Consecrated December 15, 1861
still standing strong thursday, december 15, 2o11
Winston–Salem, North Carolina
st. philips
A Short History
The historic 1861 St. Philips Church in Old Salem is the oldest African American church still standing in the state of North Carolina and one of the earliest in the entire country. It is an exceedingly rare architectural monument to a people who have few early buildings remaining to tell their history. The congregation dates back to 1822 by which time the Moravian Church had segregated worship services. The Female Missionary Society encouraged the creation of an African American Moravian congregation among the enslaved population in Salem, and by the end of the following year, African Americans had constructed a log church at the edge of town. Thus began a long history, not only of this congregation, but also of the African American population at-large, that witnessed the movement through enslavement, Emancipation, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement. A significant point in that history was the congregation’s move from their 1823 log church to a newly constructed brick church on the site in 1861. It was from the pulpit of this brick church that on Sunday, May 21, 1865, a Union Cavalry Chaplain announced freedom to the enslaved community in and around the town of Salem, now WinstonSalem. After the war, the church served as a focal point of the African American community for educational and social functions as well as religious services.
Named St. Philips in 1914, the congregation moved from the brick church in 1952 to be in an African American neighborhood and currently continues its active mission in a sanctuary located on Bon Air Ave in Winston-Salem. The 1861 church then stood vacant for over thirty years. By the late 198os, prompted by Hurricane Hugo and the storm of May 1989, a coalition of concerned organizations and individuals formed a committee to preserve the church. By 1991 this committee had entrusted Old Salem with the project, and thus began a ten year, three million dollar research and restoration effort to reestablish the African American presence and contribution to the development of Salem.
15oth anniversary of the st. philips african moravian church thursday, december 15, 2o11
An Evening of Conversation and Music, 7:oo pm Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr., Pastor, Union Baptist Church prelude Brandon Jenkins, Student, Winston-Salem State University processional Pearls of Wisdom Storytellers call and response Rev. William Brown, Pastor, Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church memorial candlelight Conrad Mitchell, Trustee, St. Philips Moravian Church dance North Carolina Liturgical Dance Network presentation Lee French and Cheryl Harry Honoree: Dr. Cedric Rodney, Retired Pastor St. Philips Moravian Church salutations Mayor Allen Joines Dr. Vivian Burke, Mayor Pro Tempore City of Winston-Salem the conversation- still standing strong Soon I Will Be Done/Go Down Moses, performed by: Mary Brunson, Senior Program, Winston-Salem Urban League Freedom Is Announced - 1865 – Rev. Darryl Aaron, Pastor First Baptist Church Great Day (The Righteous Marching), performed by: Sophia Feaster, NC Department of Juvenile Justice Sunday School Addition – 189o – Rev. Prince Rivers, United Metropolitan Missionary Church His Eye Is On The Sparrow, performed by: Nicholas Brown, Student, Paisley (IB) Magnet School Leaving Salem – 1952 – Rev. Donald Jenkins, Pastor, St. Paul United Methodist Church offertory invitation Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr. blessing of the offering Rev. Ronnie Roseboro, Pastor, St. Andrews United Methodist Church love offering collection Home Moravian Church Ushers Offertory Selection – Emmanuel Baptist Church Spiritual Choir descendant’s charge Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones, Founder Masters Touch Ministries International and Descendant of Wesley Fries benediction Rev. Stacy Frazier, Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
2
call and response Call (Leader): Throughout the heart rendering history of African Americans, there existed an essence of consolation. That consolation came by way of the church and the preacher. Response (Audience): Still Standing Strong Call (Leader): Whenever God’s children are deliberately degraded, realistically, that becomes a spiritual and physical crime, not only directed against men but also against an autonomous God. Response (Audience): Still Standing Strong Call (Leader): Naturally, within the community there were often the frantic calls to retaliate. However, it was the charge of the church that hailed, “vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.” He charged his ill-treated people to affirm the basic teaching of the Bible. That teaching is to love your enemies; and to do good to them that persecute you. Response (Audience): Still Standing Strong Call (Leader): This fundamental truth is just as relevant today as in the yesterdays! Consequently, the charge to love is still the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ! Having been given the charge, what must the response be? Response (Audience): “WITH ALL MY HEART!” Still Standing Strong
