This is St. Rest Baptist Church located in Fresno California. This is a clip of their 50th Annual Usher Day. This is how we do it in the "No". "You Know!" Isn't God Good. Formerly under the undershepherd,Rev. Chester Riggins, Pastor and presently led by Senior Pastor, David Criner . 1550 E. Rev. Chester Riggins Blvd. Fresno, CA. 93706. Contact the church if you would like to become part of the Great Commission.Always willing and ready to serve in the Community. -snip-
total # of 296,793 views as of January 4, 2026 at 6:09 AM
total #111 of comments as of January 4, 2026 at 6:09 AM
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a 2010 YouTube video of the St. Rest Baptist Church 50th Annual Usher Day march.
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread are also included in this post.
This post also showcases a 2011 video of an usher march that was performed during another church usher board's anniversary program.
The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in this video 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/2024/09/the-real-reason-why-african-american.html for a 2024 pancocojams post entitled "The REAL Reason Why African American Church Ushers Wear White Gloves As Part Of Their Church Uniform".
Also, click the tags below for more pancocojams posts about Black usher marches.
**** PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTES Most of the YouTube videos of usher board marches that I've come across are from African American Baptist churches.
Usher marches don't occur during regular Sunday morning or Sunday evening church services in African American churches. Instead, usher marches are held at a program for the anniversary of that churches' usher board, by invitation, at the celebration of another usher board's anniversary program, at a program for the church's anniversary, at usher board conventions, or at other special occasions.
The movements that are performed by the ushers in these Showcase videos have their source in drill teams/military units. In most of the YouTube videos that I've watched on African American church usher board marches feature ushers in single file or in twos performing regular cadence marching steps, sometimes with relatively uncomplicated routines (such as shown in Showcase Video #2) or performing basic dance moves such as "take one step forward followed by two steps back" cha cha-like motions.
In the YouTube videos of usher board marches that I've watched, as a group the ushers wear their uniforms-including their signature white gloves, or as a group wear color coordinated outfits. Unlike Apostolic churches, since around the 1960s, it's no longer traditional for females in Baptist churches to wear a hat or another covering on their head.
Often the church attendees at these usher marches stand when the usher march begins until it ends. Attendees usually clap at the end of the usher march. In contrast, clapping rarely if ever occurs for performances at regular Sunday church services. All of the ushers are silent throughout their march, moving to the beat of either a recorded Gospel song or the sounds of a live (in person) snare drummer, and/or the sounds of other live (in person) musicians usually without any vocalists.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - New Bethel MBC of Los Angeles Sr. Usher Board
ijh shorty, May 23, 2013
2013 Usher Annual Day Grand March by the Sr. Usher Board.
-snip- total # of 296,793 views as of January 4, 2026 at 12:39 PM
total #111 of comments as of January 4, 2026 at 12:39 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8bOC4MDN3w -snip- Notice how the members of this usher board make a sharp turn to the left or to their right when they arrive at the corner at the end of the center aisle. This custom is called "cutting the corner",
Also, notice how this usher board marches around the entire church sanctuary multiple times until they complete their march back at their pews. This march differs from most marches that start at the back of the sanctuary, This may have been because of that usher board didn't begin that particular program.
**** SELECTED COMMENTS FOR SHOWCASE VIDEO #1 Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
"Very very well done sisters!"
**
5. @judykotun2040
“What biblical benefit is THIS suppose represent to thelost souls! Take it to thee club and join the other line dancers.Keep the church in good standing. Because God is coming back for a church without a spot or wrinkle. Start praise dancing, get happy in the Lord. Dance like David dance.
Do not slip into a deep sleep in your foolishness.”
**
Reply
6. @williambrown1721
“Judy Kotun This is one of the things that should be done to help encourage the young people to come to church and get committed to church. That’s where some folks don’t get it. Satan has a new trick around every corner. And we have to combat against them. Now of course we want to keep it decently and orderly, but at the same time we have to do new things as well.”
**
Reply
7. @mahogany1682
"Church don't have to be boring"
**
Reply
8. @keishajpmes1103, 2021
"@karimanicolette1210
I've added nothing. Just provided scripture that upholds that these people are delighting themselves in the Lord. And Worshipping Him. Not sure where I'mjudging is coming in"
****
2017
9. @michaelfontenot2773
"i mean they did that"
****
2018
10. @m.l7091
"That was awesome"
**
11. @StrawberryTiger01
"OMG 😲
THEY STAYED IN LINE.
