One Jamaican Church Choir March Around & Three Black American Church Choirs March Arounds

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest update -September 5, 2026
 
This is an updated version of a pancocojams post that I originally published in 2019 as Part III of a three part 2019 pancocojams series about Black church choir "march arounds".  

This pancocojams post showcases a 2016 YouTube of what I refer to as a "march arounds by the youth choir of Jamaica Free Baptist Church. That march around occurred during the youth convention. 

This pancocojams post also showcases a 2013 YouTube video and a 2016 YouTube video of what I refer to as "march arounds" by the choir of First United Tabernacle International Ministries' (Orange, New Jersey).

(A commenter in the discussion thread of one of those videos shared that the pastor of that church is from Jamaica and a number of people in that church's congregation are from Jamaica. That commenter didn't directly indicate that the choir's director is from Jamaica, but that information helps explain why the choir's performs the same way that Jamaican apostolic choirs perform.)

A few selected comments from the discussion threads for these videos are included in this post after those showcase videos.
 
The Addendum to this is post presents a description of a Black church choir "march around" that I observed in Pleasantville, New Jersey (near Atlantic City) on March 10, 2019.The pastor of that choir (at that time) is from Jamaica.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/five-videos-of-jamaican-church-choirs.html for Part I of this series. Part I showcases several videos of Jamaican church choirs marching around their sanctuary during church service. Selected comments from some of the discussion threads of these videos are also included in this post.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/video-of-black-canadian-church-choir.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II provides some information about Jamaicans in Canada and showcases a video of a Black Canadian church choir marching around the sanctuary during a church service for that church's collection. Selected comments from that video's discussion thread are also included in this post. A number of those comments note that this "march around" style is from Jamaica.

The content of this post is presented for cultural and religious purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/black-church-marches-processions-by.html for Part I of a pancocojams series that presents information about possible cultural influences on Black (African American) church usher, nurses, or choir processions. The links to the other posts in that series are found in that post.

I'm revisiting both of these 2019 pancocojams posts because I'm interested in exploring the influence of these processions on the single file (circular) soul line dances such as these examples that are showcased in this 2026 pancocojams post https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/08/follow-me-four-other-youtube-videos-of.html "Follow Me" & Four Other YouTube Videos Of African American (Soul) Line Dances That Were Choreographed For Music That Wasn't Recorded For Line Dancing (Part II)"


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DESCRIPTIONS OF WAYS CHOIRS "MARCH AROUNDS" ARE PERFORMED
1. The church choir leaves the choir stand during the offering. They "march" in a single file while singing and continue up the left hand aisle. The choir then continues singing and marching down the center aisle pass two men standing in the front who hold the offering plates. Choir members put their offering in one of the plates while they continue singing and marching back up to the choir stand.

The rest of the congregation is standing singing along with the choir throughout this entire time. Some members of the congregation clap along with the song, hold their arm up. Some choir members and some members of the congregation may show that they are touched by the spirit (get happy, go in). If this occurs with a choir member, the person in back of that choir member helps that person along so that she or he continues moving in the line during the march around.

2. All of the above applies to this way of doing "march arounds" except that after the choir moves down the center aisle, they then move down the aisle on the right hand side and then move down the center aisle. At that point they give their offering and then return to the choir stand.  

The church choir may do a march around, in part, as a way of giving their collection. (Based on some YouTube videos) it appears that some church choirs in Jamaica do march arounds apart from collections to demonstrate their praise toward God and, in so doing, increase the presence of the Holy Spirit in that worship service.

Additions and corrections to these descriptions are welcome.

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DEFINITION OF CHURCH CHOIRS "MARCH INS"
"Church march arounds" differs from "church march ins".

"March ins" - when a church choir or other church group/ministry (such as ushers or nurses) march into the church sanctuary-usually from the center aisle- to mark the beginning of the worship service or special program such as that group/s anniversary or a convention.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #1- Christian Warrior/Jubilee Medley

Jamaica Free Baptist Church Four Paths,  Jul 21, 2016

Youth Night - Convention 2016

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BciQxK96Hi0
-snip-
Here are some selected comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. @ronelljohnson1915, 2019
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord...Enter into his gates with praise...dance before the lord. When the children of Israel crossed the red sea Miriam beat the tambourine and they danced and rejoiced ....look what the Lord has done.....just saying 💃💃💃"

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2. @menthoygrant5243, 2019
"Love this church bad"
-snip-
I believe that in standard English this sentence means "I love this church a lot.

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3. @loisbrownmartin2506, 2019
"I am fully aware that I can only see the outward and God knows the heart, but what I see here is no different from a carnival or independence street dancing. Yes we must praise the Lord but."..

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Reply
4. @royandjacqueline1294, 2019
"We have West Indian Carnival in Yorkshire,  England. There is a MASSIVE difference in the dance. Honest to GOD no choir would dance like that in Chapel. This is happy-happy🕺🕺💃💃JESUS dancing ❣️😃🕊️🔥✝️"

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Reply
5. @marcialawrence609, 2020
"Lady u don’t know what u talking about,the word of God said we must make a joyful noise unto the lord ,Do u know what a noise is R define the word noise,so if u are a Christian and you are the cold one ,and u don’t want to praise God are u feel too stush stay there and leave God people alone before u get a sword."

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Reply
6.@marcialawrence609, 2020
"Am talking to the lady that talking about carnival."