Composed by Rev. William Brown, Pastor, Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church
3
welcome
Lee L. French, President and Chief Executive Officer Old Salem Museums & Gardens Welcome to the St. Philips Heritage Center. We are in the place where on this day exactly 15o years ago people gathered to worship for the very first time in this wonderful sanctuary that became the St. Philips African Moravian Church. This brick church, completed in 1861, is a testament to the will and the spirit of the people for whom it became the center of spiritual life. That spirit, and the faith that fuels it, is still with us today. The strength of that spirit also can be felt in the reconstructed African Moravian Log Church, which preceded the brick church by almost 4o years and serves as a reminder of what faith and goodness and perseverance can yield even in the face of unthinkable circumstances. And yet, these buildings were built… lives were built…and we honor both today. Old Salem Museums & Gardens along with so many people in this community brought this building back to life in 2oo3 and we remain committed to the historic preservation of this architectural treasure. We also
remain committed to the history, the true history, of this place and the people of this place. The St. Philips Heritage Center is not only a window to our past, but a path to our future – for our whole community. It is ours and it is a Common Ground that we can share and honor. At the museums we do this through scholarship and programs designed to celebrate the spirit of this place as a matter of historical fact, but also as a matter of aspirations for the future. Thank you for being a part of this celebration by being a part of this conversation today. The Conversation – Still Standing Strong, needs to continue into the future… for our history is not yet complete. We will stand strong so future generations can make our past a part of their future. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
4
the occasion
Cheryl Harry, Director of African American Programming Old Salem Museums & Gardens A Grand Celebration of the oldest African American church in North Carolina: after 15o years the St. Phillips African Moravian Church is still standing strong. St. Philips is a gem that shines the light on the African American experience in WinstonSalem and Forsyth County. It is a story that should not go unnoticed and so it is important that the commemoration of this historic time and place be captured and brought to the attention of the broader community. Many African American historic buildings have been destroyed and existing structures are somewhat undervalued. Today, we celebrate the church’s founders and the dedicated men and women who saw a need for its preservation. This edifice not only has documented historical significance but it also is symbolic of the joys, pains, struggles and triumphs of the people who found refuge here.
It is significant to ponder that the pews you’re seated in are the pews where enslaved people of African descent heard the news that they were free; the pews you’re sitting in are where people learned how to read and write; the pews you’re sitting in are where people planned the first school for African American children in Winston-Salem; the pews you’re sitting in are where a people found sanctuary and where they came to lay their burdens down. Isn’t that both remarkable and astonishing?
Throughout its long history, the African Moravian Church has allowed those who enter and dwell within its boundaries to be impacted in a positive and life changing manner. Many believe the church lives within us and so this church building does not fulfill its purpose unless souls enter in and bring it to its full state of realization. Throughout the years, countless souls have entered and received revitalization, rejuvenation and restoration. We are especially happy to have the pastors of the churches that were a part of St. Philips’ 12oth church anniversary in 1942 included in the 15oth celebration. Because that moment in history was documented and preserved, we are able to reconnect with those churches for this celebration and re-establish those historical relationships thirty years later. Where you are today is a result of the passion and zeal of so many people. To make sure the sweat equity and dollar value is leveraged to the maximum – we need you to be a part of our continual reinvestment process: bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to the St. Philips Heritage Center; share this information with your family, friends and visitors; continue to visit the church yourself and be reminded of the wonderful legacy that has been created and left for each of us.
