It is important that we all remember the things of the past and allow it to have an influence on our future. There have been many contributions made to society that have its origins in the Black Communities and this month is the time that has been set aside to commemorate those contributions and achievements. The music genres were not left out of these accomplishments. The African American Spiritual is one such genre. The exciting thing about the original spiritual is the hidden meanings within each song. They were sung to give a message to those participating in the ‘underground railroad” while at the same time alluding the faith and spiritual references within the Bible. “Wade in the water” actually referred to crossing the river to hide their scent so as not to be detected by a search dog; Swing Low, sweet chariot – let them know that it was time to escape through the Underground Railroad.

This month at First Christian we will celebrate the spiritual with the Men’s Chorus providing the music during the 8:15 am worship service on February 28, 2016. They will sing several spirituals throughout the service with their Director Wallace E. Lee and pianist Lauren Carter. There will also be a piano and organ duet played by Wallace (organ), and Lauren (piano) titled “A Symphony of Spirituals”. You are all invited to come and participate with us as we give thanks and praise to God through the musical genre of the spiritual.