Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a three part pancocojams post about Black church choir "march arounds" during the church service.
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.
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/two-videos-of-new-jersey-church-choir.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases two videos of what I refer to as "march arounds" by the choir of First United Tabernacle International Ministries' (Orange, New Jersey). Selected comments from the discussion threads of these two videos are also included in this post. A commenter in one of those discussion threads identified the pastor of that church as being Jamaican.
That post presents information about Jamaicans in the United States and includes a description of a church choir "march around" that I observed in Pleasantville, New Jersey (near Atlantic City) on March 10, 2019.
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-
The original version of this post included information about Jamaicans in the United States and my description of a church choir march around that I observed in New Jersey on March 10, 2019. Instead of including that content in this post, I'll publish it in a separate post along with a video of a march around by a New Jersey church choir.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/black-church-marches-processions-by.html for Part I of a pancocojams series that provides 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.
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DEFINITION OF CHURCH CHOIRS "MARCH AROUNDS"
"march arounds" - when the church choir leave the choir stand during the worship service and circles the sanctuary by moving up and down the aisles in single or double lines
The church choir may do a march around, in part, as a way of giving their collection/offering. (Based on some YouTube videos) it also appears that some church choirs in Jamaica and elsewhere do march arounds as part of a praise break i.e. to demonstrate their praise toward God and, in so doing, increase the presence of the Holy Spirit in that worship service.
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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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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
In contrast to a number of videos of African American church choirs marching in to the sanctuary to begin the church service, I haven't found any YouTube videos of Jamaican church choirs doing "march ins". If you know of any links to those videos and/or if you know of this custom in Jamaica, please share that information in the comment section below. Thanks!
I also haven't found any online articles about Black church processions (marches), including Jamaican church processions, except those pancocojams blog posts that I've published. If you know of any other links to information or comments on this subject, please share them below. Also, please share your experiences with Black church processions (marches), including when and where you observed or participated in those marches. Thanks!
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INFORMATION ABOUT JAMAICANS IN CANADA
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican_Canadians
"Jamaican Canadians are Canadian citizens of Jamaican descent or Jamaican-born permanent residents of Canada. The population, according to Canada's 2016 Census, is 309,485.[1] Jamaican Canadians comprise about 30% of the entire Black Canadian population.[2][3]
History
Most Jamaicans who arrive in Canada settle in the census metropolitan areas of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Hamilton. The total number of Jamaicans in Canada has increased dramatically since the 1960s,[4] and the reasons for coming are also different. Currently, Jamaicans can be found in every major Canadian city and occupy a multitude of occupations!
Origins
The first Jamaicans who moved to Canada were West Indian slaves imported into New France and Nova Scotia individually and in small numbers. In 1796, the Maroons of Jamaica entered Halifax and were the first large group to enter British North America (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000). The name Maroons was used to describe slaves who ran away from their owners and created free communities away from the European settlements in Jamaica. A war between the Maroons and the British broke out on the island of Jamaica in 1795. The war ended when the British, realizing that they could not win, tricked the Maroons into laying down their arms and then carried them into exile in Nova Scotia (James & Walker, 1984).
Governor John Wentworth settled the Maroons who numbered over 500 on the outskirts of Halifax and offered the men jobs to fortify the Citadel. Standing proud and still holding on to the memory of being betrayed by the British, the Maroons mounted a strong resistance and refused to be compliant Nova Scotian settlers. After numerous appeals to London, the Maroons were allowed to return to Sierra Leone in West Africa in 1800. The "Maroon Bastion" stands on Citadel Hill as an example of their legacy and the sense of pride they contributed (James & Walker, 1984).
Between 1800 and 1920, small numbers of West Indians were brought from Jamaica as labourers for the Cape Breton mines and from Barbados to work in coal mines in Sydney and Nova Scotia. Migration from the West Indies almost virtually stopped after 1920. As a result, the West Indian population in 1941 was smaller than it was 20 years earlier. Even though pressure for migration in the West Indies mounted, the Canadian government refused to allow any more non-whites into the country (James & Walker, 1984) (James & Walker, 1984)...
Agnes Macdonald, the second wife of the first Prime Minister of Canada, John A. Macdonald, was born in Jamaica. Her brother, Hewitt Bernard, was the recording secretary at the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. After Confederation, Bernard served as the private secretary to the Prime Minister between 1867 and 1873.
Michael Manley, the future Prime Minister of Jamaica, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.
After World War II, a great demand for unskilled workers resulted in the National Act of 1948. This Act was designed to attract cheap labourers from British colonies. This resulted in many West Indians, (including Jamaicans) coming to Canada. The Jamaicans who entered Canada after World War II did so because they still believed it was an opportunity to escape poverty and seek a new start in a world where personal advancement and success seemed to be encouraged. Wanting to stop the in-flow of black West Indians, the Walter Act of 1952 was passed to impose a "severely restricted quota" on black West Indians entering the country (James & Walker, 1984).
In 1955, Canada introduced the West Domestic Scheme (Anderson, 1993). This Scheme allowed eligible black women who were between the age of 18 to 35, in good health, no family ties and a minimum of a grade eight education from mainly Jamaica and Barbados to enter Canada (James & Walker, 1984). After one year as a domestic servant, these women were given a landed immigrant status and were able to apply for citizenship after five years. Even though the Scheme originally allowed only 100 women per year, 2,690 women entered Canada from Jamaica and Barbados by 1965. In 1962, racial discrimination was taken out of the Canadian Immigration Act and the number of Jamaicans who moved to Canada dramatically increased (Lazar & Dauglas, 1992).
After the 1960s
Because changes in the Immigration Act allowed non-whites to enter Canada without restrictions, many Jamaicans took advantage of the opportunity and entered Canada with the hopes of achieving their goals for a better life. After the purging of many racist immigration policies, a large number of Jamaicans started to enter Canada as tourists and many would later apply independently for landed immigrant status (Anderson, 1993). In the late 1960s, the Canadian government instituted the Family Reunification clause into its immigration policy, which made it even easier for Jamaicans and other groups to bring their loved ones to join them in Canada (Anderson, 1993). Thus, during the 1970s and '80s, many Jamaicans who entered Canada were children and husbands of the Jamaican women who moved to Canada between 1955 and 1965. According to Anderson (1993), Caribbean immigrants to Canada were more likely to settle in large cities and their provinces of choice were Ontario and Quebec. The largest concentration of Jamaican immigrants can be found in the following areas of Greater Toronto: Scarborough, Old Toronto, North York, York, Ajax, Pickering, Mississauga, and Brampton. Other cities include Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kitchener, Waterloo, Windsor, and Halifax (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2000).
In 1989, 86.7% of Jamaican immigrants settled in Ontario, 7.4% settled in Quebec, 2.6% settled in Alberta, 1.7% settled in Manitoba, 1.1% settled in British Columbia and 0.6% settled in the rest of Canada. Jamaicans made up 27.5% of the total number of West Indian immigrants for that year (Anderson, 1993). Because of language concerns, most of the West Indian immigrants settle in Ontario as opposed to Quebec.