GIVE A REASON FOR THE YOUTH TO WANT TO GO TO CHURCH INSTEAD
OF BEING FORCED!!!!"
**
12. @kimberlynatasha7
"There’s always that one sister that says “ alright now “ 🤣💕"
**
13. @kimda1able
"What does this have to do with serving God?
Nothing."
**
Reply
14. @keishajpmes1103,2019
" “To serve God you must serve his people. That is what
the Usher does. Also Psalm 37:4-5 King James Version (KJV)
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass"
**
Reply
15. @uknw1952, 2019
"just because you can't move probably all stiff neck in church. God didn't make us to be robots!”
**
Reply
16. @amyb5625, 2019 “@uknw1952 No, but Matthew 6:6-18 does tell us not to draw attention to ourselves
when we worship and pray. This certainly does draw attention to themselves.
Look at how many comments are focused on the marchers instead of on God."
**
Reply
17. @keishajpmes1103, 2021 "@karimanicolette1210
I've added nothing. Just provided scripture that upholds that these
people are delighting themselves in the Lord. And Worshipping Him.
Not sure where I'm judging is coming in"
**
Reply
18. @4Bmarie "Judy Kotun What
gives you the right to say what type of dancing should be done. Read your bible and find out what happened to
the person who criticized David’s dancing."
**
Reply
19. @patronice7951
"@4Bmarie U better preach it.😀"
**
Reply
20. @patronice7951
"If they were 2 dance like David their clothes will come off....
u dont even know how David was dancing urself. Stop downing the young.
THEY r n the church making a joyful noise un2 the Lord."
**
Reply
21. @cynthiaknight9111 "Judy Kotun what about judging did u not understand.
What about the marching around God command in Jericho"
**
Reply
22. @cynthiaknight9111
"Or maybe just stop judging what u don't understand, let God be praised by everything &everyone.
I'm sure the rocks &I stars do it different then ppl. Than u"
**
23. @reesierascoe9915
“Damn they gonna be tired before they even march”
**
Reply
24. @dejavue54, 2019 “Ok...I was like...when you going to start...I was tired of
waiting”
****
2019
25. @keishajpmes1103
“I loved that. Best entrance Woot woot Usher's. I thought the kids were going to slack
but they took up the slack and made that usher line tight. Yes Yes.
Do you very best whatever job you have in the Kingdom”
**
26. @cocobrown5487
"That was dope"
**
27. @roberttaylor6694
"THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT!!!!!"
****
2020
28. @LadyQueenMow
“Bless each and every one of them🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
And the children shall lead🙏🏾”
**
29. @andrewcrane2786
"Amazing well done love the moves"
**
30. @SadeWithTheReceipts
"YESSS MA'M!!!! YA'LL DID THAT. ESPECIALLY THE 1ST AND THE 3RD ONE. THEY WERE NOT COMING TO HALF STEP. THEY PRACTICED THAT THANG AND PERFECTED IT."
**
31. @SadeWithTheReceipts
"MY MAMA! AND "YOU BETTA PREACH NYE". SMH"
**
Reply
32. @warriorforchrist7227, 2022
"TRUE!!! 😂🤍🕊"
****
2021
33. @lovevioletflowers3442
"I miss those days!!! I remember from my old church some of our youngest ushers were so little,
they weren't much taller than the pews. But th ose little ones were so precious. They would take you to your seat and extend their little hands, with such seriousness as they did their jobs.
They marched in formation and did everything in their own wonderful way. The bigger kids and teen ushers were excellent, too, as were the adults. I remember how warmly one of the ushers greeted new people; it's one of many things that made me come back to that church. Sadly after moving to another city, I don't get to see this much any more (and that was even before covid)."
****
2022
34. @kevinpowell9502
“This is ridiculous. The Black Church is full of foolishness like this. Where is the focus on God. If Amazing Grace was good enough for Grandma it ought to be good enough for us. Parents let their kids participate in mess like this because they think it's cute and they want them to be seen. I'll venture to
say that most of these young people don't attend Sunday School or Bible Study. The Pastor looks ridiculous. He should be a more mature example for the young people. The music is secular and
blaring like a night club. Where is the reverence for God?”
****
2023
35. @Angel-mo5sg
"Still the best March on the internet til this day they
did that
This pancocojams post debunks the commonly held (at least among many African American) reasons why African American church ushers wear white gloves while they are ushering during church services.
This post showcases three YouTube videos of ushers in African American churches and includes information & comments from various online sources.
Addendum #1 to this pancocojams post also includes a complete reprint of a 2010 essay about African American church ushers.