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Reply
7.@roshawnferguson8104, 2020
"But what??? we dance in streets while we were out there in sin so why not dance in church?? I mean, God's people are not restricted or under bondage... A lot of countries want this privilege but they are forbidden. Come on, ppl can enjoy themselves in the Lord so don't class this as a carnival. I see that as being disrespectful. These are the churches that countries like Jamaica needs to have again because it is lacking. I agree with you tho when you say only God knows the inward man."

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Reply
8.@gennisparry4352, 2020
"We should not judge as you say only God knows the heart of man. Leave them let them worship God. Amen!"

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9. @rosemarieprendergast5371, 2020
"Warriors for Christ hallelujah"

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10. @sandygee4885, 2021
"I LOVE HOW THE CHOIR PERFORMS TO THIS  SONG "

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11. @povwithquanny, 2023
"Just like my church but it is church of God"
-snip
“Church of God” is the name of another Pentecostal denomination

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2- Jesus He Never Failed Me Yet Praise Break



First United Tabernacle International Ministries, Published on Aug 23, 2013

(FUTIM) New Jersey 

Upper Room Conference 2013
-snip-

Here's what I think the choir and congregation are repeatedly singing:

I have a God
Who never failed me yet
I have a God
Who never failed me yet
Jesus he never failed me yet
Jesus He never failed me yet.

[Additions and corrections are welcome.]
Here are very similar lyrics to this chorus: https://gospelchoruses.wordpress.com/2014/12/13/he-never-fail-me-yet/

"He never failed me yet.
He never fail me yet
Jesus Christ never failed me yet*
And everywhere I go
I want the world to know
Jesus Christ never failed me yet.

* This line may be sung as:

Jesus’ blood never failed me yet

or

Jesus’ love never failed me yet"

****
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread, with number added for referencing purposes only.
1. John Blackwood, 2013
"That man sounds Jamaican... Is he?"

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Reply
2. Melissa Fernandez, 2018
"Yes"
-snip-
I think that's very likely that this New Jersey church was founded by Jamaicans and/or that a number of people in the congregation are of Jamaican ancestry.

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3. cclarke0786, 2013
"Praise Him saints.
The lyrics to this song are????"

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Reply
4. Steffi Solomon, 2013
"stumble and fall He never fail me yet, i did what i want He never fail me yet
Jesus He never failed me yet
Jesus He never failed me yet"

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5. Crystal Chambers, 2014
"this video!!!!!!!.........Pentecostal in Worship, Apostolic in Doctrine"

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6. ann D, 2016
"Powerful pure worship"

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7. Gil Miller, 2016
"Bless the Lord. Is it in New Jersey or Canada? I am planning to visit there I'm from london UK."

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Reply
8. Rozell Vousden, 2018
"Gil Miller New Jersey"

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Reply
9. First United Tabernacle International Ministries, 2018
"We are located at 425 South Jefferson Street, Orange, NJ 07050"
-snip-
Orange, New Jersey is about 24 minutes by car from New York City.

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10. IamKemi, 2016
"Can someone explain to me why they do that all the time? (choir dancing in the aisle) Is it a custom in their church?"
-snip-
No one in that discussion thread has answered this question, but I believe that the choir "dancing in the aisles" that I refer to as a "march around" has to do with the West/Central African spiritual significance of moving around a circle, particularly moving counter-clockwise around a circle. 

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11. Ronin Williams, 2016
"I want to come to New Jersey just to go to this church"

**
12. Miss Harris, 2016
"Phenomenal ....real authentic Pentecostal Worship xx"

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 -We Have An Anchor

First United Tabernacle International Ministries, Published on Nov 26, 2016

31st Pastoral Appreciation Celebration
Nov. 13, 2016

-snip-
Here's the words that are repeatedly sung by the choir and by the congregation:
"We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
-snip-
This is the refrain (chorus) to the song "Will your anchor hold in the storms of life" that was composed by Priscilla J. Owens, a White American who was born in 1829. Click https://hymnary.org/text/will_your_anchor_hold_in_the_storms_of_l  for the lyrics for this complete song. 

Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread, with number added for referencing purposes only.
1. HannahYael, 2018
"It’s wonderful to see people praising GOD"

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2, WWJD ?, 2018
"Glory to God , nothing like a Holy Ghost party !"

**
3. dgreenja, 2018
"Good old time song"

**
4. Black Love, 2018
"Wonderful. ..old time way of worship"

**
5. Sylvia Hamilton, 2018
"Church like it should be! Praise God."

**
6. suebern330, 2018
"reminds me so much of Spalding New Testament New Church. Holy Ghost Pentecostal, my God I love it"
-snip-
Spalding New Testament New Church is located in Clarendon, Jamaica.

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ADDENDUM - MY DESCRIPTION OF A BLACK CHURCH CHOIR MARCH AROUND (CHOIR COLLECTION) THAT I OBSERVED IN NEW JERSEY (MARCH 2019)
by Azizi Powell, Latest revision Oct. 14, 2021

"St. Paul AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church is located in Pleasantville, New Jersey about 14 minutes from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Reverend Lynda T. Rassmann is the pastor of that church.

Description:

These choir collection marches ("march around") occurred after all those in attendance at that church -starting from the back pews- stood up and walked in single file to the front of the church for the main offering. People placed money in one of two gold colored collection plates that were held by two female ushers standing on either side of the altar. This was the second collection, the first being the missionary offering. For that offering, people remained seated and ushers passed a collection plate to the end of each pew.