Demography
Sources:[5][2][6][7][1]
Jamaica by far has been the major source of West Indian immigration to Canada since West Indians were allowed in Canada. Between 1974 and 1989, 35.7% of all West Indian immigration to Canada came from Jamaica. Nevertheless, there was a decline during the early '80s, a recovery during 1986 and a decline again by 1989 (Anderson, 1993). According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Jamaicans made up 40% of West Indian immigration in the early 1990s.
In a 1996 overview from Immigration Canada, Jamaica was ranked eighth in terms of the number of its citizens immigrating to Canada. Jamaica is preceded by countries such as China, Pakistan, and the Philippines in the number of its citizens that migrate to Canada. The number of Jamaicans immigrating to Canada declined in 1997 and again in 1998. Jamaican immigration to Canada is at an all-time low; it was ranked number 10 by Immigration Canada in 2000.
In 2006, 79,850 Jamaicans lived in the City of Toronto, and 30,705 lived in the Toronto suburb of Brampton.[8][9]
[...]
Population
According to the 2006 Census, 231,110 Canadians identified themselves as Jamaican Canadian.[2] The actual number of Jamaican Canadians should be larger, given that many people identified themselves as "Black" "West Indian", or "Caribbean".[2] In the 2011 Census, 256,915 Jamaican Canadians were counted, comprising an 11.2% increase since the previous census.[5] A total population of 309,485 was tallied in the 2016 Census, an increase of 20.5%.[1]"...
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SHOWCASE VIDEO OF A BLACK CANADIAN CHOIR MARCH AROUND
Offering time @ Abiezer (View the choir in action)
1baw2009, Published on Apr 13, 2009
Abiezer Pentecostal Church: 96 Milvan Drive Toronto, Canada--It's offering time @ Abiezer (This is how we do it every Sunday.)
-snip-
Although there are other YouTube videos of Abiezer Pentecostal Church choir online, this is the only video of that choir marching. This also is the only YouTube video that I've found of Black Canadian choirs marching. I've also not found any YouTube videos of African American church choirs, ushers, or nurses marching around (i.e. engaged in a church processional other than marching in to the sanctuary to begin a church service, church/group anniversary service.
I don't know if Abiezer Pentecostal Church had or has a significant number of Jamaicans in their congregation. Based on the videos that I've watched of some Jamaican church march arounds (some of which are showcased in Part II of this pancocojams series), and based on some of the comments featured below, it seems likely that this choir march around custom at Abiezer was influenced by some of the congregation being of Jamaican descent.
Note that it wasn't just choir members who were marching in this video. At the end of this video, some women in white who are likely church ushers or church nurses march in single file behind the choir.
Description of this march: The Canadian marchers have a set, resolved look on their face that conveys strength and determination. The facial expressions of the Jamaican marchers (in videos showcased in Part II of this series) are more diverse as some of those marchers appear to be experiencing the exultation of feeling the Holy Spirit.
The Black Canadian choir perform a forceful, aggressive style of marching in place and moving forward. This body stance reminds me of jogging or performing a chugging style of dance. As noted by several commenters in this video's discussion thread, this is the same or very similar to the marching style of Jamaican choirs as shown in various YouTube videos. In contrast, during choir march ins that I've observed in New Jersey (since the 1950s), in contrast to the collection march that I observed in New Jersey in March 2019 (described below in Addendum #2), and in contrast to the YouTube videos of African American church choir march ins, African American church march ins during Sunday church services have a less forceful style of marching. During those marches, the body is held erect, and the head is held up.
The Jamaican influence of Toronto, Canada's Abiezer Pentecostal Church choir is also evidenced by the fact that they are marching to two Jamaican Gospel songs.
-snip-
Click the link provided above for information about possible influences on how and comments about why Black church marches were done and are still done in some African American churches.
-snip-
Here are some comments from the discussion thread for this video, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. FaithfulKweenBhee🐝, 2009
"Love it....and the two girls in the front of the choir line...Lord yall better march!"
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2. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2009
"OH YES MARCH & RIDE ZION! MARCH & RIDE! I LOVE this!!! GLORYYYYYYYYYYY!!"
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3. 1baw2009, 2009
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it.
-snip-
This comment was probably written in response to a question about the reason for marching at offering time, although I can't find that question in that discussion thread
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4. TO ON, 2009
"the spirit of God reigns. a church that engages its people is a church that truly challenges every fiber of ones belief. praises is one such example. kudos to the choir."
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5. 1baw2009, 2009
"Chorus: 1
Dont you hear the bells are ringing?
Dont you hear the angels singing?
Its the glory, hallelujah, jubilee.
In the land of sweet forever, just beyond the shining river, they will ring the golden bells for you and me.
Chorus: 2
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia Train
Im singing, Im shouting on the Alleluia Train
And when I reach the station, Heaven is my destination
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia Train"
-snip-
These are the lyrics for the medley of two songs that the choir sung and marched to: "Ring Them Golden Bells" and "Riding With Jesus" (also known as "On The Hallelujah Train")
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6. jchotboy, 2010
"The two girls in the front of the choir takes the cake for me such great worshippers.. Continue to bless the lord in your worship"
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7. antonette holder, 2010
"Y'all got me dancing at work! This is my type of worship!"
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8. eldergunter80, 2010
"I LOVE THIS!!!! KEEP ON PRAISING HIM ABIEZER"
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9. limitedtasks, 2010
"This is off the chain " OFFERING TIME " usually you see people running the other way ( out the door ) We can't touch this, go ahead and STOMP ALL OVER THE DEVILS HEAD!!!!!!Buffalo, New York"
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10. lovejones238, 2010
"I must say I was like why am I watching this over & over then finally realized, I began to feel this just like the saints on the video were, as we say where I'm from, "they began to feel it" and so did I ..great post...I love the energy."
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11. musu480, 2010
"BLESSING A RUN DE CHOIR DUNG!!!!"
-snip-
I think a standard English translation for this Jamaican patois is "Blessings run down on this choir".
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12. Marshalee Ricketts, 2010
"bLESS THE LORD AM RIDING WIT JESUS AN THE HALALUJAH TRAIN,THANK YOU JESUS HEAVEN WILL BE MY DESTINATION. THIS WHAT REALLY WORSHIP IS"
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13. mitzie samuels, 2011
"This is wonderful worshiping. Yes Lord"
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14. NYCsistahofvirtue, 2011
"march march march saints unward christian soldiers!"
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15. John Blackwood, 2011
"This church must be Jamaican background!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could hear the bass player a little bit more thou! If I go to Canada.. I must find this church , where ever y'all are. GOD BLESS THIS CHURCH! AND THE CHOIR!!!!!!!"
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16. Sherice Tomlin, 2011
"This is my Favorite...Imma do this at my church this year. You guys are the bomb. "
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17. Trey Cox, 2011
"I remember coming to Abiezer as a child and seeing the choir do this same march around! Simply Awesome, glory to God, and i love the songs, the choir rock is classic! Go Ahead!!!"
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18. Alma Tyler, 2011
"On the hallelujah train. Lovin' them sisters hats. God Bless this church. i am going to have to visit soon."
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19. Tonya Anderson, 2011
"This is what church is all about... giving GOD your all!!! I was truly blessed by this video."
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20. Tiffi, 2012
"I feel the Jamaican in this church"
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REPLY
21. MJQ7688, 2013
"I was just thinking that about this church being Jamaican! They got DOWN!"
