COURT HOUSE – The congregation of Mount Olive Baptist Church raised its voice Feb. 22 for something monumental that happened 151 years ago Jan. 1: Emancipation Day.
“Oh lord, we celebrate your strong hand of deliverance. We have seen your grace in the midst of life’s burdens. The Emancipation Proclamation freed African slaves in the United States on New Year’s Day in 1863. But actual freedom for the last slaves did not come until June day, two and a half years later. This Juneteenth milestone reminds us of the triumph of the human spirit,” stated Sister Mary Travis from the podium.
The recollection of the freeing of slaves was one part of the celebration for Black History Month.
Under leadership of Sister Evelyn McClurkin, wife of Rev. William L. McClurkin, pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, the afternoon event included a prayer by Sister Mardella Allen, reading of Scripture by Sister Delores Johnson, songs by the Men of Valor and singing of Negro spiritual hymns, and a performance by Mount Olive Youth Praise Dancers.
Guest speaker was Theodore Bryan, introduced by his wife, Mabel. The Bryans taught many years at Middle Township High School.
Following a blessing by Rev. McClurkin, the celebration concluded with the singing of “We Shall Overcome,” a song that established itself in American history during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
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