After the congregation returned to their seats, the choir marched out of the choir stands in single file from the left and the right while singing the classic Gospel song "Highway To Heaven". The body stance of each choir member was erect, and not the leaning forward with heads down stance and chugging forward movement which was done by the Black Canadian choir from Abiezer Pentecostal Church's collection march as shown in this 2009 YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ5xSuIMfuo.

 After the two lines of choir members exited the choir stand, one line marched up the right aisle and one line marched up the left aisle. The two single lines met at the top of the center aisle. Then the choir marched in twos down the center aisle. When they reached the bottom of the center aisle, the person to the right placed her offering in the collection plate held by one usher, and the person to the left placed her offering in the collection plate held by the other usher. The line on the right and the line on the left then marched to their respective aisles. When they reached those aisles, the marchers faced backwards while moving up those aisles. At the top of the aisles, the marchers faced forward again and then marched to the top of the center aisle. At the top of the center aisle the two single lines combined to march in twos down that aisle. The combined line then separated at the bottom of the center aisle to march back towards the right and the left to re-enter the choir stand. When they reached the choir stand, they continued standing to sing their song.
-snip-
Thanks to my younger brother, Dr. R.E.B Manning, the director of St. Paul AME's choir and his wife Charlotte Manning, who is a member of that choir for confirming my recollections about this collection march. [phone conversations March 24, 2019, and March 26, 2019]. Both R.E.B. and Charlotte used the term "collection march", not the term "march around".

In my separate telephone conversation with them, R.E.B. Manning and Charlotte Manning indicated that every Sunday this choir marches in to the sanctuary to begin the church service and marches for collection.

Charlotte Manning also shared with me that she remembers choirs marching in and choirs marching for collection being customs that were done every Sunday at Baptist churches and at AME churches- including St. Paul AME church- that she attended/attends in Pleasantville, New Jersey since the late 1950s. Charlotte mentioned that there were some people from the West Indies who belonged to those churches, although her family wasn't from there. Charlotte also shared that the pastor of St. Paul AME in Pleasantville had Jamaican roots.

I was raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey (about 15 minutes from Pleasantville) and I don't recall observing any choir march arounds at any church that I attended. This is probably because I usually only attended my own church, particularly on Sunday mornings, and I only remember attending an AME church for a choir competition. I also don't recall ever attending an A.M.E Zion church or a church of any other denomination during my childhood and my teen years. However, I have vivid memories of choir march ins at my church (Union Baptist Temple Church) being done every Sunday (since the mid 1950s). And the choir march in custom is still done at that church to begin the (main) Sunday service (as confirmed by my youngest brother Kenneth Manning in a telephone conversation on March 24, 2019. Kenneth is a member of one of Union Baptist Temple's choir) . Although I didn't ask him that question, I'm sure that my brother R. E.B Manning would also remembers choir march ins at Union Baptist Temple Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

I also recall attending an anniversary concert of the Spiral Chorus, the church choir that my mother sang in and observing them march down the center aisle to the choir stand singing "Move Up The King's Highway". 

**The St. Paul AME Church choir is under the direction of Dr. R. E. B. Manning who is also the choir's organist. The other musicians who accompanied the choir are Kenneth Moore (pianist & saxophone player), George Thomas, (snare) drummer, and Larry King, tambourine player.

To be clear, the St. Paul AME Church service was much more sedate that the First United Tabernacle International Ministries church service. In contrast to the exuberant expressions by the congregation at First United Tabernacle, the St. Paul's the congregation remained in their seats and didn't appear to express themselves in any way while the choir did their collection march. Also, as somewhat of an aside, notice that females (especially women) at First United Tabernacle wore hats (covered their head which is an old church tradition that I recall at my Baptist church in the 1950s to around the early 1960s). However, I don't recall any female wearing any hat or head covering at St. Paul's AME church.

Disclaimer: This description doesn't necessarily mean that each of St Paul AME Church Choir's collection marches are always done this way or that all march arounds by African American choirs fit this description.

****
This concludes Part III of this pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

A Clip From "The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air" Television Series' Easter Episode (1996): Carton & Ashley Sing "This Little Light Of Mine"

 
Fresh Prince this little light of mine

swayzone, May 25, 2009

"From the last and final season! :( "
-snip-
Statistics as of April 5, 2006 at 7:20 AM EDT 

Total # of views = 1,653,710

Total # of comments = 510

****
Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases a 1996 clip from the television series "Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air". In that clip Carlton and Ashley sing a duet version of "This Little Light Of Mine", but the church choir interrupts their singing. Will Smith is shown in that clip playing a tambourine.

This post also presents some comments from that video's discussion thread.

The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural and entertainment purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who were part of the 1990s' "Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air" television series. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.

Happy Easter!
-snip-
Notice the kente cloth stoles that the pastor and the choir members wear over their robes.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/03/color-meanings-of-ghanas-ivory-coasts.html for a pancocojams post entitled "Color Meanings Of Ghana's & The Ivory Coast's Kente Cloth (information & videos)". . Click the tags below for other pancocojams posts about kente cloth and other subjects that are found in this pancocojams blog,. 

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INFORMATION ABOUT "THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR" TELEVISION SERIES
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fresh_Prince_of_Bel-Air
"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American television sitcom created by Andy and Susan Borowitz that aired on NBC from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996. The series stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager born and raised in West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, where his lifestyle often clashes with that of his upper-class relatives.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a hit for NBC, running for 148 episodes over six seasons.[1][2] Smith and James Avery were the only actors who appeared in each episode.[3] The series was Smith's star vehicle into television and film.