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22. Mo W, 2012
"Its obvious that this church is jamaican .. The TRAIN!!!!!!!! HALELLUJAH TRAIN iM RUNNING JESUS ON THE HALELLUJAH TRAIN !!!!!"
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23. desmarie spence, 2012
"This is how we do it in Holiness Born Again in Jamaica."
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24. lilmadea07, 2012
"This is what you call praise. What is the name of this song?"
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25. desmarie spence, 2012
"1.When they ring the golden bells- The Pentecostal Hymnal #141 2. Riding with Jesus"
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26. Sashagaye mannings, 2013
"i have never seen such a march i loooooooveeeeeee it"
-snip-
As an aside, I just noticed that this commenter has part of my maiden name (Manning)!
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27. Margaret Mcpherson, 2015
"these saints just know how to trample on them serpents and demons, the action is so important keep on fighting and trampling them forces
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28. ddoddy76, 2015
"ok no offense .....but what was the point?"
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REPLY
29. Miya Henry, 2016
"They make it seems they are marching into heaven... must pentecostal church do this to have a mind set of how they will be like in heaven. I don't know if I'm right but it's my idea"
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REPLY
30. Maubaki Wilson, 2016
"Hey Ms.Henry you are 100% correct..the act of them physically marching signifies unity and strength in Jesus' name. The way they marched with such precision and power was the anointing of God on them. People don't always have to run around and speak in tongues lol..you can concentrate that power into something else"
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31. Kemo Clarke, 2016
"i love it soilder of jesus christ halleluia"
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32. KRISSY MCINTOSH, 2016
"This church reminds me of my church, keep praising God. Im talking about Bethel Born Again Apostolic on Oakland Road in Jamaica, thats how we worship on a Sunday morning. Love u Pastor Yvonne Codner and Bishop Barracks"
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33. Vito Motola, 2017
"giving a offering is a type of worship to Jesus."
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34. Lisa Jackson, 2018
"What happened to church..."
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REPLY
35. Jessica Woods, 2018
"Lisa Jackson Nothing... Listen to the music it's Jamaican. African churches also worship in a similar manner. I think Black Americans would do close to the same if we didn't integrated."
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36. ItsKayTho, 2018
"I remember a church I attended, the whole choir would come down circle the church, turn around and go back up the offering aisle. & they took their time too! I love this choir’s energy"
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37. Neecy Watson, 2018
"A Holy Ghost work out!!!!!!!!❤️"
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This concludes Part II of this three part pancocojams series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Black Canadian Church Services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Canadian Church Services. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Eight Videos Of Black (African American) Choir March Ins (For Church Services Or For Choir Anniversaries)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part III of a three part pancocojams series about Black (African American) church processions.
Part III showcases eight videos of Black (African American) choir march ins during church services or anniversaries.
Selected comments from discussion threads for some of these videos are also included in this post.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/black-church-marches-processions-by.html for Part I provides information about possible cultural influences on Black (African American) church usher, nurses, or choir processions.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/seven-videos-of-african-american-black.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases several videos of Black (African American) processions by church ushers or Black church nurses.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks for the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church_84.html for a 2011 pancocojams post that features seven videos of Black church processions. With the exception of one video given as #2 below, all of these videos are different than those embedded in this 2019 post. One of the videos in that 2011 post is of a Black Canadian choir marching during the church's collection.
This post contained an update about Black Church choirs marching for the collection (offering) during Sunday service. That subject is featured in a separate post whose link will be added to this post.
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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Choir March Ins For Church Services
Video #1: St. James Adult Choir - How I Got Over [marching with right hand held up] [St. James Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan]
Marcel West·Uploaded on Jul 26, 2008
St. James Adult Choir singing "How I Got Over" in 1996.
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion threads, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. sheri0005, 2008
"What ever happen to the choir marching? I miss that! I want to march in LOL! I am feeling that for real. That was the thing back in the day." -
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2. gospelbird22, 2008
"In the old days, the custom of raising your right hand while you entered a church or marched in came from Elder Lucy Smith's Pentecostal Church. It was a sign that you had accepted Christ and were saved, as opposed to being a spectator or visitor."
REPLY
3. VantisDoroHall, 2008
in reply to gospelbird22
"Also, at First Church in Chicago, it represented placing your hand in God's hand, in reverence and humility. By the way, First Church and Elder Smith's church historically were two of the first churches of color to broadcast over the radio in Chicago"
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4. jamminondakeys, 2008
"My aunt's church on Detroit used to march in on this version of this song. I wish our choirs still marched in. It adds to the service"
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5. wdawson2, 2009
"I remember when choirs used to spend half of the choir rehersal practicing "The March"."
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6. jazzlife1, 2010
"That's sho nuff good church when the choir used to march in.",
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7. carefulopenandfree, 2010
"growing up in my church, we had to raise our hand when we left or entered the sanctuary."
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8. john316jmb, 2011
"Y'all betta MARCH IN why don't you!!!! YEAH LAWD!!
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9. Kena Parrish, 2012
I loved when the choir marched in the church, and when they stood along the walls and sang the Lord's Prayer. I miss that at times. I loved St. James and I love Shield of Faith.
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Video #2: Sunday Morning Baptist Church Choir Processional [New Orleans, Louisiana]
tdavidray, Published on Aug 20, 2008
A traditional baptist church standard: the choir procession. This is the Second Free Mission Baptist Church Mass Choir in 1994 in New Orleans, LA.
(www.sfmbc.com)
The choir director/organist was the late Sis. Rilma 'Kathy' Thibodeaux. The pianist was Ms. Laura W. Sanders.
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. Marcus Carter, 2010
"The Organist or Choral Director seems to have no musical training or training in Worship. The Processional sets the mood/tone for Worship. This song is no processional; at best it is one for Altar Call or Invitation to Christian Discipleship. What is even more sad is this is a Baptist Church, a Church that is known for its hype or hand clapping worship style."
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2. Marcus Burnett, 2010
"wait wait wait....Hold the press!!!! this is not a procession song!!!"
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3. andsowhat28, 2010
"I was so glad when our Pastor allowed us to stop marching... I couldn't stand marching in the choir OMG I can't tell you how much I disliked it lol. Maybe it's because I never understood the significance of it, or it's purpose other than here comes the choir but I never knocked it. Now, we assist with praise & worship so we're just in the choir loft during that time. I can't stand robes either :-) but they are very beautiful"
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4. Rod Primetime, 2010
"I tell you what you don't see any more, a traditional church keeping thing so simple, a processional, a strong prayer, ORDER. Todays church has become a game show in many cases. how can i outdue the other. There chior is bigger than some church congregations. and we say that they are wrong. sounds like old school is the true way. get back to it and receive."
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REPLY
5. Robert Harrison, 2010
"Yes indeed, this simple tradition sets the tone for true worship! A wonderful hymn, the choir gathered for prayer before taking their place. It's reverent and sets the tone for the service. Save the cheerleaders for the sports areana!"
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REPLY
6. Bell Head, 2010
"My church is very traditional and I love it. We a quite a Southern Baptist church. You know an introit, then the processional. The morning prayer followed by a choral response and then Anthem. But I have to tell you I love this posting. These people have come for worship. The entire church is singing. I feel the Spirit in this church, Nobody yelling and screaming the lyrics. Just marching into Zion sing and praying.