Addendum #2 to this pancocojams post presents information and an explanation about the African American custom of ushers holding their left hand behind their back while they are ushering.
The content of this post is presented for historical and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all past and present ushers in African American churches. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these embedded YouTube videos. -snip- Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/01/why-black-african-american-ushers-wear.html for the closely related pancocojams post entitled "Why Black (African American) Ushers Wear White Gloves As Part Of Their Usher Attire & Hold One Hand Behind Their Back". This is Part II of a three part pancocojams series on African American church ushers. -snip- Click the tags below for additional pancocojams posts on this subject.
This video is about usher training at Nazarene Baptist Church (an African American church). The topics that are covered in this video are:
"Uniforms
Huddling for prayer
Assisting worshipers
Standing at attention
Guarding the doors
Prayer Position
Retreating from the floor
and
Taking offering" -snip- Here's the portion of this video about "uniforms" from the auto-generated transcript of this video with my additions of punctuation, corrected capitalizations, and corrected words.
from 2:16 to 3:26 in this video: "It's important for us to be in uniform. As you can see from
the uniforms displayed that it
sure needs to be impeccably groomed and that the outfit be conducive to proper
etiquette.
We have here one of our female ushers. If you will notice, her skirt does go
below the knee.
Our male usher, standing tall, [is a] very proud doorkeeper and he too is impeccably
dressed.
Most churches have their own color scheme but [the] universal usher is one who
will be in black with
a white top. The male wearing a white
shirt. If, however, you are ushering at a state level or a national level, the uniform for the female is a white uniform, preferably a nurse's dress. She
is dressed in white from head to toe. She will have her badge, her pin, white, stockings and, white shoes." -snip- The narrator doesn't mention the usher's white gloves, although those gloves are shown on the table with the badge, pin, stockings, and shoes. The ushers in the video are also shown wearing their white gloves.
Some scenes in this video shows the ushers holding their left hand behind their back. In addition, this video also refers to and shows ushers making hand signals to communicate pertinent information with other ushers.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3- Ushers march at Bishop Broderick Huggins Anniversary Celebration
mslola2u, Nov 11, 2008
Saint Paul Baptist Church, Oxnard, Ca ushers,Emmanuel
Baptist Church, Stockton,Ca ushers and Saints Rest Missionary Baptist Church,
Fresno, Ca ushers march at St. Paul Baptist Church -snip- Notice how African American usher marches are influenced by (or influenced) African military style American drill team performances.
Most African American church ushers participate in annual military/drill team style usher marches during their (and other churches) annual celebratory Ushers Day programs. Usher marches also occur at annual state, regional, and/or national African American church ushers conventions.
These Black church ushers conventions are sometimes held in combination with members of Black church nurses ministries.
Click the Black Church Procession tag below for pancocojams post on this African American church custom.
**** THE COMMONLY HELD REASON THAT IS FOUND ONLINE FOR THE REASON WHY AFRICAN AMERICAN USHERS WEAR WHITE GLOVES
White racism is the commonly held reason that African Americans give for why African American church ushers wear white gloves while they are ushering in church. I believe that this conclusion is mostly held by African Americans.
The YouTube video short that is showcased in this pancocojams post is one example of this (what I consider to be erroneous) belief. Here are two other examples (given in no particular order and numbered for referencing purpose only) :
…."Many ushers continue to wear white gloves, a holdover
from the era when white church members did not want the "sin" of
Black people touching anything in the church, Ladd said. Black ushers were also
required to hold one hand behind their back when taking up the offering because
white Christians believed Blacks would otherwise steal money from the church,
he said."
** Excerpt #2. Fromhttps://theoldblackchurch.blogspot.com/2018/02/black-history-facts-why-ushers-wore.html Why Ushers Wore White Gloves by Ann Brock, February 4, 2018 "I'm from the hills of Alabama and some information like this is hard to verify because it is information that was passed on from generation to generation. Anyhow growing up we were told that this was an old slave tradition in the deep south. Slaves were asked to put their arms behind their backs so they could be watched to be sure they were not stealing the money during collection time.
They also wore the white gloves because again they were not trusted and the white church members did not want to touch their skin. My understanding is back during slavery time when the slave served in white churches they had to wear white gloves and place the one hand behind the back.....so the slaves wouldn't take from the offering plate as they served aisles to aisles why ushering."
**** PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE I believe the idea that African American Church ushers wear white gloves (and held their left hand behind their back)* because White people demanded that they do so while they (Black people) were ushers in their White churches begs a number of questions: 1. Is there extensive documentation of enslaved Black people serving as ushers in White American churches? If so, where is that documented?