A reunion special/retrospective reuniting the surviving cast debuted on HBO Max in November 2020.[4][5] A more dramatic reimagining of the series, titled Bel-Air and based on the fan film of the same name, received a two-season order for Peacock, and was released on February 13, 2022.[6]

Summary

The theme song and opening sequence set the premise of the show. Will Smith is a street-smart African-American teenager, "born and raised" in West Philadelphia. While playing street basketball, Will accidentally hits a group of young people with the ball, causing a confrontation that frightens his mother, who sends him to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in the opulent neighborhood of Bel Air.

Will's working class background ends up clashing in various humorous ways with the upper class world of the Banks family – Will's stern uncle Phil and tough but fair aunt Vivian and their children, Will's cousins: spoiled Hilary, pompous Carlton, impressionable Ashley and baby Nicky (introduced in season 3), as well as their sarcastic butler Geoffrey"...

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsXBFX2mpjI&list=RDvsXBFX2mpjI&index=1

2009

1.@wlx
"OH MY GOD!!! THANK YOU!!! I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS EPI FOR A LONG LONG LONG TIME!!

this clip is awesome!"

**
2. @Temoki
"Will + Tambourne + Look of Pure Glee = Epic"

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3. @SteelAVic18
"love the Mothers and Will over there in the corner praising the LORD!!!"

**
4. @lonnieNII
"this a good clip and all , but i thought this was gonna be the blooper when will was screamin and fainted"

**
5. @gellybean25
"hahaha why that choir do that going to stop singing back up then start again"

**
Reply
6. @Beezy0308, 2021
"The conductors fault"

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2010

7. @swayzone87
"@keffpost100 TV episode 1996 season 6 episode18"
-snip-
This comment was written in response to a question about the episode's number in season 6.

**
8. @xxxbloodysamaritan
"Tatyana Ali, you are phenomenal. I love this woman. :D I wish I was around for this show or could go back in time. :("

**
9.@Jordan_Mitchum
"this is how i got look at things right now.....and the laughter!"

**
10. @KiwiBabeee
"I miss Fresh Prince!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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11. @evensout
"always loved this song...."

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12.@bmoregrl88
"Will's working that tambourine lol"

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13. @briggitbro
"This isnt even will scene but that 4 second shot makes this vid bloody awesome!"

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14. @OtakuEmma
"I hear this kind of atmosphere is always present in black churches, not meaning to sound stereotypical or racist but our white churches are so damn boring. So much energy here. >.<"

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Reply
15. @drayanair,2011
"@OtakuEmma nope, not stereotypical. its true lol."

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Reply
16. @Virchew, 2011
"@OtakuEmma This is calm compared to most black churches lol"

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Reply
17. @lerenna, 2011
"@OtakuEmma it's often followed by long speeches , so don't worry , not always as fun and good singing like this :)"

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Reply
18. @ddoctorlee, 2011
"@OtakuEmma check out an apostolic church! they are on fire and amazing...every race!"

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Reply
19.  @Kate8790, 2011
"@OtakuEmma That's not racist. Just the truth, lol. My church is boring but I'm too afraid to try a church like this. Basically afraid of being the only white girl and looked down upon or something, lol."

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Reply
20. @mikjon67, 2011
"@Kate8790 Now that will never happen! They would greet you warmly and they would make you feel at home! The real Christian way to accept a stranger! (By the way I'm white too)"

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Reply
21. @Kate8790, 2011
"@mikjon67 I know it's silly to think. A little stupid to think honestly but I can't help it. I'm too scared to try. Maybe someday, hopefully."

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22. @peetiewonder
"Why is Shaft the pastor?"
-snip-
Actor Richard Roundtree, who is casted as the pastor in this "Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air" episode, starred in the 1971 action/drama movie "Shaft". Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaft_(1971_film) for information about that movie.

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2011

23. @IluvMJandBrunoMars
"I miss the 90's"

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24. @TheAmbivalency
"Ashley and Carlton are really talented"

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25. @ownmycity
"ashley was always my childhood crush. she is so bomb"

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26. @Spasmads
..."the series ran between 1990-1996 with the first episode aired 9/10/90, and the last episode on the 5/20/96."...

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Reply
27. @RBNK157, 2016
"I was so sad with the last few chapters of season 6 knowing its going to end! when will turn off the Lights..."

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28. @babygiraffe123
"Haha, Will was ROCKIN' that tambourine....lol"

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29. @babygiraffe123
"I would LOVE to attend a church service like this. Seems so exciting and fun. My parents insisted that me, my sisters, and brother attend church, as kids, and the services were so subdued and solemn, it made you afraid to so much as scratch your own head, lest the pastor give you a warning glare."

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Reply
30. @Goldstone93, 2020
"This looks way better than my church, where it’s all boring hymns, shaking hands, and praying in silence."

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31. @Thekeysweremoved
"Miss TV like this:("

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32.@NickyLess
"Carlton and Ashley ftw! This is one of the only songs I enjoyed singing at school as a kid. Amazing rendition :)

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Reply
33. @babygiraffe123
"I remember singing this song around the campfire, when I went to bible-camp, as a kid. Loved the song then, and love it now. <3

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2012

34. @NoInfringementIntent
"I so wish we had more scenes with Alfonso and Tatyana singing together; they harmonize so well! :-)

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35. @Caesarthechannel
"I came here for 1:50"

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2013

36. @7REDBOWANDTOD
"I love gospel, especially this song. It's like the king of gospel. Plus these two have very good voices, and do the song justice. Not too mention this was one of the greatest shows on TV."