-snip-
"introit" = probably means "introduction"
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REPLY
7. PatsBooks, 2010
"I love this kind of singing and ritual. It is not entertainment. It is worshipping and is a spiritual thing."
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REPLY
8. Bell Head, 2010
"Thank you Tygtback, I agree with you. This church is in the begining of worship! No no grand standing, no putting on. They are marching into His house to give Him the praise. Glory and honor. When I'm in a church like this and the saint come marching in, like this. I feel like...Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem."
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9. Adam Davis, 2011
"This did seem boring to me at first, but the more I watched, the more enthralled I was. This congregantion is very spiriual and sincere."
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10. PatsBooks, 2011
"I love this kind of singing and ritual. It is not entertainment. It is worshipping and is a spiritual thing."
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11. G. B., 2012
"what is the hymn"
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REPLY
12. scooterbugs25, 2012
"@familyguygerald Never Alone
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12. Marlon D. Gandy, 2015
"I never seen a processional so slow and to a hym....#confused #Boring"
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REPLY
13. ReMarcTeesmom1, 2016
"I have..Antioch Baptist Church back in the day..waaaay back when I was a kid. I'm 63 now..and on this very song, only our choir was larger and had some serious singers!!!
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Video #3: Old School Choir Church Entrance
MoaM, Published on Feb 7, 2017
FB video posted by Mike Steele. No rights assumed or implied.
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. cedric carter, 2018
"YES I DO REMEMBER, I'M AN OLD CHOIR MEMBER.....AND WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE OLD TIME WAY. NOT HAVING WOMEN AND MEN JUST WALKING UP TO THE CHOIR STAND. THAT JUST LOOKS SO TACKY."
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2. Savetd& Sanctified, 2018
"yes i do and this is from say amen somebody and that women is wille mae ford smith"
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3. berriessweetpie, 2018
"Yes I remember marching like that to the choir stand."
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4. David B, 2018
"This is when we took the beginning of worship service seriously. When everyone would rise to their feet and the choir came marching in and singing all the way to the choir loft, you knew it was service time! As a child this was the moment we were hushed by our elders and told it's time for Church! 👏🙌🙏⛪🎶🎹🥁"
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5. AnnNC North Carolina, 2019
"This is from, Say Amen Somebody loved that movie very touching."
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6. Sade Smith, 2019
"Yup this is how we march in back in the days. Now they doing the electric slide, wobble and the soul train line to the choir stand."
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7. Shamar Rawls, 2019
"I miss our choir marching in ...most churches now a days are doing away with marching as well as wearing robes....those were golden moments to me being a loyal choir member.."
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8. Jaye Beatty, 2019
"Yes, yes, yes! The choir marching in was one of the highlights of service. Use to get you in mood for church before Devotion. My Lord! Devotion! I grew up Baptist, so Devotion was important to us. Times have changed so much, and they have cut out a lot of the things we know to hold true for service. Bring back the march in, devotion, seat shouting in the pews, and some honest pastors. “Guide Me Over Thou Great Jehovah, Lead (Pilgrim) Me Through This Barren Land”...take me back, please!"
-snip-
Here's a review of the DVD edition of the 1980 documentary Say Amen, Somebody:
From https://www.amazon.com/Amen-Somebody-Bonus-George-Nierenberg/dp/B000KHX7HG
"There's good news aplenty in this DVD reissue of Say Amen, Somebody, director George T. Nierenberg's 1980 film focusing on some of the giants of modern gospel music and the younger singers whom they inspired. That's "good news" as in the word of God, and what better way to express the power of faith than through this powerful and uplifting music? Liner notes writer Anthony Heilbut describes the film as an exploration of "the golden age of gospel music in its dying hour," and Nierenberg (whose informative and illuminating commentary track, like Heilbut's lengthy notes, is one of the several features that justify the DVD's "bonus deluxe" tag) focuses principally on two senior citizens: Thomas Dorsey, often credited as "the father of gospel music," and Willie Mae Ford Smith, a St. Louis-based singer and an innovator who helped popularize the modern gospel singing style, with its emphasis on exaggerated, open-mouthed vibrato and careful articulation of the lyrics.
Dorsey is an engaging raconteur who explains the origins of modern gospel (once a secular songwriter who wrote for Ma Rainey and others, he added rhythm to traditional hymns and spirituals, essentially "bringing the blues into church") and speaks movingly of the trials and tribulations that led to his writing the classic "Precious Lord." For her part, Smith is not only a tireless worker but something of a feminist pioneer who insisted early on that women have just as much right as men to spread the word (her own son's remark that "women ought to stay in their proper place: behind the man" illustrates what an uphill battle that was, and is); this chauvinism, along with the creeping commercialism that makes singers like the O'Neal Twins wonder if they're compromising their evangelical calling, are among the deeper issues Nierenberg's film addresses. But in the long run, of course, it's all about the music, and the DVD package includes 18 complete performances accessible via separate menu, as well as a 15-song CD. All of this will prompt not only a few "amens," but no doubt some "hallelujahs" too. --Sam Graham"
-snip-
This review is reformatted to enhance its readability.
****
March Ins For Anniversaries
Video #1: Macedonia M.B.Church Choir 44th Choir Anniversary March In [Moultrie, Georgia]
deaconreeves, Published on Feb 19, 2012
-snip-
M. B. = Missionary Baptist [denomination]
****
Video #2: Mount Moriah Baptist Church Musical Mass Choir Anniversary
AC Jackson, Published on Sep 9, 2013
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread
Sabrina Taylor, 2018
"Haaay!!!!! I would have fun marching with this choir. Drill team time!!!!"
****
Video #3: Choir's Electric Slide March In
KevOnStage, Published on Oct 12, 2014
****
Video #4: Women's day Choir Processional (Come on in this house)
Tyrezzy100, Published on Apr 26, 2015
****
This concludes Part III of this three part series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part III of a three part pancocojams series about Black (African American) church processions.
Part III showcases eight videos of Black (African American) choir march ins during church services or anniversaries.
Selected comments from discussion threads for some of these videos are also included in this post.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/black-church-marches-processions-by.html for Part I provides information about possible cultural influences on Black (African American) church usher, nurses, or choir processions.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/seven-videos-of-african-american-black.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases several videos of Black (African American) processions by church ushers or Black church nurses.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks for the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church_84.html for a 2011 pancocojams post that features seven videos of Black church processions. With the exception of one video given as #2 below, all of these videos are different than those embedded in this 2019 post. One of the videos in that 2011 post is of a Black Canadian choir marching during the church's collection.
This post contained an update about Black Church choirs marching for the collection (offering) during Sunday service. That subject is featured in a separate post whose link will be added to this post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Choir March Ins For Church Services
Video #1: St. James Adult Choir - How I Got Over [marching with right hand held up] [St. James Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan]
Marcel West·Uploaded on Jul 26, 2008
St. James Adult Choir singing "How I Got Over" in 1996.