5
a brave and startling truth Reprinted by Permission of Dr. Maya Angelou for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of St. Philips African Moravian Church Dedicated to the hope for peace, which lies, sometimes hidden, in every heart. We, the people, on a small and lonely planet Traveling through casual space Past aloof stars, across the way of indifferent suns To a destination where all signs tell us It is possible and imperative that we learn A brave and startling truth. And when we come to it To the day of peacemaking When we release our fingers From fists of hostility And allow the pure air to cool our palms When we come to it When the curtain falls on the minstrel show of hate And face sooted with scorn are scrubbed clean When battlefields and coliseum No longer rake our unique and particular sons and daughters Up with bruised and bloody grass To lie in identical plots in foreign soil When the rapacious storming of the churches The screaming racket in the temples have ceased When the pennants are waving gaily When the banners of the world tremble Stoutly in the good, clean breeze When we come to it When we let the rifles fall from our shoulders And children dress their dolls in flags of truce When land mines of death have been removed And the aged can walk into evenings of peace When religious ritual is not perfumed By the incense of burning flesh And childhood dreams are not kicked awake By nightmares of abuse When we come to it Then we will confess that not the Pyramids With their stones set in mysterious perfection Nor the Gardens of Babylon Hanging as eternal beauty In our collective memory Not the Grand Canyon Kindled into delicious color By Western sunsets
6
Nor the Danube, flowing its blue soul into Europe Not the sacred peak of Mount Fuji Stretching to the Rising Sun Neither Father Amazon nor Mother Mississippi who, without favor, Nurtures all creatures in the depths and on the shores These are not the only wonders of the world When we come to it We, this people, on this minuscule and kithless globe Who reach daily for the bomb, the blade and the dagger Yet who petition in the dark for tokens of peace We, this people, on this mote of matter In whose mouths abide cankerous words Which challenge our very existence Yet out of those same mouths Come songs of such exquisite sweetness That the heart falters in its labor And the body is quieted into awe We, this people, on this small and drifting planet Whose hands can strike with such abandon That, in a twinkling, life is sapped from the living Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness, That the haughty neck is happy to bow And the proud back is glad to bend Out of such chaos, of such contradiction We learn that we are neither devils nor divines When we come to it We, this people, on this wayward, floating body Created on this earth, of this earth Have the power to fashion for this earth A climate where every man and every woman Can live freely without sanctimonious piety Without crippling fear When we come to it We must confess that we are the possible We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world That is when, and only when We come to it.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
32nd noon hour commemoration of dr. martin luther king, jr’s birthday December 2o11 CONGRATULATIONS on the 15oth Anniversary of St. Philips Moravian Church!!!
Who would have thought in 1861 when this marvelous structure was created that it would become the oldest standing African American church in the state and among the first in the nation to serve an African-American population, many of whom were slaves? That just four years later on May 21, 1865, it would be here that a Union Calvary Chaplain would proclaim the freedom of the local slaves... that an active congregation would remain until 1952...that fifty-two years later the church building would be fully restored as a reminder of the commitment to religious freedom... while today we sit on the original pews and appreciate other details that are a century and a half old!! Amazing.... Original pews inside St. Philips.
On October 16, 2o11, a monument recognizing the courage and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the struggle for civil rights, peace, and equal justice was officially dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D. C. Like the observance of his birthday as a national holiday since 1986, it is meant to teach future generations from throughout the world about a philosophy – though questioned – proved effective; and to remind us in the present day of those accomplishments and to challenge us to continue the quest for what remains to be done. Reflecting on our total history provides insight and motivation for our future... Thank YOU for this most appropriate reminder. Sincerely, Mütter D. Evans Organizing Founder MLK Annual Noon Hour Commemoration
14
