In a rousing call to worship with African drums and “Fanga,” a traditional dance and rhythm of welcome in various West African cultures, employees and guests celebrated Black History Month during the Wednesday morning worship service at the Presbyterian Center.
African-Americans have played a pivotal role in American church history. Many may be familiar with Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, the founders of what is now known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was established in Philadelphia in 1792. Less known but equally as important to the Presbyterian denomination was the Rev. John Gloucester, who founded the First African Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia in 1807.
“It’s good to gather to celebrate the diversity of our center and our church,” the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), said in his greetings to worshipers Wednesday at the Presbyterian Center’s chapel in honor of Black History Month.
Sounds of the Black American National Anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing permeated the chapel at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Center as employees celebrated Black History Month during today’s chapel service.