2.Is there documentation of Black ushers in White churches during slavery wearing white gloves and holding their left hand behind their back? If so, where is that documentation?
3. Is there documentation of White church ushers wearing white gloves and holding their left hand behind their back? And if so, when did this occur and where is that documentation?
4. Why did the custom of Black American ushers wearing white gloves and holding their left hand behind their back occur once Black Americans worshiped in their own churches and why has it persisted so widely throughout the United States up to an including this year?
I'm not discounting that White people during slavery may have had Black men serve as ushers during slavery. And I don't discount that many of those White people were racist. . However, I believe that there were historical and cultural reasons for establishing the custom of ushers wearing white gloves and ushers holding their left hand behind their back. Furthermore, I believe that those same historical and cultural reasons (as well as other reasons) explain why these customs are still very widely followed in today's African American churches apparently far more than they are in White American churches).
When I did a google search with the question "Do White ushers wear white gloves?", I got this result:
White gloves protect hands from dirt and germs, especially
during communal rituals like passing the peace or handling sacred objects.
Uniformity
White gloves create a sense of uniformity among attendees,
fostering a respectful atmosphere.
Symbolism
White gloves symbolize purity, reverence, and respect.
Protection
White gloves protect the finish and shine of communion ware
and offering plates."
White gloves have been worn for centuries as a symbol of
purity and nobility. In the hospitality industry, including hotels,
restaurants, and the medical industry, white gloves are a symbol of cleanliness
and quality hygiene."
-snip-
There are no YouTube results for "White church ushers wearing white gloves".
Most of the YouTube results for Black ushers wearing white gloves" are videos of Black (African American) usher marches. These church usher marches document how African American's love of rhythmic, synchronized movements and pageantry created and continues to create new performance arts styles.
* Read Addendum #2 in this pancocojams post for some comments about the custom of African American church ushers holding their left hand behind their back while they are ushering.
**** THE REAL REASON WHY AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH USHERS (AND SOME WHITE CHURCH USHERS) WEAR WHITE GLOVES
I believe that African American church ushers wear white gloves while they are ushering because white gloves are an essential part of the usher uniform, just like it is an essential part of the uniforms of various people in religious and in non-religious settings.
Wearing a uniform (including white gloves) identifies church ushers as members of this important Black church ministry, a ministry that has significant responsibilities and a ministry that confers status and power to people (men, women, teens, and children) who may not have other accesses to status and power outside of their church lives.
Furthermore, at certain times (during annual Usher Days and annual Usher conventions), Black church ushers engage in military/drill team style Usher marches to live of recorded instrumental music that adds to Black church aesthetics and expresses African American love of and appreciation for pageantry.
The African American (and- to a much lesser extent?- the White American) custom of wearing white gloves is patterned after earlier and later historical and cultural traditions of people in authority and other people wearing white gloves.
Here's a partial list of people who have worn (and/or still wear) white gloves as part of their uniforms:
-Bishops and some other Catholic church leaders
-members of the United States military (formal attire)
-police offices (during formal wear at events such as funerals)
-butlers
-drum majors and other members of marching bands
- members of masonic orders (formal attire)
**** SELECTED EXCERPTS OR COMMENTS ABOUT WHITE GLOVES BEING A PART OF VARIOUS UNIFORMS
These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
"The roles and uses of white gloves, whether symbolic or
practical, have changed over time. Today, white gloves are a mark of the
outstanding service exemplified by luxury hotels and restaurants.
For centuries, pulling on or taking off gloves was a
symbolic act in European social relations. In the Middle Ages, to take off
one's gloves before another person was a sign of submission. It meant swearing
allegiance to them: ‘disarming’ before them like a knight laying down his arms.
Equally symbolic was the wearing of white gloves for
important ceremonies, as a mark of purity – a tradition dating back to the
Middle Ages. A chronicle tells that in 960, at the enthronement ceremony for
the new Bishop of Mayence, the monks of the SaintAlban monastery gave him a
pair of white gloves. The congregation then said a prayer beseeching God to
protect the purity of His servant's hands.
The kings of France also received a pair of white gloves at
their coronation because the sacred hands of the king must not be sullied by
touching impure objects. After the ceremony, the gloves were burnt to prevent
anyone using them later.