historical sketch of the origin and progress of the colored congregation at salem Already previous the year 1882, the desire had been expressed, especially at the annual meetings of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, that on the part of the U. Brethren’s Church, more might be done toward the religious instruction of the African race in the vicinity of Salem than had been hitherto attempted. After individuals of this race had, it is truce, from time to time become communicant members of the church, nevertheless it appeared desirable that such additional opportunities should be afforded as would be more likely to prove attractive and profitable to these people than those they had hitherto enjoyed. In the year 1822 a number of sisters belonging to the Congregation at Salem, for the express purpose of spreading the gospel among the colored people of this vicinity, formed themselves into a Society under the name of the Salem Female Missionary Society. The formation of the Society led to the resolution on the part of the Provincial Elders’ Conference to institute regular preaching for the colored people, and to form among them a separate congregation. Br. Abraham Steiner was appointed to take charge of this field of gospel labor. On March 24th, 1822, he kept the first service, which was attended by about 6o hearers, among whom were four communicants. On Sunday, May 19th, the Lord’s Supper was administered for the first time, three communicants, besides the minister, being present as partakers, viz.: Budney, his wife Phebe, and John Emanuel. The meetings for public worship were kept, as regularly as circumstances admitted, once a fortnight, on Sabbath afternoons, at various places in the neighborhood of Salem. On Sunday, Dec. 28th, 1823, the new church, which had been erected mainly through the exertions of the Salem Female Missionary Society, was solemnly consecrated to the worship of the triune God. This house, situated a short distance South West of this spot, on the adjoining lot, is at the present date still used for the purpose to which it was first consecrated. But having been for some time already too small and inconvenient, the erection of the new and
larger building, in the corner stone of which this document is deposited, was resolved upon and undertaken in reliance upon the help and blessing of the Lord. The means for this purpose were liberally contributed by the individual members and friends of the Congregation at Salem, as well as by the several church Boards. In the year 1859 it was resolved by the Provincial Elders’ Conference in future to consider the colored charge as forming a part of the Salem Congregation. Accordingly since that time they have been served by the pastor of said Congregation. The following brethren have had the pastoral care of the colored people: Br. Abr. Steiner from 1822 till 1832 Br. John R. Smith from 1832 till 1838 Br. Sam’l. Thos. Pfohl from 1838 till 1841 Br. Gottlieb Byhan from 1842 till 1852 Br. John A. Friebele from 1853 till 1857 Br. George F. Bahnson from 1857 till 1859 Br. Francis R. Holland from 1859 till ______.
15
Since 1857, circumstances having frequently prevented the brother in charge from being present, Br. M. E. Grunert has, for such occasions, cheerfully attended to the Sunday services. In the Sunday School, which has been kept with great regularity since the year 1822, a number of sisters have serves as teachers with exemplary zeal and fidelity. From 1822 till 1849 the school was under the superintendence of Sr. Sarah Steiner, and since 1849 under that of Sr. Mary Denke, Rebecca Stauber, Anna Johanna Stauber, Martha Vogler, Leana Shaub, Olivia S. Warner, and Caroline Siewers. From the year 1822 till the present time: 78 persons have been received into full membership; 196 infants and 32 adults have been baptized; 1o9 persons have been buried; 16 marriages have been solemnized. The present number of communicants is 44. (Here follows a list of the communicants.) The number of stated hearers is about 2oo.
Besides this document, there were deposited in the corner stone a Bible, Church Catechism, Historical Sketch of the BRn.’s Church, and Text book for the year 1861.
Wesley Washington Fries was baptized and became a full communicant member of the African Moravian Congregation in August of 1845.
Emancipation in Salem, the reading of General Orders No. 32. Pencil graphite drawing by Leo Rucker
16
The order of services was as follows:
Sun., Sept. 29
Singing.
Holy Communion; 48 communicants partook, including some Methodist members at Winston.
Address by Br. Bahnson.
Sun., Nov. 17
Reading of the foregoing document by Br. Holland. Singing, during which the box to be deposited in the stone was soldered up. Prayer by Br. Bahnson Doxology The weather was fine and a large assembly was present
S. School and preaching. A number of persons being convicted of sin and expressing their desire to be prayed for and with, several prayers were offered after the sermon, br. George (Fries) and Henry (Webb) leading in prayer. There was a general melting of hearts, and many tears were shred.
Tues., Nov. 19
The regular evening lecture was held. It was well attended. The inquirers were addressed and remembered in prayer.
Sun., Dec. 8
Preaching in the old church for the last time.
Sun., Dec. 15
At 1o am Litany and preaching by Br. Bahnson. At 2 pm was the consecration of the new church erected in the course of the year for the colored.
Sun., Dec. 15
Consecration of the new church. Br. Bahnson offered the first prayer, Br. Holland preached, Dr. Grunert followed with an exhortation, and Br. R. de Schweinitz closed with prayer. A large congregation was present, completely filling the house. Excerpt from the Records of the Moravians in North Carolina Volume XII 1856 - 1866 Diary of the African Church in Salem, 1861
The Joyner Sisters were active members of the St. Philips Sunday School.
