Where Two or Three are Gathered...

A look into the back door, guarded by an usher, of the sanctuary at Fellowhisp Greater Jehovah Baptist Church in North Philadelphia.

The Black church is rich in history and culture. It is an important aspect of the Black community and culture in America. As enslaved Africans, Christianity was the only religion Africans were allowed to practice. Just as all other aspects of African culture, African religions were forbidden to be practiced. As a result African Americans embraced Christianity and added a different spin on methods and protocal. Therefore there are strong similiarities between some African religions or spiritual practices and the Black church.

I grew up in the Black church and have always been interested in the beauty and uniqueness of believers and the practices that make up the Black church. The images of the older and much wiser church members singing old hymns, the emotive songs, the outward expressions of joy, the dancing and the prayers make for a unique experience. I documented the practices and environment of the bank-converted church, Fellowship Greater Jehovah Baptist Church(FGJBC) in North Philly. FGJBC has been in the neighborhood for about 30 years now. The church itself is very authentic and interesting. While the airy and roomy sanctuary can hold aobut 100 people or more, Sunday service attendees maxed out at about 30 people. The ceilings are extrememly high as the building still contains evidence of its history as a bank. There are huge metal safe doors that act as doors for offices or rooms and the architectural design of the building yields to it's history as "The Second Natinoal Bank."

The people of the clergy and congregation were especially warm and welcoming. It was an intimate experience, worshiping and praying with the members of FGJBC. Although they are small in numbers, their faith is strong.

This is what caught my eye on several visits to FGJBC.

http://astro.temple.edu/~eedwards/BlackChurch_0003.WMV