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion threads, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. sheri0005, 2008
"What ever happen to the choir marching? I miss that! I want to march in LOL! I am feeling that for real. That was the thing back in the day." -
**
2. gospelbird22, 2008
"In the old days, the custom of raising your right hand while you entered a church or marched in came from Elder Lucy Smith's Pentecostal Church. It was a sign that you had accepted Christ and were saved, as opposed to being a spectator or visitor."
REPLY
3. VantisDoroHall, 2008
in reply to gospelbird22
"Also, at First Church in Chicago, it represented placing your hand in God's hand, in reverence and humility. By the way, First Church and Elder Smith's church historically were two of the first churches of color to broadcast over the radio in Chicago"
**
4. jamminondakeys, 2008
"My aunt's church on Detroit used to march in on this version of this song. I wish our choirs still marched in. It adds to the service"
**
5. wdawson2, 2009
"I remember when choirs used to spend half of the choir rehersal practicing "The March"."
**
6. jazzlife1, 2010
"That's sho nuff good church when the choir used to march in.",
**
7. carefulopenandfree, 2010
"growing up in my church, we had to raise our hand when we left or entered the sanctuary."
**
8. john316jmb, 2011
"Y'all betta MARCH IN why don't you!!!! YEAH LAWD!!
**
9. Kena Parrish, 2012
I loved when the choir marched in the church, and when they stood along the walls and sang the Lord's Prayer. I miss that at times. I loved St. James and I love Shield of Faith.
****
Video #2: Sunday Morning Baptist Church Choir Processional [New Orleans, Louisiana]
tdavidray, Published on Aug 20, 2008
A traditional baptist church standard: the choir procession. This is the Second Free Mission Baptist Church Mass Choir in 1994 in New Orleans, LA.
(www.sfmbc.com)
The choir director/organist was the late Sis. Rilma 'Kathy' Thibodeaux. The pianist was Ms. Laura W. Sanders.
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. Marcus Carter, 2010
"The Organist or Choral Director seems to have no musical training or training in Worship. The Processional sets the mood/tone for Worship. This song is no processional; at best it is one for Altar Call or Invitation to Christian Discipleship. What is even more sad is this is a Baptist Church, a Church that is known for its hype or hand clapping worship style."
**
2. Marcus Burnett, 2010
"wait wait wait....Hold the press!!!! this is not a procession song!!!"
**
3. andsowhat28, 2010
"I was so glad when our Pastor allowed us to stop marching... I couldn't stand marching in the choir OMG I can't tell you how much I disliked it lol. Maybe it's because I never understood the significance of it, or it's purpose other than here comes the choir but I never knocked it. Now, we assist with praise & worship so we're just in the choir loft during that time. I can't stand robes either :-) but they are very beautiful"
**
4. Rod Primetime, 2010
"I tell you what you don't see any more, a traditional church keeping thing so simple, a processional, a strong prayer, ORDER. Todays church has become a game show in many cases. how can i outdue the other. There chior is bigger than some church congregations. and we say that they are wrong. sounds like old school is the true way. get back to it and receive."
**
REPLY
5. Robert Harrison, 2010
"Yes indeed, this simple tradition sets the tone for true worship! A wonderful hymn, the choir gathered for prayer before taking their place. It's reverent and sets the tone for the service. Save the cheerleaders for the sports areana!"
**
REPLY
6. Bell Head, 2010
"My church is very traditional and I love it. We a quite a Southern Baptist church. You know an introit, then the processional. The morning prayer followed by a choral response and then Anthem. But I have to tell you I love this posting. These people have come for worship. The entire church is singing. I feel the Spirit in this church, Nobody yelling and screaming the lyrics. Just marching into Zion sing and praying.
-snip-
"introit" = probably means "introduction"
**
REPLY
7. PatsBooks, 2010
"I love this kind of singing and ritual. It is not entertainment. It is worshipping and is a spiritual thing."
**
REPLY
8. Bell Head, 2010
"Thank you Tygtback, I agree with you. This church is in the begining of worship! No no grand standing, no putting on. They are marching into His house to give Him the praise. Glory and honor. When I'm in a church like this and the saint come marching in, like this. I feel like...Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem."
**
9. Adam Davis, 2011
"This did seem boring to me at first, but the more I watched, the more enthralled I was. This congregantion is very spiriual and sincere."
**
10. PatsBooks, 2011
"I love this kind of singing and ritual. It is not entertainment. It is worshipping and is a spiritual thing."
**
11. G. B., 2012
"what is the hymn"
**
REPLY
12. scooterbugs25, 2012
"@familyguygerald Never Alone
**
12. Marlon D. Gandy, 2015
"I never seen a processional so slow and to a hym....#confused #Boring"
**
REPLY
13. ReMarcTeesmom1, 2016
"I have..Antioch Baptist Church back in the day..waaaay back when I was a kid. I'm 63 now..and on this very song, only our choir was larger and had some serious singers!!!
****
Video #3: Old School Choir Church Entrance
MoaM, Published on Feb 7, 2017
FB video posted by Mike Steele. No rights assumed or implied.
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. cedric carter, 2018
"YES I DO REMEMBER, I'M AN OLD CHOIR MEMBER.....AND WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE OLD TIME WAY. NOT HAVING WOMEN AND MEN JUST WALKING UP TO THE CHOIR STAND. THAT JUST LOOKS SO TACKY."
**
2. Savetd& Sanctified, 2018
"yes i do and this is from say amen somebody and that women is wille mae ford smith"
**
3. berriessweetpie, 2018
"Yes I remember marching like that to the choir stand."
**
4. David B, 2018
"This is when we took the beginning of worship service seriously. When everyone would rise to their feet and the choir came marching in and singing all the way to the choir loft, you knew it was service time! As a child this was the moment we were hushed by our elders and told it's time for Church! 👏🙌🙏⛪🎶🎹🥁"
**
5. AnnNC North Carolina, 2019
"This is from, Say Amen Somebody loved that movie very touching."
**
6. Sade Smith, 2019
"Yup this is how we march in back in the days. Now they doing the electric slide, wobble and the soul train line to the choir stand."
**
7. Shamar Rawls, 2019
"I miss our choir marching in ...most churches now a days are doing away with marching as well as wearing robes....those were golden moments to me being a loyal choir member.."
**
8. Jaye Beatty, 2019
"Yes, yes, yes! The choir marching in was one of the highlights of service. Use to get you in mood for church before Devotion. My Lord! Devotion! I grew up Baptist, so Devotion was important to us. Times have changed so much, and they have cut out a lot of the things we know to hold true for service. Bring back the march in, devotion, seat shouting in the pews, and some honest pastors. “Guide Me Over Thou Great Jehovah, Lead (Pilgrim) Me Through This Barren Land”...take me back, please!"
-snip-
Here's a review of the DVD edition of the 1980 documentary Say Amen, Somebody:
From https://www.amazon.com/Amen-Somebody-Bonus-George-Nierenberg/dp/B000KHX7HG
"There's good news aplenty in this DVD reissue of Say Amen, Somebody, director George T. Nierenberg's 1980 film focusing on some of the giants of modern gospel music and the younger singers whom they inspired. That's "good news" as in the word of God, and what better way to express the power of faith than through this powerful and uplifting music? Liner notes writer Anthony Heilbut describes the film as an exploration of "the golden age of gospel music in its dying hour," and Nierenberg (whose informative and illuminating commentary track, like Heilbut's lengthy notes, is one of the several features that justify the DVD's "bonus deluxe" tag) focuses principally on two senior citizens: Thomas Dorsey, often credited as "the father of gospel music," and Willie Mae Ford Smith, a St. Louis-based singer and an innovator who helped popularize the modern gospel singing style, with its emphasis on exaggerated, open-mouthed vibrato and careful articulation of the lyrics.