17
diary of the african church in salem, 1861
(Extracts transcribed by Francis Raymond Holland )
Sat. August 24. At 5 P.M. the corner stone of the new church was laid by Br. Bahnson with appropriate religious ceremonies. The followings is a copy of the document deposited in the corner stone: In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, this corner stone of a church for the use of the colored members of the United Brethren’s or Moravian Church at Salem was laid with fervent prayer to God that in the house to be erected on this spot, the blessed gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ might be preached from generation to generation in its purity and simplicity, with demonstration of the spirit and power; that the Holy Sacraments of the Christian Church might be administered therein according to the institution of Christ, and in conformity with the rights [rites] usages of the United Brethren’s Church; and that multitudes of precious souls, redeemed with the blood of Christ, might therein learn the way of pardon, peace, and eternal life. This cornerstone was laid on the 24th of August, Anno Domini 1861. Jefferson Davis being Provisional President of the Confederate States of America Henry T. Clark acting Governor of the State of North Carolina George F. Bahnson being Bishop of the United Brethren’s Church in the Southern Province of North America
Emil A. de Schweinitz, Administrator of the Unity’s Estates in Wachovia Robert W. de Schweinitz, Principal, and Maximilian E. Grunert, Assistant Principal, of the Salem Female Academy
18
Frances R. Holland being pastor of the Congregation at Salem Samuel Thomas Pfohl being Warden of the Congregation at Salem Jacob F. Siwers being Pastor of the Congregations at Bethany and Bethabara Christian Lewis Rights being Pastor of the Congregations at Friedberg and Hope Thomas Fry of the Congregations at Friedland and Philadelphia Robert Parmenio Leinbach of the Congregations at Macedonia and Muddy Creek John A. Friebele of the Home Mission Congregation at Mt. Bethe, Virginia Gilbert Bishop and Jacob Mack, being Missionaries of the United Brethren’s Church among the Cherokees west of Arkansas The Provincial Elders’ Conference consisting of the Brn. George F. Bahnson, Emil A. de Schweinitz, and Robert W. de Schweinitz The Board of Elders of the Salem Congregation consisting of the Brn. Francis R. Holland, Robert W. de Schweinitz, Emil A. de Schweinitz, Maximilian E. Grunert, and Jacob L. Fulkerson The Board of Trustees of the Salem Congregation consisting of the Brn. Saml. Thos. Pfohl, Charles A. Cooper, Joshua Boner, John Gottlieb Sides, Theodore F. Keehln, Elias A. Vogler, and John Nathaniel Blu v. m. Excerpt from the Records of the Moravians in North Carolina Volume XII 1856 - 1866
the first lay pastor of african descent at st. philips
Rev. Dr. George Hall & Mrs. Charlotte Hall
Dr. George Hall was born in Bluefields, Nicaragua on November 3, 1901. George’s father, Obadiah, was a member of the Board of Elders of the Moravian Church in Bluefields and George would frequently travel with him for prayer meetings. George was first exposed to St. Philips as a young man in 1919, when he and other Nicaraguan students received gifts from the congregation. Two years later he became an official member of the congregation. In the years between 1921 and 1946, Hall attended services frequently and worked in the community as a professor zoology, biology and botany at Winston Salem State University. Late in 1946 George Hall began filling in as pastor as Rev. Spaugh’s health deteriorated. In addition to leading services he also taught in the Sunday School Program. Dr. Hall’s role as pastor served as revolutionary, as there had not been an African American leading the congregation since Alexander Gates, who was appointed on a temporary basis in the early 187os. George Hall and his wife Charlotte served the congregation devotedly for two decades. Under his leadership the Bethany Church School and Kindergarten was established and the congregation relocated twice, first to Happy Hill Gardens in the 1950’s and finally to the current location on Bon Air Avenue.