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37. @elhanabdi6636
"will smith at the end Epic LOL"

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38. @musicksol
"They just don't make shows like this anymore and its a shame.."

**
39. @tonymontana-mh8ff
"I don't know much christians, but are they catholics, protestants or orthodox ?"

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Reply
40. @lilygrace6689
"They are Protestant. There are many different types of Protestants, they are most likely Baptists."

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2014

41. @TheAnahi99
"I miss this show"

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Reply
42. @ThreeLittleElks
"Dont we all Anahi, dont we all.."

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2015

43. @TheGamingGuy-kh6pt
"I love this show. my sister likes Hilary and my favorite character is will and carlton"

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2016

44. @myamoorehouse2334
"i love this show sooooo much i watched it over and over again"

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45. @seanreyes6866
"1:50 Will is always acting so crazy!"

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46. @strifyisbetterthanyou3800
"I could tell Ashley and Carlton were getting pissed lol"

**
47. @elenarodriguez922
"I didn't understand why Carlton and Ashley were so confused and suprised by the choir. Didn't they go to rehearsal?"

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Reply
48. @claredelune
"IIRC Ashley and Carlton were competing to be the soloist (before the Rev chose both of them) so they were expecting to be featured more."

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Reply
49. @bigmanshad, 2018
"Humor, sir."

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50. @revrobbins693
"the reverend roundtree made the whole thing for me and the best shaft in my opinion"

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2017

51. @an9513
"Im so sad in life right now..but this brings me joy"

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Reply
52, @smill1985, 2021
"I hope, 3 years later, that you're doing better.  🤗"

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53. @acspenner
"alfonso's voice. dude is so multi talented"

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Reply
54. @jhgjhggj
"I already knew Tatyana could sing but never knew Alfonso could sing as well!"

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55. @ericspreviewshow1803
"This is so funny I can't stop laughing."

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2018

56. @Takomuhra
"A long time ago, when even TV show music had soul..."

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57.@MamaWhit87
"As a kid i would cry laughing at this lol..i miss this show."

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58. @josephgeorge8510
"Old fashion church service"

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2019

59. @Theylvumaya17
"Carlton sounds like Michael Jackson"

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60. @juliannalago7649
"My new favorite version of this song. Tatiana’s voice is amazing, and Alfonso is simply awesome. I don’t think there’s anything brother can’t do."

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61. @Flock2x
"That organ player was really workin that thang tho!!!🔥"

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Reply
62. @johanbrand8601
"Oh yeah!!!!"

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2020

63. @hannamahmoud1524
"Who here in 2020 tryna survive quarantine"

**
64. @demetrrius3000
"Carlton and Ashley obviously missed choir rehearsal that week lol"

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Reply
65. @joe-93
"Lol obviously"

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66.@minkim9550
"I am just wondering how many shows today versus in the 90s did they actually show the cast in church like this?  It seems rare now but I don’t watch much tv!"

**
67. @Bagofnowt
"The rev is Shaft!"

**
68. @zoomprintings
"IF THIS AINT A REAL BLACK CHURCH HAHAHAHAH!!!! ANY LEAD THAT SINGS IN OUR SERVICES BETTA COME WITH IT JACK BAHAHAHAHA"

**
69. @Fouad-Faraj
"This is more than just perfect comedy!

No other version of this song can compare to this performance! Why didnt they do an extended performance...or did they? If they did I need it. 

No other version could compare , I need much more Haha"

**
Reply
70. @themarkofl1649
"Couldn't agree more brotha, this song would blow up in Spotify, I would love to add it to my playlist"

**
71. @bodypump12
"This was really the most beautiful way to end the series! "

****
2021

72.@therealog.1255
"Best "prince of bel air" moment ever"

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2022

73. @aidenbrandon3242
"This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine lt shine this little light of mine I'm going to let it shine"

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2023

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2024

74. @Skilyablay
"I remember this scene absolutely knocked my socks off as a kid and it still blows me away."

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2025

76. @EdBoy1215
"A pity this humorous bit had to happen in the same episode where Uncle Phil sits on Nicky's rabbit."

**
77. @SeanBarnes-r7w
"Do they still do this in church when they sing a song the congregation be standing up clapping"

 ****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Examples Of Douglas Miller's African American Gospel Arrangement Of The Late 19th Century Hymn "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior"

Douglas Miller, Dec 28, 2020

Provided to YouTube by Malaco Music Group

Pass Me Not · Douglas Miller · The True Way Choir C.O.G.I.C.

The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength

℗ 1982 Atlanta International Records, Inc.

Released on: 1982-06-15

Main  Artist: Douglas Miller

Featured  Artist: The True Way Choir C.O.G.I.C.

Composer: Douglas Miller

Music  Publisher: Songs Of Peer LTD|S R F Publishing Company

Auto-generated by YouTube.

****
Edited by Azizi Powell 

This pancocojams post showcases one YouTube sound file & four YouTube videos of African American composer, singer, and choir director Douglas Miller's Gospel arrangement of the late 19th century hymn "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior". This religious song is also known as "Pass Me Not" and "Do Not Pass Me By".

This post also presents information about Douglas Miller.

The Addendum of this post includes a few examples of comments about choirs renditions of Douglas Miller's arrangement of "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior". 
 