Dorsey is an engaging raconteur who explains the origins of modern gospel (once a secular songwriter who wrote for Ma Rainey and others, he added rhythm to traditional hymns and spirituals, essentially "bringing the blues into church") and speaks movingly of the trials and tribulations that led to his writing the classic "Precious Lord." For her part, Smith is not only a tireless worker but something of a feminist pioneer who insisted early on that women have just as much right as men to spread the word (her own son's remark that "women ought to stay in their proper place: behind the man" illustrates what an uphill battle that was, and is); this chauvinism, along with the creeping commercialism that makes singers like the O'Neal Twins wonder if they're compromising their evangelical calling, are among the deeper issues Nierenberg's film addresses. But in the long run, of course, it's all about the music, and the DVD package includes 18 complete performances accessible via separate menu, as well as a 15-song CD. All of this will prompt not only a few "amens," but no doubt some "hallelujahs" too. --Sam Graham"
-snip-
This review is reformatted to enhance its readability.
****
March Ins For Anniversaries
Video #1: Macedonia M.B.Church Choir 44th Choir Anniversary March In [Moultrie, Georgia]
deaconreeves, Published on Feb 19, 2012
-snip-
M. B. = Missionary Baptist [denomination]
****
Video #2: Mount Moriah Baptist Church Musical Mass Choir Anniversary
AC Jackson, Published on Sep 9, 2013
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread
Sabrina Taylor, 2018
"Haaay!!!!! I would have fun marching with this choir. Drill team time!!!!"
****
Video #3: Choir's Electric Slide March In
KevOnStage, Published on Oct 12, 2014
****
Video #4: Women's day Choir Processional (Come on in this house)
Tyrezzy100, Published on Apr 26, 2015
****
This concludes Part III of this three part series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Abiezer Pentecostal Church Choir (Toronto, Canada) Offertory March - "I'm Riding On The Hallelujah Train"
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest update: Octl 16, 2021
This pancocojams post is part of an ongoing series on Black church processionals in Africa, the Jamaica, the United States, and in Canada.
This pancocojams post showcases a video of the Abiezer Pentecostal church choir (Toronto, Canada) marching during a church offering while singing "singing "I'm Riding On The Hallelujah Train".
The song's lyrics are included in this post along with selected comments from this video's discussion thread.
The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, and spiritual purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to the singers and musicians who performed this music. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S COMMENTS [updated June 30, 2018)
I have been interested in the subject of Black church processionals for some time. The earliest pancocojams posts on this topic is Part I of a four part 2011 pancocojams series on "Marching For Jesus" http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church.html.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/bethel-apostolic-church-jamaica-hold-on.html for a June 2018 post on this topic is entitled "Bethel Apostolic Church, Jamaica - "Hold On Out" (Church Processional Videos & Song Lyrics)". And click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/seven-videos-of-african-church.html-church.html for a June 2018 pancocojams post entitled "Seven Videos Of African Church Congregations' Offertory Processions (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, & Kenya)".
I decided to search for YouTube videos on African church congregations' offertory processions as a result of reading several YouTube discussion thread comments that attributed the custom and/or styles of Black church offertory marches to Africa.
The result of my search certainly indicates that there are examples of African congregation offertory processions. However, I'm not sure whether Christian church offertory processions those customs originated in Africa . However, these dance/marches conform to the traditional high value that Africans place/d upon the performance of rhythmic movements and singing in all aspects of life, including religion. Furthermore, it seems to me that African church processionals may also be expressions of Africans' love for pagentry.
Also, I believe that Black church offertory processions and other church processions in Africa may have also been influenced by the customs and particular styles of those processions- particularly the performance styles in the Pentecostal and Apostolic congregations in Jamaica.
Read my comments in the comment section for the pancocojams post entitled "Bethel Apostolic Church -Jamaica- "Hold On Out" post" whose link is given above. Those comments present the theories that circular dancing/marching in Black religious worship may have originated in Islamic "saut" ceremonies and/or the Bakongo (Central African) Cosmograph.
Any information and comments on the subject of Black church processions are welcome.
Also, if you know of other YouTube videos of Black offertory processions, please share the links to those videos in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Offering time @ Abiezer (View the choir in action)
1baw2009, Published on Apr 13, 2009
Abiezer Pentecostal Church: 96 Milvan Drive Toronto, Canada--It's offering time @ Abiezer (This is how we do it every Sunday.)
-snip-
This is the only Black Canadian church processional video that I've found on YouTube. If you know of any other Black Canadian church processional videos, please share their links in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
LYRICS
[portion of the song]
I'M RIDING IN THE HALLELUJAH TRAIN
Chorus: 2
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia Train
Im singing, Im shouting on the Alleluia Train
And when I reach the station, Heaven is my destination
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia train
-snip-
These lyrics were published by 1baw 2009 in the discussion thread for the video that is showcased in this post. According to one of his or her comments in this discussion, 1baw2009 is "not in any of the videos" [but does] "the recording, editing and posting" for the videos.
I spelled the word "Hallelujah" that way instead of "Alleluia" as that is the standard way that it is spelled in the United States.
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD.
These comments are given in relative chronological order with the oldest comments given first, except for replies. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. TO ON, 2009
"the spirit of God reigns. a church that engages its people is a church that truly challenges every fiber of ones belief. praises is one such example. kudos to the choir. !!"
**
2. csneed02, 2010
""I need words." PLEASE
This is awesome! They dance like this is Africa when they give. Maybe if we do this in our Church the people will look forward to giving time."
**
3. 1baw2009, 2010
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it."
**
4. Tarahan Mackey, 2010
"I watch this EVERYDAY. I must be insane. lol"
**
REPLY
5. 1baw2009, 2010
"@killertyann No, you are not insane. I am delighted that you and other viewers enjoy this. To be honest, initially, I debated whether or not to post this clip, because it is so different from the choir singing and from the Praise & Worship Service videos. Nonetheless, I am happy that I did post; this clip is well received. To God be the glory. Please continue praying for our young people that God will keep them saved and humble."
-snip-
Notice that the commenter's name has changed. This probably was as a result of YouTube's push around that time to have commenters use full names instead of screen names.
**
6. Dannie Jackson, 2010
"I'm glad to see other apostolics online...im apart of the PAW"
-snip-
"PAW" = Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
**
REPLY
7. 1baw2009, 2010
"Yes, there are a few apostolics online. I have a few friends who fellowship with PAW; we share the same doctrine and beliefs. God bless you."
**
8. 1baw2009, 2010
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it."
**
9. leona foster, 2010
"I love the old time worship and the old old songs such as this one. If you want to reach the Lord, just sing the old hymms."
**
10. Cheryl Williams, 2010
"Marching up the King's Highway!!! Hallelujah!"
**
11. shadhom, 2010
"This is very unique, precise individual movements in time with the choir as a body, not for the faint of heart with a lot of physcial problems, although good excercise for some, while praising the Lord."