19
the first ordained pastor of african descent at st. philips
Rev. Dr. Cedric Sydney Rodney
through his membership on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board, Old Salem, Inc., Senior Services, North Carolina Social Services Commission and many other boards and commissions. He has received numerous honors and awards for his civic leadership and humanistic example. Dr. Rodney’s association with Winston-Salem State University spans three decades and includes the roles of Chaplain, faculty member, coordinator of the university’s Youth for Christ Choir, Campus Outreach Program, chair of the Joseph N. Patterson Lecture Series, coordinator of the James A. Gray Lecture Series, and a member of numerous campus committees. He was the first to be named Distinguished Professor at Winston -Salem State University. In recognition of his many contributions to Winston-Salem State University, in 1997 he was the first recipient of the University Distinguished Service Award– which was later named in his honor. He also received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Winston-Salem State University.
The Reverend Dr. Cedric Sydney Rodney, a native of Georgetown, Guyana, South America, former pastor of St. Philips Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, and the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religion and Ethics at Winston-Salem State University. He is a graduate of the School of Religion of Malone University, Canton, OH and received a Master of Arts degree from John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH. He has done additional studies at Oxford University, Canterbury Ecumenical School, Union Theological Seminary and Moravian Theology Seminary. Rodney was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, PA. Dr. Rodney has led churches in Guyana, Ohio, Delaware and North Carolina. He was the pastor of St. Philips Moravian Church from 1968 to1976 and 1984 to 2oo3. St. Philips is one of the oldest African American churches in the United States. Rodney is presently a member of the board of directors of Hospice & Palliative Care Center, Moravian Historical Society, Winston-Salem Rotary and a former member of the board of trustees of Salem Academy and College. He has been actively involved in the social and political concerns of his adopted home – Winston-Salem
20
A world traveler, Rodney has visited many countries in the world but longs to see India. He is a published author, well-know lecturer, and frequently asked to bless many public gatherings. He is known as pastor, teacher, ethicist, peacemaker, a faithful servant of God. He is married to Dr. Mae Lipscomb Rodney, Director of Library Services at Winston-Salem State University, and the father of three children: Elise, Yvette and Cabot. Dr. Rodney was a member of the 1989 Citizens Advisory committee formed to explore the preservation of Historic St. Philips Moravian Church. Due to Dr. Rodney’s efforts, the St. Philips Moravian Church was restored, along with the Negro God’s Acre (African American Graveyard), Stranger’s God’s Acre, and the path to Happy Hill Overlook and the 1823 African Moravian Log Church was reconstructed.
120th Anniversary of the founding of
St. Philips Moravian Church South Church Street Winston-Salem, N.C. Rev. William E. Spaugh, Pastor 1942
______________________________________________________ “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1.
______________________________________________________
Program
SUNDAY, MAY 3rd — 3:00 P.M. Lovefeast and Sermon……………...…..By Rev. Thos. Kilgore Pastor of Frienship Baptist Church MONDAY NIGHT, MAY 4th — 8:00 P.M. Sermon………………………..……….By Rev. Israel Hairston Pastor of Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church TUESDAY NIGHT, MAY 5th — 8:00 P.M. Sermon…………………………...By Rev. G. Haven Caldwell Pastor of St. Paul’s Methodist Church WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MAY 6th — 8:00 P.M. Sermon………………….…………….By Rev. R.F. McCallum Pastor of St. Andrews Methodist Church THURSDAY NIGHT, MAY 7th — 8:00 P.M. Sermon……………………………………..By Rev. J.C. White Pastor of First Baptist Church FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 8th — 8:00 P.M. Sermon………………….…………..Rev. Kenneth R. Williams Pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church* *Now United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church Re-typed from original on 11/19/2011
21
Please join us as we celebrate the legacy! thursday, december 15, 2o11 Open House at St. Philips Heritage Center
9:3o am - 4:3o pm Tours of the African Moravian Log Church, St. Philips African Moravian Church, African American and Strangers Graveyards
Anniversary and Christmas Lovefeast
11:oo am Presented by the Salem Creek Regional Conference of Churches (Home Moravian, Messiah Moravian, St. Philips Moravian and Trinity Moravian) Music by the Moravian Brass Band
st. philips african moravian church
An Evening of Conversation and Music 5:oo pm - 6:3o pm Reception
old salem visitor center 7:oo pm Program including expressions by Regional Officials, Clergy and Community Leaders as well as special music
st. philips african moravian church Shuttles will transport attendees from the Visitor Center to St. Philips every 15 minutes (ending at 6:3o).