The content of this post is presented for religious, inspirational, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Fannie Cosby,the composer of the lyrics for this hymn (in t868) and thanks to How­ard Doane the composer of the music for this hymn (in 1870). Thanks also to Gospel singer, arranger, and choir director Douglas Miller for this arrangement of this hymn. Thanks to the producers and publishers of these examples on YouTube and thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/versions-of-religious-song-pass-me-not.html for the 2012 pancocojams post entitled "African American Versions Of The Religious Song "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior". That post includes the lyrics to the hymn "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior". That post also showcases two traditional African American renditions and some videos of Douglas Miller's Gospel arrangement, and a contemporary African American Gospel/Hip Hop arrangement of that hymn.

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INFORMATION ABOUT DOUGLAS MILLER
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Miller_(musician)
"Douglas Lee Miller (December 31, 1949 – February 5, 2021) was an American gospel musician. He started his music career, in 1984, with the release of, I Still Love the Name Jesus, that was released by Atlanta International Records. This album along with five others placed on exclusively the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. He released albums with A&M Records, Light Records, Word Records, Atlanta International Records, and Rejoice Music Group.

Early life

Miller was born on December 31, 1949, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania as Douglas Lee Miller, and was reared in the church singing in the choir.[1] He went to the University of Akron, and while there at the college, Mattie Moss Clark trained him how to hone his craft, and presented him at Midnight Musicals put on by The Church of God in Christ.[1] He became known for his baritone timbre.[1]

Music career

He started his recording music career in 1984, with the release of I Still Love the Name of Jesus by Atlanta International Records, and it placed at No. 5 on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart.[2][3] He would place five more albums upon that chart, with 1985's Unspeakable Joy at No. 6, while 1985's Redeeming Love peaked at No. 22, the next 1988's Sing until Morning went to No. 14 as did 1993's Victory, and 1990s Living at the Top got to No. 15.[2][3]"...
-snip-
This Wikipedia page is incorrect that Douglas Miller started his music recording career in 1984 based on his "Pass Me Not" record that was recorded in 1982.

Based on YouTube videos and some YouTube discussion thread comments, it appears to me that Douglas Miller's arrangement of "Pass Me Not" is the Gospel arrangement of that late 19th hymn that is most often sung by African American church choirs. 

****
SOME YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF DOUGLAS MILLER'S ARRANGEMENT OF "PASS ME NOT"
These YouTube videos are given in chronological order with numbers added for referencing purposes only.


YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #2 - Pass me not OLD SKOOL THROWBACK

hammondxc3, Oct 19, 2009ct 19, 2009

The Old Choir Song "Pass me not"

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YOUTUBE EXAMPLE  #3- "Do Not Pass Me By" 1.11.15 - Min. Ricky Dillard

Ebenezer AME Church, Jan 13, 20154,755,542 views • Jan 13, 2015

Min. Ricky Dillard Leading the Levites - Savior Do Not Pass Me By -snip- A number of commenters in this video's discussion thread shared that the band added part of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" song toward the end of this song. Douglas Miller's arrangement of "Pass Me Not" was first recorded in 1982 while Michael Jackson's "Beat It" was first released in 1983.2

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YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #4 - NEW BIRTH // "DO NOT PASS ME BY"



SAVE THE BLACK CHURCH, Feb 7, 2023

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YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #5 - Brighter Day Community Choir -- "Pass Me Not"



Brighter Day Community Choir, Dec 27, 2023

Brighter Day Community Choir of Charlotte, North Carolina. "Back 2 Basics" (Throwback) Concert - November 5, 2023, Reeder Memorial Baptist Church, Charlotte. Performing "Pass Me Not" by Douglas Miller and The True Way Choir... 

****
ADDENDUM- EXAMPLES OF COMMENTS THAT INCLUDE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH WORD "SANG".

These comments are from the discussion threads of three of the YouTube videos that are showcased in this pancocojams post.

All of these comments include the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) word "sang" or forms of that word.  My definition for the AAVE meaning of "sang" and "sangin(g)" is "to sing very well, especially to sing soulfully very well". In contrast to the standard English past tense word "sang", in African American Vernacular English, the word "sang" is present tense and the word "sangin(g)" is a present tense of that AAVE meaning of that word. Both "sang" and "sangin(g) can be considered to be updated forms of the AAVE meaning of the word "sing" and "singing" (for example "They are singing that song" which means They are really singing that song very well".

Like the word "sing", in African American Vernacular English, the word "sang" is often used as an exhortation (for example "Sing it!" and "Sang it!" both mean "Keep on singing very well, especially singing soulfully very well".
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/linguistic-alert-another-verncular.html for the 2014 pancocojams post entitled "What "Sang", "Sanging", & "Sanger" REALLY Mean In African American Vernacular English"
-snip-
These examples are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

Discussion thread "A".
from Showcase Video #3 in this pancocojams post

1.@bernadinegray9375, 2020
"Ricky Dillard; "Yahweh has blessed you with a talent to get all ages to SANG!! I love the excitement and joyful of Praising Yahweh!!" ** 2.@boyinthechoclate, 2021

Yesssssssssss yall better sang  I miss that old school church ⛪ 😪

**

3.@robinlabranche6147, 2021
"Old school gospel.  Nothing like it.  They sanging y'all...do not pass me by. Amen 🙏🏽"

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Discussion thread "B".
from Showcase Video #4 in this pancocojams post

@emmanorth2547, 2023
"YES , YES SANG the song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don't never need to stop. Yes Lord."