From the 15th century, gloves lost their sacred nature and
became fashion accessories and adornments. In the 19th century, more than ever,
they became a sign of elegance. The rules of etiquette demanded that gloves be
worn in public, but propriety dictated they should always be put on before
leaving the house. Yellow gloves were worn for hunting; white gloves for a
social gathering or a stylish restaurant. When they went out, men wore black
clothing but with white gloves.
As Europe became ever wealthier, more and more homes had
butlers or major-domos, who had to dress elegantly. With black suit, black tie,
white gloves and white waistcoat, they wore much the same clothes as the master
of the house and his prestigious guests. It was a way to give distinction to
these particular servants, indicating their special status - almost equal to
the social class they served. But the word ‘almost’ is crucial.
Butlers had authority over the other servants and often had
some education. They were servants but not servile. Attentive but not
submissive; confident but not intimate.
The figure of the butler became firmly established as
standing alone between the two social classes. And this was symbolised by his
white gloves. Previously the preserve of the elite, the historic accessory
switched camp. While the master of the house took off his gloves when he got
home, the butler did the reverse. Once a symbol of power, white gloves had
become a sign of respect for power." -snip- Butlers also follow (or used to follow) the custom of holding their white gloved left hand behind their back.
Prior to the 1980s or so some African American church choirs marched into the church sanctuary holding their right hand up and holding their left hand behind their back. Read the comments in Addendum #2 of this post.
Catholic bishops wear white gloves for a variety of reasons,
including:
Symbolism
White gloves symbolize purity, good works, and carefulness.
They also represent the bishop's connection to Christ and the apostles, and
their higher level of spiritual perfection.
Rank
Bishops' gloves visually distinguish them from other clergy,
and are a material demonstration of their higher rank.
Ritual
Bishops wear gloves during mass to emphasize the cleanliness
of their hands and the ritual purity of the chalice and paten.
History
Bishops have worn gloves for over a thousand years, and they
are an integral part of the solemnity of pontifical rites.
Investiture
During a bishop's investiture ceremony, he is helped into
his gloves by others, with a prayer that they represent his purity and healing
gift."
Assistant Bot, Jul 12, 2024 "The origin of white gloves in military dress uniforms can be traced back to several practical and symbolic reasons:
Practicality: Wearing white gloves helped keep the wearer's hands clean and pristine, which was important for formal military inspections and parades. The light color made dirt and grime more visible, allowing officers to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and appearance.
Symbolism: White gloves came to represent purity, discipline, and attention to detail - qualities that were highly valued in the military. The immaculate white gloves signaled the wearer's professionalism, care, and commitment to their duties.
Status and Tradition: Over time, the white gloves became a mark of rank and distinction."
"AI [Artificial Intelligence] Yes, police officers historically wore white gloves as part
of their formal dress uniforms, particularly for ceremonial occasions like
funerals or special events, as white gloves symbolized cleanliness and
formality, similar to how they are still used in military uniforms today;
however, in modern policing, wearing white gloves as part of everyday uniform
is no longer common practice.
Key points about white gloves in police uniforms:
Formal wear only:
White gloves were primarily worn with a full dress uniform,
which is only used for special events like ceremonies or funerals.
Symbolism of cleanliness:
White gloves traditionally represented a high standard of
appearance and hygiene.
Modern practice:
Today, most police officers wear practical, dark-colored
gloves for situations requiring hand protection, not white gloves for everyday
duty.
We prefer white gloves as they add a touch of elegance and
uniformity to marching band uniforms.
White gloves have been a staple accessory in the marching
band world for years, and for good reason. They not only provide a clean and
polished look, but they also enhance the overall visual presentation of the
band.
When accessorizing marching band uniforms, white
gloves are essential to add a sophisticated and cohesive touch to the ensemble"...
... "There is in the wearing of Craft Clothing, as in everything else pertaining to Freemasonry, a symbolism. Briefly, white gloves are symbolical of clean hands, and are complementary to the lambskin apron, the symbol of a pure heart. These two are of equal importance and are really inseparable.
White Gloves
The custom of wearing white gloves is of great antiquity. In the Christian Churches from the earliest times, white linen gloves were always worn by Bishops and Priests when in performance of their ecclesiastical functions. The Bishops always wore a thin plate of gold, called “a tassel” on the back of their gloves to denote their high ecclesiastical rank. The gloves worn by the clergy indicated that their hands were clean and not open to bribery.
In an indenture of covenants made in the reign of Henry VI between the church-wardens of a parish in Suffolk and a company of Freemasons, the latter stipulate that each man should be provided with a pair of white gloves and a white apron.
[...]