**
12. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2010
"OH YES MARCH & RIDE ZION! MARCH & RIDE! I LOVE this!!! GLORYYYYYYYYYYY!!"
**
13. lovejones238, 2011
"I must say I was like why am I watching this over & over then finally realized, I began to feel this just like the saints on the video were, as we say where I'm from, "they began to feel it" and so did I ..great post...I love the energy."
**
14. Marshalee Ricketts, 2011
"bLESS THE LORD AM RIDING WIT JESUS AN THE HALALUJAH TRAIN,THANK YOU JESUS HEAVEN WILL BE MY DESTINATION. THIS WHAT REALLY WORSHIP IS "
**
15. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2011
"LUJAH!! Mi luv dah wun deh!!! HALLELUJAH TRAIN!! GLORY!!"
**
16. Trey Cox, 2012
"I remember coming to Abiezer as a child and seeing the choir do this same march around! Simply Awesome, glory to God, and i love the songs, the choir rock is classic! Go Ahead!!!"
**
17. NYCsistahofvirtue, 2012
"march march march saints unward christian soldiers!"
**
18. precious lor, 2012
"Go Abiezer Choir. Let no one or nothing steal this joy that the Lord has given to you all. Love you all. Missionary Nichole at her best, go ahead praise Lady!!!"
**
19. John Blackwood, 2012
"This church must be Jamaican background!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could hear the bass player a little bit more thou! If I go to Canada.. I must find this church , where ever y'all are. GOD BLESS THIS CHURCH! AND THE CHOIR!!!!!!!"
**
20. abbi johnson, 2012
"praise jesus !!!!!!!!!!!! been listening to this clip for about a year no and it never fails to revive my spirit hallelujah "
**
21. Tonya Anderson, 2012
"This is what church is all about... giving GOD your all!!! I was truly blessed by this video."
**
22. desmarie spence, 2012
"This is how we do it in Holiness Born Again in Jamaica."
**
23. Mo W, 2013
"Its obvious that this church is jamaican .. The TRAIN!!!!!!!! HALELLUJAH TRAIN iM RUNNING JESUS ON THE HALELLUJAH TRAIN !!!!!"
**
24. Tiffi, 2013
"I feel the Jamaican in this church"
**
25. Sashagaye mannings, 2013
"i have never seen such a march i loooooooveeeeeee it
I loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this marching!"
**
26. MJQ7688, 2013
"I was just thinking that about this church being Jamaican! They got DOWN!"
**
27.Margaret Mcpherson, 2016
"these saints just know how to trample on them serpents and demons, the action is so important keep on fighting and trampling them forces"
**
28. ddoddy76, 2016
"ok no offense .....but what was the point?"
**
REPLY
29. Miya Henry, 2016
"They make it seems they are marching into heaven... must pentecostal church do this to have a mind set of how they will be like in heaven. I don't know if I'm right but it's my idea"
**
REPLY
30. Roy Pritchard, 2016
"Yes, Miya Henry. Amen! Church of GOD march forward in the power of THE HOLY GHOST. Amen! Thank YOU, JESUS 😃"
**
REPLY
31. Makita Wilson, 2017
"Hey Ms.Henry you are 100% correct..the act of them physically marching signifies unity and strength in Jesus' name. The way they marched with such precision and power was the anointing of God on them. People don't always have to run around and speak in tongues lol..you can concentrate that power into something else"
**
32. KRISSY MCINTOSH, 2017
"This church reminds me of my church, keep praising God. Im talking about Bethel Born Again Apostolic on Oakland Road in Jamaica, thats how we worship on a Sunday morning. Love u Pastor Yvonne Codner and Bishop Barracks"
**
33. Vito Motola, 2017
"giving a offering is a type of worship to Jesus."
**
34. Mo W, 2018
"I think churcejs need to go back to the way we used to worship just like this. Marching and all why not? You can dance for the world you can dance for God. I get such a great vibe from this all these yrs later"
**
35. Lisa Jackson, 2018
"What happened to church..."
**
REPLY
36. Jessica Woods, 2018
"Lisa Jackson Nothing... Listen to the music it's Jamaican. African churches also worship in a similar manner. I think Black Americans would do close to the same if we didn't integrated."
**
37. ItsKayTho, 2018
"I remember a church I attended, the whole choir would come down circle the church, turn around and go back up the offering aisle. & they took their time too! I love this choir’s energy"
**
28. after7pm, 2018
"Y'all Better MARCH ON IN..💘"
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post is part of an ongoing series on Black church processionals in Africa, the Jamaica, the United States, and in Canada.
This pancocojams post showcases a video of the Abiezer Pentecostal church choir (Toronto, Canada) marching during a church offering while singing "singing "I'm Riding On The Hallelujah Train".
The song's lyrics are included in this post along with selected comments from this video's discussion thread.
The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, and spiritual purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to the singers and musicians who performed this music. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S COMMENTS [updated June 30, 2018)
I have been interested in the subject of Black church processionals for some time. The earliest pancocojams posts on this topic is Part I of a four part 2011 pancocojams series on "Marching For Jesus" http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church.html.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/bethel-apostolic-church-jamaica-hold-on.html for a June 2018 post on this topic is entitled "Bethel Apostolic Church, Jamaica - "Hold On Out" (Church Processional Videos & Song Lyrics)". And click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/seven-videos-of-african-church.html-church.html for a June 2018 pancocojams post entitled "Seven Videos Of African Church Congregations' Offertory Processions (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, & Kenya)".
I decided to search for YouTube videos on African church congregations' offertory processions as a result of reading several YouTube discussion thread comments that attributed the custom and/or styles of Black church offertory marches to Africa.
The result of my search certainly indicates that there are examples of African congregation offertory processions. However, I'm not sure whether Christian church offertory processions those customs originated in Africa . However, these dance/marches conform to the traditional high value that Africans place/d upon the performance of rhythmic movements and singing in all aspects of life, including religion. Furthermore, it seems to me that African church processionals may also be expressions of Africans' love for pagentry.
Also, I believe that Black church offertory processions and other church processions in Africa may have also been influenced by the customs and particular styles of those processions- particularly the performance styles in the Pentecostal and Apostolic congregations in Jamaica.
Read my comments in the comment section for the pancocojams post entitled "Bethel Apostolic Church -Jamaica- "Hold On Out" post" whose link is given above. Those comments present the theories that circular dancing/marching in Black religious worship may have originated in Islamic "saut" ceremonies and/or the Bakongo (Central African) Cosmograph.
Any information and comments on the subject of Black church processions are welcome.
Also, if you know of other YouTube videos of Black offertory processions, please share the links to those videos in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Offering time @ Abiezer (View the choir in action)
1baw2009, Published on Apr 13, 2009
Abiezer Pentecostal Church: 96 Milvan Drive Toronto, Canada--It's offering time @ Abiezer (This is how we do it every Sunday.)
-snip-
This is the only Black Canadian church processional video that I've found on YouTube. If you know of any other Black Canadian church processional videos, please share their links in the comment section below. Thanks!
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LYRICS
[portion of the song DON'T YOU HEAR THEM BELLS
Chorus: 1
Dont you hear the bells are ringing?