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Discussion thread "C."
from Showcase Video #5 in this pancocojams post

1.@lizzylove7060, 2024
"SAAAAAANNNNNNNGGGG YALL!!!❤❤❤❤❤"

 **
2. @ProfessorofPraise, 2024
"I love this sang y’all!!!!!"

**** Thanks for visiting pancocojams. Visitor comments are welcome.

African American Church Deacons Praying The Old School Way (videos and comments)

Doctor, Apr 30, 2012

Baptist Devotion Whooping
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/04/black-preaching-art-of-whooping-in.html for a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Black Preaching - The Art Of "Whooping" In Sermon Closings (with a video of a sermon & my transcription of that video)."

Here's what I wrote in that post about the African American Vernacular English meaning of "whooping":
"Whooping" ("hooping") is an oratorical and homiletic style that occurs at the end of the sermons of some Black (African American) preachers. "Whooping" includes chanting, cadence, speaking in a loud voice, call & response including organ riffs, and other oratory and movement flourishes that are designed to touch the congregations' spirit and emotions."

Praying that is described as "whooping" by Old school Black Deacons from Baptist churches and from other Christian denominations has very similar characteristics as minister (pastor) whooping 

The church devotion service is lead by Deacons immediately before the actual Sunday morning church service.

****
Edited by Azizi Powell

This is part of a continuing pancocojams series on Black church services in the United States.

This pancocojams post showcases two YouTube videos of old school praying deacons in African American churches. 

Selected comments from these videos are included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to past and present church deacons. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR VIDEO #1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmEQwPKs5GU

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

1. @Me2times, 2016
"This is the preaching and praying I grew up with"

**
2. @tenishabradley7063, 2018
"Whoa Lord......I done got happy in Jesus! There is power in prayer......"

**
3. @doloman2525, 2018
"My Lord...this is how we should start devotion before service...I bet the spirit of the Lord touched everyone in the house of prayer that morning."

**
4. @EricBrockman21229, 2019
"Ain't nothing like a praying Deacon!"

**
5. @iyawhite7665, 2019
"Yesssss Lord... Praying likes this brings out the holy spirit (holy ghost)! Devil can't do me no harm bc I got Jesus"

**
6. @just4kevkev, 2019
"I remember back in the day like the 70s those type of prayers was prayed every Sunday morning and the church would just erupt in the presence of the Holy Spirit something's happen don't know what it is really but church has become a business multi-billion-dollar business I just missed this kind of worship!"

**
Reply
7. @virginiawilliams648, 2021
"Its still alive and well. Just ask God to lead you by his Holy Spirit to a church that's Holy Ghost filled and fire baptized. I pray you prosper in all things in Jesus's name!"

**
8. @jetaunafreeman6574, 2020
"Man I miss this At Sundays devotion. D School Praying, yeah it may be long but when someone's feeling the Spirit like This Deacon, you can't put a time limit on him... I love it!!!!"

**
9. @amundine, 2020
"They don't even know what devotion is today!"

**
10. @twinettedurden9754, 2021
"I grew up to Deacons praying like this ! Amen and thank you Jesus. Churches today need to praise God like this in the name of Jesus

**
11. @bookitty1232000, 2021
"yes Lord, yes sir, thank you. He knows what he's praying about. He is praying from deep down in his soul.

**
12. @sl1393, 2022
"This type of praying is what got our people out of bondage and institutional segregation. And afterwards. I don't even think deacons kneel on their knees anymore. But we need this type of praying now more than ever.  Thank you for this."

**
13. @cedricrobertson1499, 2023
"I hear some people would say that this deacon is praying too long but I'm here to tell you when you have good praying like this, it's never too long. Thank you sir!"

**
14. @rabbithunter35, 2023
"Love this prayer!! Heartfelt and the Deacon meant every word he said. Say your prayer, Deac"

**
15. @Nofacenocase1619, 2023
"These old school down south deacon devotional prayers hit mighty different. God bless y’all . Amen "

**
16. @arnettesmith8975, 2023
"Thank you Sir Awesome prayer!!u Blessed us Old School Prayer Miss my Dad And Mom who taught us to pray like they use to pray down South at the Mourners bench.Those old Deacons they Would Pray like this they Would PUSH!!! PRAY, Until, Something, Happened!!! salvation ,healing, deliverance & Freedom. Breaking the back of The Devil "

**
17. @luckyhatt8895, 2023
"This is the kind of pray that reaches heaven, old times saints, not praying to be seen, but reaching up to God"

**
18. @0H9D, 2024
"Sometimes we just need to go back to the sincerity & the heartfeltness of these type prayers"

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Old School Prayer and Praise

OfficialSmokieNorful, Mar 27, 2020

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF SHOWCASE VIDEO #2

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMwRDtTVSLY

1. @rondas7772, 2020
"Praise & worship can't touch this old school prayer, those of you who grew up in the traditional black church, saw this every Sunday, it's missed & appreciated. The spirit just moved through before the choir & the preaching..yesss!!"

**
Reply
2. @HOPE.TheresNoPlaceLikeHomeClub, 2020
"So glad I grew up in church was about salvation and not a fashion show."

