Peter Randolph, an ex-slave, described their powerful worship even in the midst of this horrible abuse:
“Arrangements are then made for conducting the exercises. They first ask each other how they feel, the state of their minds, etc. The male members then select a certain space, in separate groups, for their division of the meeting. The slave forgets all his sufferings, except to remind others of the trials during the past week, exclaiming, “Thank God, I shall not live here always!” Then they pass from one another, shaking hands, bidding each other farewell, and promising should they meet no more on earth, to strive to meet in heaven, where all is joy, happiness, and liberty. As they separate, they sing a parting hymn of praise.”
The African American church under horribly evil circumstances and sinful abuses survived and thrived together through the intimate exchange of shared comfort and the mutual exchange of gospel hope. [Robert W. Kellemen]