Dr. Robert Plot, a non-mason, states in his “Natural History of Staffordshire”, 1686, that “the Society of Freemasons presented their candidates with white gloves for themselves and their wives.”
In the general regulations of George Payne approved by the Grand Lodge in London in 1721, Article 7 reads: …“Every new brother at his making is decently to cloathe the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, ” By ‘clothing the Lodge’ is meant furnishing all the brethren present with white aprons and gloves.”
In Count Tolstoy’s well-known novel “War and Peace” it states that, “the newly-obligated brother was then invested with a white apron, and received a trowel and three pairs of white gloves, two pairs for himself and one pair for the lady he most esteemed, after which the Master explained their symbolic meaning to him.”
In the Netherlands ritual the presentation of white gloves is still retained. The candidate for initiation is taken upon three journeys; after the second journey his hands are dipped in a basin of water, and a reference made to the necessity of “clean hands” and purity of heart and life as an essential prerequisite to Initiation. On the completion of the third journey he takes the Ob., after which he is led to the West, where he is invested with a white apron, and is given a pair of white gloves, which he is directed to hand to her whom he considers most worthy to receive them from the hands of a Freemason.
I do not know when the presentation of white gloves ceased to be the general custom, but the wearing of them as part of the proper clothing of a brother is still retained in New Zealand by ruling of the Board of General Purposes.
Today, the Supreme Court Judge is presented with a pair of white gloves if there is a maiden session. This indicates “clean actions” or freedom from crime in that particular city. This is a very old custom, for anciently, judges were not allowed to wear gloves on the bench; so to give a judge a pair of gloves symbolized that he need not take his seat.
Undoubtedly, the use of white gloves in Freemasonry is a symbolic idea handed down to us through the ancient and universal language of symbolism, and, like the apron, is intended to denote purity of life and action.”… -snip- Quotes in italics were given that way in this article
"Growing up in an African American church one of the first things you learn as a child is to respect the ushers. When you were doing anything that might not have been acceptable you had one eye for the usher suits. As kids would we liked to play pranks and giggle and chew gum and fall asleep all things that would get you a quick wrap on the knuckles with thee back end of the church fan. In black church’s in the United States have many auxiliaries, departments, committees and boards. These are the arms and legs of the church, they enable the church to carry out its mission. This includes attending to the needs of the people, spreading the gospel and church administration.
In black church’s in the United States have many auxiliaries, departments, committees and boards. These are the arms and legs of the church, they enable the church to carry out its mission. This includes attending to the needs of the people, spreading the gospel and church administration.
While you may not find the same auxiliary’s at all church’s there is not one church where you will not find an Usher board. This is a ministry of the church that even a new comer can become a part of. Next to the preacher and the musicians this is the most visible ministry in any church. In a black church the Usher is the first person a visitor will meet. They seat the congregation, help members in distress and maintain order. They are essentially the church police force. The usher suits are their uniform of office and most include pristine white gloves.
The usher suits has to be pristine at all times. It is a matter of church pride, at most churches the ushers have two separate suits one in white and one in black. They wore the white in summer and the black in winter. Other churches may use different colored usher suits but they all insist on the white gloves as part of the uniform. These are the churches gatekeepers, they meet and greet all who enter the sanctuary, ushers are the first impression a person gets of a church and most take this service very seriously.
Usher suits come in a variety of sizes and are also made to fit children. A church will have a male usher board, a women’s usher board and a junior usher board. Each group takes on the duties on their assigned Sundays. The junior ushers range in age from 6-18 and they too are trained to work as efficiently as the adults. It is a way for them to learn church and civic duty as well as leadership and discipline.”
**** ADDENDUM #2 - WHY BLACK USHERS HOLD ONE HAND BEHIND THEIR BACK WHILE THEY SERVE AS USHERS According to George T. Grier, first president of the Illinois chapter, who codified the Black ushers' hand symbols in 1948 in "The Universal Church Ushers Manual," a loose fist at the small of the back — the "service position" — means an usher is on duty. (quoted in https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-church-ushers-20150711-story.html "Ushers History: Ushers serve as 'doorkeepers' to worship" by Jonathan M. Pitts, July 11, 2015
** Here's a comment exchange that refers to African American ushers with the left hand behind their back in the "service position":
1. Joantaatlanta, 2009 "Nice Video, why do they march in with their hands up? What does it symbolize?"*
Reply 2. DrSTW4 years, 2009 in reply to Joantaatlanta "That's a old school thing. That means an elevated heart and hand to Christ. It's like at the end of service when you raise your hand for the benediction. The left hand behind you is what the ushers tend to do called service position."