**
Reply
3. @kritteekdezigns, 2020
"We still do here in Louisiana.  Every Sunday morning."

**
Reply
4. @rondas7772, 2020
"@kritteekdezigns  alrighty, love that, ain't nothing like southern church!"

**
Reply
5. @kritteekdezigns, 2020
"@rondas7772  Amen!!"

**
6. elone5213, 2020
"Mannnnn especially in the C.O.G.I.C. churches"

**
Reply
7. @rondas7772, 2020
" @elone5213  really.. Ookkkaayyy, great. I grew up in Missionary Baptist."

**
Reply
8. @emmalewis5288, 2020
"U Sho Rite"

**
Reply
9. @lindalyte7307, 2020
"@Ronda S/Amen This takes me back to the time... while growing up in church....Having "Devotion" and the Deacons praying️️Lord have Mercy.... I sure do  miss those days at St.Paul Missionary  Baptist Church .( And sadly it's  not the same anymore, when I last visited).People get too caught up in Denominations....God is in my heart, whatever  church I happen to attend/ visit... be it a Baptist, Methodist,or Penocostal....Church.

( I wouldn't  change my upbringing  in the Church)....for anything!!!! Praise and Worship  just doesn't  have the same impact!!( At least not for me!!) Just giving my humble opinion , in which we all are entitled  to.

Peace and an Abundance  of Blessings  to All., 4/2020"

**
10. @aundrahicks5241, 2020
"Yes Lord I miss those services"

**
11. @NehemiahsVisionAVL2020, 2020
"This reminds me of the days growing up when the older Saints were not looking for a quick answer but they labored mmmmmm before the HOLY GHOST.

Saints would stay all night in the sanctuary even after YHWH answered"

**
12. @deborahjackson2979, 2020
"Now that's Ole school, deep down Holy Ghost, Anointed, Sanctified, FIRE Baptized...PRAYER!"

**
13. @brothamaberry, 2020
"This needs to return to the church of TODAY! Not old school , same school. We still have church and prayer like this in the Apostolic church."

**
14. @ceeg0865, 2020
"That’s prayer that moves the atmosphere stirring up the fire of Holy Ghost!"

**
15. @365daysofprayer3, 2020
"Awesome!  I love the old time tarrying.  This is the type of prayer that renders results!  These days we pray for 5 minutes and expect great miracles.  You get out what you put in."

**
16. @lestine53, 2021
"This is how our Deacons prayed  at Mt. Hermon MB Church on Sunday mornings! Dec. Johnny Middleton would end his praying happy! Singing “Won’t It Be Grand!!” He taught us to pray at Bible study in this manner! We need these kind of prayers today! Thank ya Lord!

**
17. @audreyjeaneason-jones2477, 2021
"I grew up in Arkansas as well. I tell you, people don't pray like this any more. This is what's we need to get back to. Glory to God. Breakthrough comes when we get "ugly" for The LORD. Hallelujah. Let's Do This"

**
Reply
18. @mthomas7825, 2022
"I’m still in Arkansas & we have the best praying deacons in the world here that know how to pray & get a word through!!"

**
Reply
19. @Ilearneveryday322, 2022
"@mthomas7825  yes suh,as those Deacons would say. I miss those days when we sang those hymns that came from deep within. You could feel the holy spirit."

**
20. @kentbrooks3227, 2021
"I grew up on this in small-town North Carolina. My late father was the chair of deacons, and he would start the devotional service praying that same way! Sometimes he would say, "Lord, we are your children standing before you as empty pitchers before a full fountain!" Those old saints were masters of imagery because their theological perspective was formed from their experience, and it came from their heart. They weren't highly educated, but they knew God! And they gave that gift to us! I'm so grateful for my upbringing!"

**
Reply
21. @leciagray, 2022
"Yesss Brother Brooks, I grew up in the city, but church was ran by older folk! They had the Mother's corner on one side and the deacons on the other side!!! Memories!!!"

**
Reply
22. @kentbrooks3227, 2022
"@leciagray  You hit it right on the head! That was my family church, River Zion United Holy Church! Deacons on one side and church mothers on the other! Directly after Sunday School, they'd open with ACTUAL testimony services, also called devotional services, with two people sitting up front on either side of the communion table. One would read the scripture and the other would pray. My brother and I both had to play piano and organ, and the saints would go all the way IN!!!"

**
Reply
23. @leciagray, 2022
"@kentbrooks3227 , yess that was the set up at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Fl!!!"

**
Reply
24. @eresfsfsfsf, 2022
"So glad I was a part of this generation.Landmark baptist church and then Rogers chapel in slick Oklahoma still standing today Mr. Fonso collecting church offering in a folded piece of paper. My uncle and rev kellum leading devotion. GOD I thank you for this foundation"

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Reply
25. @ob2be1, 2023
"Yessss, they didn’t have much but their faith was unshakable and the power and demonstration of God would show up every time."

**
Reply
26. @kathleendunton241, 2024
"@kentbrooks3227 not to mention can pray and praise the house DOWN. The Holy Spirit KNEW it was welcomed."

**
27. @hilbertsandifer8337, 2023
"Reminds me of the old school deacons who would open up service with prayers that would move mountains! Miss those days!"

**
28. @leonoraowens1339, 2023
"There ain't nothing like those old school Anointed Deacon  prayers from the soul that ring the doorbell to Heaven..thank you Jesus"

**
29. @bfkirk, 2023
"Now that's church!"

**
30. @myrarogers842, 2024
"I remember hearing my Granddaddy praying like this as a child we weren't allowed to MOVE my mama would get so happy didn't no nothing about what was going on BUT as I got older in life I learned it was a Prayer of leaning and depending On God's Glory I Thank God for those Old People they left a Map back here For US to live trust and Obey God's for his  and Blessings and God's Words.."

**
31. @reddchannel1390, 2024
"I needed this going through something"

**
32. @JoyLady-1966, 2024
"Remembering the old deacons bent over kneeling praying during devotion service. These prayers kept us grounded"

****
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