ambassador of the medicine which specialized in ‘Rapture’ and removed from the Romans for his brotherly fidelity. the production of ointments for earth. And while we are most Because of Philadelphia’s eye ailments. This is also where thankful that we have not location (at the entrance of a the symbol of the medical suffered persecution the likes of mountain pass), a traveler could profession, the caduceus, first the church at Smyrna, we live in avoid the route over the appeared. In 60-61 AD, a world today where the churches mountain by using the ‘pass’ that Laodicea was devastated by an of ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Laodicea’ went through what was called the extensive earthquake but the coexist. We must, therefore, Silician Gates into the plateau of wealthy citizens rebuilt the city continue to strive to be the ancient Turkey. This passageway refusing any help from the church at ‘Philadelphia,’ the became known as the ‘gateway Roman government. Yet, for all missionary church, which has to the east.” In this instance, their wealth and imagined “an open door set before it” .. an Christ is using that ‘pass’ or open success, the Laodicean open door of opportunity to door to illustrate Philadelphia’s Christians, much like those of continue to be faithful and spiritual condition. While Sardis, were in a wretched proclaim the Gospel of Jesus characterized as having ‘little condition which Christ Christ. After all, Revelation is strength,’ Christ saw that the characterized as putrid. not just a prophecy about What is loyalty and steadfastness of the Laodicea was spiritually going to happen in the future, it assembly had been used to good bankrupt, but they equated their is a prophecy about Who is effect because of its faithfulness religiosity with spiritual wealth. coming in the future! So, let us in every detail. Christ rebuked them for allowing heed the words of Christ who He was very pleased with the their wealth and self-sufficient gives to us the same message He church at Philadelphia and in the attitude to blind them to their true gave to the churches in the first brief message to them, there were spiritual condition as they had century: “He who has an ear, let no words of condemnation, only shut Him out. He said: “I know him hear what the Spirit says to praise and commendation. He your works, that you are neither the churches” (Rev. 3:22) encouraged the assembly to keep cold nor hot. Because you are Doris Collins-Terrell My Word as “I have set before lukewarm, and neither cold nor February 2016 you an open door, and no one hot, I will vomit you out of my can shut it …” (Rev. 3:8) mouth” (Rev.3:15-16). He …”hold fast what you have, in exhorted them to repent and order that no one take your promised: “He who overcomes, I crown ...” and “I will make him will allow to sit with Me on My throne …” (Rev. 3:21)

14 Kids’ PAGEs Bible Memory Verse for February

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7

Civil Rights Heroes Quiz by Borgna Brunner Test your knowledge about famous Here’s a picture of seven famous African-Americans. Can you name them? civil rights heroes.

1. What group of students was famous for challenging school segregation in the deep South?

a. The "Little Rock Nine" b. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) c. The Black Panthers

2. Who is the person responsible for launching the Montgomery bus boycott, one of the pivotal events of the civil-rights movement?

a. Stokely Carmichael b. Rosa Parks c. Shirley Chisholm

3. Who was the lawyer who won the Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), which made segregation in public schools illegal?

a. Roy Wilkins b. Ralph Abernathy c. Thurgood Marshall a. Satchel Paige a. He was in Montgomery supporting b. Jackie Robinson a bus boycott. 4. Who became the first African- c. Willie Mays b. He was in Memphis supporting black American player to break Major garbage collectors who were on strike. League baseball's unwritten rule 5. The day before he was c. He attended the March on Washington. against hiring blacks? assassinated, what was Martin Luther King engaged in? http://quizzes.familyeducation.com/

15 F DATE DAY TIME EVENT E 4 Thursday 7:30 p.m. Executive Council MeetingB R 6 Saturday 1:00 p.m. Boy Scout Banquet U A 5:00 p.m. PRISM R Y 7 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Mission Emphasis Sunday

5:00 p.m. Super Bowl Party

13 Saturday 2:00 p.m. African American Heritage Workshop

7:00 p.m. Marriage Ministry’s Valentine Banquet

14 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Morning Worship, Holy Communion

15 Monday PRESIDENT’S DAY

18 Thursday 8:00 p.m. Sister Girl Talk

20 Saturday 12:00 p.m. Cub Scout Banquet

21 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Morning Worship

1:15 p.m. New Members’ Fellowship

21 - 26 BLACK CHURCH WEEK OF PRAYER

27 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Act 31 Child Protection Training

28 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Morning Worship

Quiz Answers: 1. a; 2. b; 3. c; 4. b; 5. b 16