** I also recall reading online that the reason why African American church ushers hold one hand behind their back (or used to hold one hand behind their back) while they are on duty is because this was an outward sign of submission to God. (Unfortunately, I didn't document where I read this.)
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Rev. James Cleveland and The Southern California Community Choir
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases YouTube examples of an older Gospel song "We Are On Our Way". This song was popularized by Rev. James Cleveland in 1971.* and is often sung as a church service choir processional.
This post also includes the lyrics for that song and comments from some of these video's discussion threads.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this Gospel song. Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who published these videos on YouTube.
-snip- *Read the comment that is given after the lyrics to this song that are published immediately below.
**** LYRICS -WE ARE ON OUR WAY
(Rev. James Cleveland. 1971)
We are on our way(we
are on our way) To a land (to a land
of endless days* We are (we are on our
way) (We’re on our journey home)
When we get to glory
(when we get to glory) We will shout (we
will shout and tell the story) How we made it over
(how we made it over) We’re on our journey home
(we’re on our journey home)
We are on our way, oh yeah
(we are on our way) To a land (to a land
of endless days) (We are on our way) (We’re on our journey home)
Here's a comment about this Gospel song that is part of a discussion thread for a video that isn't featured in this post(because of its poor visual quality). "GNJ Pastor Small, 2019, "Fadeless days” are the words sang in this version by Los Angeles Chapter (and still to this day). “Endless Days” I believe may have been on the original recording by the Emeralds and a few other choirs (like the Charles Fold Singers) that I’ve heard."
In another video discussion thread about this song, Joseph Curtis, 2003 a commenter in another video discussion thread of this song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgdWXBD9kA gives the words "to a land of Pearly Gates".
I think the "endless days" words make the most sense, but according to what I've read online in several discussion threads, the words "fadeless days" are the ones that are most often sung.
****
ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE VIDEOS These videos are given in chronological order with the oldest examples given first, based on their publishing date. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - St. James Mass Choir - We Are On Our Way/Praise The Lord
Marcel West, Feb 10, 2009
St. James Mass Choir singing We Are On Our Way & Praise
The Lord [St James MIssionary Baptist Church. Detroit, Illinois] -snip- Unfortunately, the visual quality of this video is rather poor. Notice the 2 4 hand clapping and the double hand
clapping that accompanies this singing. -snip- Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1/ Deontaye Clay, 2009 "Yess!!!! This is church, choirs marched in to this with
their right hand up, and the lefted behind their back, in correct uniform.
(Robes) Marcell, you are an angel that is heaven sent!!"
** 2. steven2312, 2009 "James Cleveland choir Sang This Song On aretha franklins
Album amazing Grace."
** 3. Mr Grace, 2009 "The Adult choir of the Cornerstone BC in Los Angeles (late
Rev. James Cleveland, Pastor) used to march in on this."
** Reply 4. Dante Jones, 2019 "We sure did every Sunday morning and evening service, this
song written for Southern California CommunityChoir, later became the theme for
all of Rev. JamesCleveland's Choirs."
** 5. P K, 2018 "Marcel can you post the words to Praise the Lord"
** Reply Marcel West,2018 "@P K Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Everybody Praise the Lord! For he understands, when no one else can! Everybody Praise the Lord!
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - LA Chapter GMWA We Are On Our Way
Phinehas Mosley, Sep 5,
2018
my favorite chapters theme song. Every time they began
playing this song the crowd pops.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - Processional - We Are On Our Way 7232017
New Orleans Chapter - Gospel Music Workshop of America, Aug 20, 2017
This is the processional for the 2017 Convocation and
Communion service of the GMWA in Atlanta, GA. -snip- Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. Roxanne Kinnally, 2020 "I don't se these in church anymore"
** 2. Carl Anthony, 2021 "Why is half the choir singing and not looking happy."
** Reply 3. New Orleans Chapter - Gospel Music Workshop of America,2021 "Looking happy is subjective. But the choir is huge. So, the
back may not know what the front is doing. And the since the movement changed
they may not have been able to synchronize their walking and singing. They went
from marching to running. Try that in heels. And some were up and at it 6am."
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube sound file of the 1981 praise hymn by Michael O'Shields entitled "I Will Call Upon The Lord".
This post also showcases YouTube videos of two arrangements of the African American gospelized hymn "Oh Magnify The Lord (For He Is Worthy To Be Praised". Those arrangements and other arrangements of "Oh Magnify The Lord (For He Is Worthy To Be Praised) are based on Michael O'Shield's 1981 hymn.
