‘The Dream Lives On’ in New Sanctuary

COURT HOUSE – “The Dream Lives On,” was the theme of this year’s Black History program at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 46 E. Atlantic Ave. Sat., Feb. 25.
Members of the congregation celebrated their heritage in the new sanctuary of the church, which afforded extra room and brightness to the occasion.
Sister Evelyn McClurkin, mistress of ceremonies, started the event after the Praise Team offered its devotion to being the afternoon festivities.
After a processional by the church’s Youth Praise Program the congregation joined in singing the “Negro National Anthem.”
Sister Delores Johnson welcomed those who came to the annual celebration.
Sister Mary Travis conducted a responsive reading. Rev. Vera Willis offered a prayer.
Sister Joyce Thompson delivered a moving tribute to Harriet Tubman, noting that at one time the famed ex-slave had spent time in Cape May, and helped many slaves to freedom, risking her own life many times to help others attain freedom in the North.
Senior Mount Olive Praise Dancers performed an ornate dance movement. They were followed by the church’s choir which performed several Negro spiritual hymns including “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “Steal Away Home,” and “Freedom.”
Members of the South Jersey Chapter of Buffalo Soldiers, a motorcycle riding club comprised of many African American professionals and other interested in preserving and telling the history of Buffalo Soldiers, spoke on five African Americans who, in the 1800s, confronted racism and segregation in the military, and overcame those obstacles.
Riders of the club included Burgess “Butch” Hamer, Edward “Chip” Harshaw, Tyrone Cochran, Jerome Daniels, and Frankie Taylor.
Those members were attired in bright yellow shirts and wore cowboy-style hats that hearkened to the soldiers of the Union Army who, after the Civil War, were sent to the West to confront Native Americans, build forts, and contend with conditions under which white troops did not wish to live.
Following their presentation Rev. W.L. McClurkin delivered an invitation to discipleship.
At the close of the program, the congregation joined hands and, after a blessing by the pastor, sang “We Shall Overcome.”