Dont you hear the angels singing?
Its the glory, hallelujah, jubilee.
In the land of sweet forever, just beyond the shining river, they will ring the golden bells for you and me.
Chorus: 1
Dont you hear the bells are ringing?
Dont you hear the angels singing?
Its the glory, hallelujah, jubilee.
In the land of sweet forever, just beyond the shining river, they will ring the golden bells for you and me.
[portion of the song]
I'M RIDING IN THE HALLELUJAH TRAIN
Chorus: 2
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia Train
Im singing, Im shouting on the Alleluia Train
And when I reach the station, Heaven is my destination
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia train
-snip-
These lyrics were published by 1baw 2009 in the discussion thread for the video that is showcased in this post. According to one of his or her comments in this discussion, 1baw2009 is "not in any of the videos" [but does] "the recording, editing and posting" for the videos.
I spelled the word "Hallelujah" that way instead of "Alleluia" as that is the standard way that it is spelled in the United States.
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD.
These comments are given in relative chronological order with the oldest comments given first, except for replies. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. TO ON, 2009
"the spirit of God reigns. a church that engages its people is a church that truly challenges every fiber of ones belief. praises is one such example. kudos to the choir. !!"
**
2. csneed02, 2010
""I need words." PLEASE
This is awesome! They dance like this is Africa when they give. Maybe if we do this in our Church the people will look forward to giving time."
**
3. 1baw2009, 2010
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it."
**
4. Tarahan Mackey, 2010
"I watch this EVERYDAY. I must be insane. lol"
**
REPLY
5. 1baw2009, 2010
"@killertyann No, you are not insane. I am delighted that you and other viewers enjoy this. To be honest, initially, I debated whether or not to post this clip, because it is so different from the choir singing and from the Praise & Worship Service videos. Nonetheless, I am happy that I did post; this clip is well received. To God be the glory. Please continue praying for our young people that God will keep them saved and humble."
-snip-
Notice that the commenter's name has changed. This probably was as a result of YouTube's push around that time to have commenters use full names instead of screen names.
**
6. Dannie Jackson, 2010
"I'm glad to see other apostolics online...im apart of the PAW"
-snip-
"PAW" = Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
**
REPLY
7. 1baw2009, 2010
"Yes, there are a few apostolics online. I have a few friends who fellowship with PAW; we share the same doctrine and beliefs. God bless you."
**
8. 1baw2009, 2010
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it."
**
9. leona foster, 2010
"I love the old time worship and the old old songs such as this one. If you want to reach the Lord, just sing the old hymms."
**
10. Cheryl Williams, 2010
"Marching up the King's Highway!!! Hallelujah!"
**
11. shadhom, 2010
"This is very unique, precise individual movements in time with the choir as a body, not for the faint of heart with a lot of physcial problems, although good excercise for some, while praising the Lord."
**
12. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2010
"OH YES MARCH & RIDE ZION! MARCH & RIDE! I LOVE this!!! GLORYYYYYYYYYYY!!"
**
13. lovejones238, 2011
"I must say I was like why am I watching this over & over then finally realized, I began to feel this just like the saints on the video were, as we say where I'm from, "they began to feel it" and so did I ..great post...I love the energy."
**
14. Marshalee Ricketts, 2011
"bLESS THE LORD AM RIDING WIT JESUS AN THE HALALUJAH TRAIN,THANK YOU JESUS HEAVEN WILL BE MY DESTINATION. THIS WHAT REALLY WORSHIP IS "
**
15. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2011
"LUJAH!! Mi luv dah wun deh!!! HALLELUJAH TRAIN!! GLORY!!"
**
16. Trey Cox, 2012
"I remember coming to Abiezer as a child and seeing the choir do this same march around! Simply Awesome, glory to God, and i love the songs, the choir rock is classic! Go Ahead!!!"
**
17. NYCsistahofvirtue, 2012
"march march march saints unward christian soldiers!"
**
18. precious lor, 2012
"Go Abiezer Choir. Let no one or nothing steal this joy that the Lord has given to you all. Love you all. Missionary Nichole at her best, go ahead praise Lady!!!"
**
19. John Blackwood, 2012
"This church must be Jamaican background!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could hear the bass player a little bit more thou! If I go to Canada.. I must find this church , where ever y'all are. GOD BLESS THIS CHURCH! AND THE CHOIR!!!!!!!"
**
20. abbi johnson, 2012
"praise jesus !!!!!!!!!!!! been listening to this clip for about a year no and it never fails to revive my spirit hallelujah "
**
21. Tonya Anderson, 2012
"This is what church is all about... giving GOD your all!!! I was truly blessed by this video."
**
22. desmarie spence, 2012
"This is how we do it in Holiness Born Again in Jamaica."
**
23. Mo W, 2013
"Its obvious that this church is jamaican .. The TRAIN!!!!!!!! HALELLUJAH TRAIN iM RUNNING JESUS ON THE HALELLUJAH TRAIN !!!!!"
**
24. Tiffi, 2013
"I feel the Jamaican in this church"
**
25. Sashagaye mannings, 2013
"i have never seen such a march i loooooooveeeeeee it
I loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this marching!"
**
26. MJQ7688, 2013
"I was just thinking that about this church being Jamaican! They got DOWN!"
**
27.Margaret Mcpherson, 2016
"these saints just know how to trample on them serpents and demons, the action is so important keep on fighting and trampling them forces"
**
28. ddoddy76, 2016
"ok no offense .....but what was the point?"
**
REPLY
29. Miya Henry, 2016
"They make it seems they are marching into heaven... must pentecostal church do this to have a mind set of how they will be like in heaven. I don't know if I'm right but it's my idea"
**
REPLY
30. Roy Pritchard, 2016
"Yes, Miya Henry. Amen! Church of GOD march forward in the power of THE HOLY GHOST. Amen! Thank YOU, JESUS 😃"
**
REPLY
31. Makita Wilson, 2017
"Hey Ms.Henry you are 100% correct..the act of them physically marching signifies unity and strength in Jesus' name. The way they marched with such precision and power was the anointing of God on them. People don't always have to run around and speak in tongues lol..you can concentrate that power into something else"
**
32. KRISSY MCINTOSH, 2017
"This church reminds me of my church, keep praising God. Im talking about Bethel Born Again Apostolic on Oakland Road in Jamaica, thats how we worship on a Sunday morning. Love u Pastor Yvonne Codner and Bishop Barracks"
**
33. Vito Motola, 2017
"giving a offering is a type of worship to Jesus."
**
34. Mo W, 2018
"I think churcejs need to go back to the way we used to worship just like this. Marching and all why not? You can dance for the world you can dance for God. I get such a great vibe from this all these yrs later"
**
35. Lisa Jackson, 2018
"What happened to church..."
**
REPLY
36. Jessica Woods, 2018
"Lisa Jackson Nothing... Listen to the music it's Jamaican. African churches also worship in a similar manner. I think Black Americans would do close to the same if we didn't integrated."
**
37. ItsKayTho, 2018
"I remember a church I attended, the whole choir would come down circle the church, turn around and go back up the offering aisle. & they took their time too! I love this choir’s energy"
**
28. after7pm, 2018
"Y'all Better MARCH ON IN..💘"
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