Information about Michael O'Shields is included in this post along with The lyrics for "I Will Call Upon The Lord" are included in this post. The basic lyrics for "Oh Magnify The Lord (For He His Worthy To Be Praised" are also included in this post. The tunes for these two songs are quite similar and some of their basic words are the same or vey similar.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Michael O'Shields, the composer of "I Will Call Upon The Lord", the source for or inspiration for the Gospel song "Oh Magnify The Lord (For He Is Worthy To Be Praised". Thanks to all those who are showcased in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
I Will Call Upon the Lord by Michael O'Shields (Tune: O'SHIELDS), published by Rix Tillman, June 14, 2019
"Written by Michael O'Shields in 1981 and this round/praise hymn is published in 16 hymnals. Michael O’Shields (1948- ) was a young minister traveling in Oklahoma and Texas in the 1970s. He was struggling to make ends meet, and it was especially tough when the contribution was pretty meager, so he was calling upon the Lord for very tangible, felt needs when he wrote “I Will Call Upon the Lord”. The song’s pace might make you think he was in a joyful, upbeat mood, but he was likely feeling the opposite deep down. Yet, O’Shields knew what to do – he used the words David wrote in Psalm 18 centuries earlier as praise to God when he had been saved from enemies."... -snip- My guess is that Michael O'Shields is a White American because there's no information about his race in the few online write-ups that I've found and "White" is usually considered to be the default for race in the USA and in other Western nations. (Needless to say, I believe that there shouldn't be any default races online or offline in multicultural societies.) -snip- The hymn "I Will Call Upon The Lord" is based on three Biblical scriptures:
- Psalms 18:46- "The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."
- Psalms 34:3 - "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt HIS Name together."
and
Michael O’Shields (1948 – ) was a traveling Bible teacher in West Texas and Oklahoma. That is a lot of territory to cover, but the need to make a living and the meager offerings from his ministry required him to travel a lot.
His Bible studies were often conducted in homes, quite often in farmhouses in rural areas. People seemed to be hungry for good Bible teaching, and Michael was thrilled to be used by the Lord in this way, but he was newly married and he needed to bring home some money for groceries....
The long trips, though, gave Michael time to write some songs, which he sometimes introduced to those attending Bible studies. This song was one of those songs.
[...]
But this song served another purpose. It was intended to be sung with the men singing a line, and the women echoing that line. Some of the farmers to whom Michael introduced this song didn’t great singing voices, but Michael didn’t care. By having the men begin the song, they were taking leadership in worship. Soon this song became a favorite."...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE GOSPEL SONG "O MAGNIFY THE LORD (FOR HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED"
The song "O Magnify The Lord ("For He Is Worthy To Be Praised)" is an African American gospelized hymn that is based on (inspired by) Michael O'Shield's song "I Will Call Upon The Lord". There are multiple arrangements of the Gospel song "O Magnify The Lord (For He Is Worthy To Be Praised". Many arrangements of this Gospel song include additional lyrics.
The basic lyrics for this Gospel song are:
"O magnify the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised O magnify the Lord For He is worthy to be praised.
Hosannah! blessed be the Rock Blessed be the Rock Of my salvation.
Hosannah! blessed be the Rock Blessed be the Rock Of my salvation" -snip- All of these lyrics are sung in unison and are usually repeated in full a number of times. Additional lyrics may be added as verses.
I don't know which Gospel singer or Gospel group was the first to perform this song and to record this song. However, I believe those performers were African American because that song has always been most closely associated with African Americans.
If you have information about this subject, please share it in the comment section below.
****
VIDEO #2: Ushers Day Celebration...and they Marched for Jesus
Brian Baker, May 3, 2010
Anointed One Ministries Ushers Day Celebration ... as the Ushers Strutted during offering. Services were held at Bethel AME Church in Cambridge, MD
-snip-
This video of an African American "Ushers Day" service shows ushers in a church procession during an "offering" (i.e. a collection of money to support the church and/or to support the usher's church ministry.)
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-history-and-purposes-of-african.html for a 2021 pancocojams post entitled "The History And Purposes Of African American Church Ushers (Video & Article Excerpts)". Other pancocojams post about African American church processions can be found by clicking that tag below. ****
VIDEO #3: "Oh Magnify the Lord Medley", Trinity Choir
Alfred Street Baptist Church, July 31, 2015
****
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1. @krishill30
"THE BEST VIDEO SO FAR :)"