All events are free and open to the public 路 RSVP Required Call 8oo-441-53o5 All buildings are wheelchair accessible. Please relay special needs when responding. Old Salem Museums & Gardens 路 9oo Old Salem Road 路 Winston-Salem, North Carolina
22
st. philips moravian church board In 2o11, St. Philips Congregation celebrated its 189th anniversary and still remains the only Black Historic congregation in the country. St Philips is a source of education for hundreds of school children from all parts of North Carolina and for foreign and out of state visitors on a daily basis as they visit the St. Philips Heritage Center at Old Salem Museum and Gardens. As a member of the Salem Creek Regional Conference of Churches, St. Philips participates jointly with member churches, Home, Trinity and Messiah Moravian to foster the ideals of Moravians and enhance the growth of our churches and the care for our youth and senior membership. Current Photo of St. Philips Board Members (From Left: Mr. Conrad Mitchell, Bro. Alphonso Gayden, Mr. Richard Jackson, Mrs. Dorothy Pettus Not pictured: Lethia Coleman, Elder and Cyntia Joyner, Elder
st. philips congregational outreach and activities
Throughout history St. Philips Congregation has participated in many outreach activities that enabled the Church to act as a force for social change. Members of St. Philips helped establish one of the oldest schools for children of color in the state during the late nineteenth century. They also supported missionaries in Africa and Nicaragua, helped the sick through the Women’s Aid Society, and provided training for jobless women in the Domestic Science School. Today, outreach ministries include the Christian Kids Club, held each summer, and the Tuesday Night Dinners, held once a month from September through May. There is also the Women’s Fellowship group, which meets monthly. St. Philips and Messiah Moravian Churches are working on the Second African Graveyard Project. The Second African Graveyard is located at the corner of Salem Avenue and Cemetery Streets. This Graveyard contains 227 grave sites, many of them of slaves and most of them St. Philips members. St Philips and Messiah Moravian Churches are active in decorating the historic graveyards in Old Salem at Easter.
23
special thanks to: St. Philips Congregation Board Members Lethia Coleman, Elder Bro. Alphonso Gaydon, Elder Richard Jackson, Elder Cynthia Joyner, Elder Conrad Mitchel, Trustee Doroty Pettus, Trustee
Participating Congregations
First Baptist Church Friendship Baptist Church Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church St. Andrews United Methodist Church St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Union Baptist Church United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church
Salem Creek Regional Conference of Churches Home Moravian Church Messiah Moravian Church St. Philips Moravian Church Trinity Moravian Church
150th St. Philips Anniversary Steering Committee
Rev. Darryl Aaron, First Baptist Church Linda Jackson Barnes, City of Winston Salem Dianne Brice, Visit Winston Salem RaVonda Dalton-Rann, Winston Salem State University Bonnie Fleming, Community Advocate Barbara Morris, St. Philips Church
Volunteers & Partners
Melvin and Genell Aikens Sheila Smith Astrop Johnnetta H. Brown Guila B. Cooper Sharon G. Correll Mercedes L. Miller Patricia Oliver Luci Vaughn Nancy Young Aramark Food Services Home Moravian Ushers Mayor’s Office, City of Winston-Salem Winston Salem State University WSSU Shuttle Drivers
24
Pearls of Wisdom Storytellers
Renee J. Andrews (Phoebe) Gloria Grant-Cain (Rose) Sarah Hill Carter (Sarah) Pat “Mardia” Stepney (Nancy) Darby West (Emily)
North Carolina Liturgical Dance Network Kenya Heck Larnitha Hunter LaWanda Lash Shelia Roseboro Elizabeth Ruff
Art Design
Leo Rucker
Old Salem Staff
6oo south main street winston-salem, nc 271o1 336-721-735o info@oldsalem.org oldsalem.org