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Watching tradition
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
The Watch Night service at Beulah Baptist Church will combine testimonials, prayer and a bit of a history lesson.
The Rev. Harold Logan, pastor of the church at 570 Sherwood Ave., said Watch Night, observed on New Year’s Eve, recalls the era of President Abraham Lincoln.
The origin of the service dates to Dec. 31, 1862, when blacks gathered at churches and homes to wait for the news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law Jan. 1, 1863. The document freed slaves in the Confederate States of America.
“They [slaves] waited to see if they would be free,” the Rev. Mr. Logan said. “It was a celebration.”
The Watch Night service is generally observed in the black community, he said.
Beulah Baptist has conducted a Watch Nigh service for some 30 years. Tonight’s observance begins at 10 with the theme “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.”
Mr. Logan said participation ranges from 20 to 30 people.
Those who wish to may offer testimonials about “God’s grace,” the pastor said. He said the testimonials generally focus on praising God and giving thanks for what He provided in the year past.
Mr. Logan said he takes an upbeat attitude for the Watch Night service. “I will talk about how a good year is coming ... because God is in it.”
The pastor of 13 years, who has been a minister for 25 years, said the Watch Night service is a positive way to start the New Year because people are in church and praying.
A prayer will culminate the service at midnight.
Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliffe Ave., also will conduct a Watch Night Joint Heirs Celebration and Communion service at 10 tonight. The Rev. Dr. Lewis W. Macklin II is pastor.