The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-03-25
LETTER FROM A. B. GRIFFIN.

We are pleased to supplement the interesting
letter appearing in cur last issue with another
from the same pleasing writer, for which we
are indebted to his daug hter. Mrs Carrie .Esty.
EUSTIs. FLA March IL, 1891.
In my letter giving you an account of the |
Covenant meeting, held at the Baptist (colored) |
Church, stated that we left while they were |
dancing, as the white people call that exercise. |
Also. that at some of their meetings they went
through the ceremony of washing feet.
1 have since learned more particulars con-
cerning each of the above. The colored people
admit that they close such meetings with a
dance. but they say it is "Holy dance'
Their feet washing occurs on the first Sabbath
of every month at half-past three p. m. On the
first Sabbath of this month"; your mother and
! myself were invited by neighbor of ours to
attend their meeting that day. We accepted
the invitation. The house was crowded. still
we we're comfortably seated. The exercises
consisted of the usual preaching service. We
did not arrive in time to hear the text. The
discourse covered the time from the birth of
Moses to the Crucifixion and even late :. in
| fer that the following was his text as he fire.
quentlE quoted it: IF 1 then. your Lord and
| Master, have washed your feet, ye also ght to
| wash one another's feet. For have given you
an example that ye should do as have done to
you." That discourse was master piece, if
may use that expression. 1t would puzzle an
expert to report it in full. We older ones tried
to demean ourselves as becometh listeners on
such occasions; but the youngsters who were
with as failed to follow our example Sudden
explosions fom them occasionally, developed
the fact that their mirthful propensities had got
the better of them, and needed the checking
they promptly received.
,;,~i-k 4Ia olns nf
the sermon. The collection next in order.
The colored portion of the audience, as is their
custom on all such occasions, went forward to
the altar and placed their mite on the table,
while the white portion are waited upon with
the basket; each contribution from them is re-
ceived with cheerful thank you,'' accom-
panied with polite bow.
The next ceremony was the washing OF the
feet. The men occupied the space in front and
to the right of the pulpit. The women the left
The first row of women sat with their backs tt
the men. Each person engaged in washin 6
: girded him or herself with n strip of cloth
5 which was of sufficient length after tying tt
serve as towel to wipe the feet. 4 basin o
water was placed on the floor. Each person
girded, washed his or her neighbor's feet 9TH
men. of course. washing each others feet ant
i the women theirs). When the feet were wiped
|
= returned.
: The "Holy dance'' followed this exercise
+ though not to the extent carried on at the tov
euant meeting, which included the hand shak
ing. The singing was vigorous and continuou
5 during the feet washing and the holy dance.
f The colored people are singing people
e They sing while in the discharge of any duty
q even of the irksome kind and evidently are a
e said before, Happy in their song" Indeed
e they will accomplish much more work in
If given time when together, as for instance, at
e husking (where corn is raised, further north
Il if allowed to sing while at work, than if denie
If that privilege. 1t is well known fact thf
Il Planters have hired negro singers when the
l. had no compets MT leaders of their own, to lea
" the singing on such occasions. This leadt
y would be placed on some conspicuous elevation
often on pile of corn stalks. and lead off, hou
after hour all the others joining in the chol Il
4 At such times The dry husk would rattle an
L. the corn cobs cracks in double quick time.